Perception of Occupational Risk of Firefighters in Quito (Ecuador)

Abstract

This study contributes to research on how firefighters manage the question of safety by analyzing their perception of risk. This work therefore serves to promote safety management, safer behavior and a safer work environment. Specifically, this work sheds light on the implications of firefighters’ perception of their occupational risk. The study applies the paradigmatic psychometric model to describe perceived risk. The sample population comprised 205 firefighters from Quito, Ecuador. The results reveal that likelihood of occurrence (ß = 0.222), risk controllability (ß = 0.156), catastrophe potential (ß = 0.168), and delay in consequences (ß = 0.332) are the four factors that best illustrate firefighter’s conception of risk perception (R2 = 32%). Furthermore, this study has identified two groups with different perceptions of risk. The findings show that more than 60% of the sampled firefighters consider that their occupation entails a high level of risk (127 subjects). Finally, the finding that a high level of education enhances a higher perception of risk is discussed. This paper also explores the implications of this research on management, academia and society. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York.