Some Considerations on Universal Research Methods in the Field of Occupational Safety

This study underscores the strategic importance of occupational safety research within contemporary organizational frameworks. The principal objective is to establish a methodological architecture capable of systematically assessing risks across diverse professional domains. The author emphasizes that effective risk management is essential not only for personnel protection but also for safeguarding infrastructure and the surrounding environment. The paper provides rigorous definitions and contextual analyses of key terms, including hazard, risk, safety, occupational safety, risk assessment, and risk management. Each concept is examined through both theoretical and applied lenses, thereby laying a robust foundation for subsequent methodological exploration.

The research delineates three primary categories of investigative approaches:

• Quantitative Methods: Encompassing statistical analysis, structured surveys, questionnaires, and environmental monitoring. These techniques facilitate the evaluation of incident frequency, risk prevalence, and the efficacy of safety policies.
• Qualitative Methods: Concentrating on human behavior, organizational culture, and psychosocial dynamics. Methods include in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observational studies, and case-based analysis.
• Mixed Methods: Integrating quantitative and qualitative paradigms to enhance analytical depth and methodological comprehensiveness.

The study accords significant attention to scientific analysis and synthesis as foundational instruments of inquiry. Analytical reasoning enables the decomposition of complex phenomena into constituent elements, while synthesis fosters the integration of empirical findings into coherent theoretical constructs. These processes underpin both the diagnostic and prescriptive dimensions of occupational safety research. Drawing on case studies from healthcare and mining sectors, the paper presents a typology of occupational risks—physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, ergonomic, and technical. A tabular framework illustrates that, despite sectoral distinctions, these risks exhibit common evaluative characteristics amenable to systematic analysis. Furthermore, the author proposes a functional classification model whereby risks are assessed based on their typological attributes and operational impact. This model serves as a conceptual scaffold for developing a universal framework applicable across multiple domains of human activity.

The study concludes that research methodologies in occupational safety must be inherently flexible, integrative, and context-sensitive. Their judicious application enables effective risk governance, the enhancement of safety standards, and the promotion of organizational resilience.