Investigating the relationship between narcissism and procrastination and unsafe behavior among workers of one of the steel industries

Abstract

Background

Unsafe behavior is a leading cause of occupational accidents, influenced by various background conditions, including personality traits. While past studies have qualitatively identified some of these traits, research on the impact of narcissism and procrastination on unsafe behavior is limited.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the relationship between narcissism, procrastination, and the tendency to engage in unsafe behavior among workers in a steel industry.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 199 workers from the one of the steel industry complex in Qom, Iran in 2024. Data were collected using questionnaires on demographic characteristics, unsafe behavior, narcissism, and procrastination. The unsafe behavior questionnaire consisted of 40 questions across 8 areas on a 4-option Likert scale. The narcissism and the procrastination questionnaires included 40, and 16 items, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.

Results

The mean (SD) age and work experience of participants was 40.05 (9.55) and 12.29 (5.16) years, respectively. The mean (SD) scores for the questionnaires on unsafe behavior, narcissism, and procrastination were 103.06 (9.14), 61.12 (8.34), and 47.61 (9.14), respectively. Significant relationships were found between demographic variables and unsafe behavior, as well as between narcissism and the use of personal protective equipment. A direct and significant relationship was also observed between unsafe behavior and both narcissism and procrastination (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The personality traits of narcissism and procrastination influence unsafe behavior. Industry managers and decision-makers should consider these factors, along with other worker characteristics, to prevent unsafe behavior and occupational accidents.