Research of risk taking and deviations from rules at an open pit mine in Serbia

Introduction/background: The paper pointed out the main elements of the human risk factor procedures shows the complexity of human risk factor management. Aim of the paper: The aim of this paper is to analyze the human risk factor in open pit mining, especially on compliance with safety rules and regulations. Materials and methods: The presented survey, in the form of a questionnaire, was conducted in an open pit coal mine involving 476 mineworkers. The goals were to determine factors with the biggest influence on risk and to create a model for predicting the behavior of mining workers. Results and conclusions: The obtained results indicate that leadership plays an important role in worker behavior. A supportive leadership style results in more responsible employee behavior and a lower probability of deviation to rules and procedures. The result also indicates that the safe behavior of workers is strongly influenced by the difficult to control factor of "life satisfaction". It has also been found that riskier work and longer work experience increases the likelihood of breaking the rules. Research limitations/implications: The obtained results are partly influenced by national culture. Practical implications: The obtained results indicate the need for continuous improvement in the risk management process and the rules and procedures by applying worker feedback