Predictors of Respiratory Protective Equipment Use in the Norwegian Smelter Industry: The Role of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Safety Climate, and Work Experience in Understanding Protective Behavior

Previous research has revealed a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Norwegian smelter workers compared to average population controls. Nevertheless, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not always used, even in situations with high exposure risk. A questionnaire was distributed to workers in the Norwegian smelting industry to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and self-reported use of RPEs. Response rate was 567/1,253. A scale measuring (), (), (), and () was constructed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (). Reliability and Confirmatory Factor Analyses partially supported the theoretical structure of the -based scale, the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS) and the Short Scale for Safety Climate (SC). A model explaining the relationship between observed variables, latent constructs from , WEMS and SC was developed by SEM-analysis. Significant influence on from (β = 0.31 < 0.01) (β = 0.36 < 0.01), and (β = 0.19, < 0.01) emerged. Among the observed variables included, relationship status (β = -0.12 < 0.05), education level (β = 0.09, < 0.05), previously completed respirator fit-testing (β = -0.09, < 0.05) and average hours spent in exposed areas (β = -0.09) < 0.05) had significant influence on behavioral intention. The model explained 48% of the variance in and significantly predicted , with β = 0.65 and β = -0.06, respectively. Results of this investigation can help facilitate further work and development of health & safety routines within industrial settings.