What is safety? contemporary definitions and interpretations across North America

Abstract

Definitions form the foundation of every scientific discipline. Lack of precise definition hinders the scientific community, preventing the testing of hypotheses, replication of protocols, and debate on conclusions. The term ‘Safety’ is widely used in myriad different contexts, creating the impression that there is agreement about its meaning. This belief is reinforced by its frequent use, leading to a reasonable assumption that it is universally comprehended. However, there is very limited research on how safety is defined. Drawing on 518 qualitative responses from safety professionals across North America to the question ‘what is safety?’, thematic analysis reveals that we are still far from consensus. No single precise definition of safety emerged from within the community, and thus a shared definition remains elusive. A temporal lens could be applied to the various definitions shared, with safety considered in past, present and future terms, each with their own associated constructs. Whilst a single definition of safety appears improbable to attain, common definitions are needed to advance collaboration among stakeholders across various sectors. Further work is needed to drive consensus towards such definitions to better underpin comparable and consistent safety research, able to advance safety practices and enable practitioners, researchers, and organizations to collectively work together towards safer environments that benefit all.