Study The role of latent variables in lost working days by Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Based on estimations, each year about 250 million work-related injuries and many temporary or permanent disabilities occur, most of which are preventable. Oil and gas industries are among industries with high incidence of injuries around the world. The aim of this study was the investigation of the role and effect of different risk management variables on Lost Working Days (LWD) in the seismic projects. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional and systematic analysis, which was carried out on occupational accidents between 2008 and 2015 (an 8-year period) in different seismic projects for oilfield exploration at Dana Energy (Iranian Seismic Company). The preliminary sample size of the study was 487 accidents. A systems analysis approach was applied by using Root Case Analysis (RCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Tools for the data analysis included the SPSS 23 and AMOS 23 software. Results: The mean Lost Working Days (LWD) was calculated as 49.57 and the final model of structural equation modeling showed latent variables of safety and health training factor (-0.33), risk assessment factor (-0.55) and risk control factor (-0.61) as direct causes that significantly affected LWD in seismic industries (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of the present study revealed that combination of variables affected LWD. Therefore, the role of these variables on accidents should be investigated and suitable programs should be considered for them. Received: 28.12.2016 Accepted: 18.03.2017