Safety coaching: a literature review of coaching in high hazard industries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the research literature on safety coaching, with a particularly focus towards work in safety critical environments such as oil and gas, manufacturing and driving. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was undertaken of existing research, specifically in high-hazard industries, to assess whether safety coaching could be applied in the offshore oil and gas industry. Findings – The paper suggests that coaching may offer some potential in helping support learning, behaviour change and is consistent with feedback and development approaches used in behavioural-based safety. Research limitations/implications – Further research would be needed to test the value of coaching to this new environment. Practical implications – The paper informs practice on the development of coach training for safety coaching offshore. Originality/value – The paper offers a new understanding of the potential of safety coaching in a new area of practice.

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