Safety first, retention forever: enhancing commitment and reducing turnover through safety practices

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between occupational health and safety (OHS) practices, organizational commitment (OC), and turnover intentions (TIs) among security staff in Ghanaian public universities. The study used the quantitative approach and a structured questionnaire. The study used a sample of 281 security personnel. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling partial least squares) with the aid of IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26.0) and Smart-PLS (Version 4.0). Findings of the study revealed that both safety and health rules and organizational safety support had a significant relationship with turnover intention through organizational commitment. However, the first aid support and training and turnover intention relationship through organizational commitment was not significant. This implies that safety and health rules and organizational safety support can lead to organizational commitment and consequently reduce security workers’ intention to quit. Hence, organizations should strive to implement a holistic approach that encompasses various elements, including safety rules, organizational safety support, training programs, and employee commitment-building initiatives to effectively reduce turnover intentions. The study provides a basis for universities to develop rules, regulations, policies, and measures to help management and employees build upon their ability to develop proactive healthy and safe organizations. It also contributes to literature on the mediating role of OC in explaining the link between OHS and TI.