Mapping the research landscape of occupational safety in vocational and workforce training: A bibliometric analysis

Occupational safety is a cornerstone of sustainable business practices, significantly influencing employee well-being, productivity, and organisational success across all industries. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of occupational safety in vocational and workforce training, highlighting research trends, influential works, and emerging themes. Using the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, 205 initial records were retrieved and refined to 161 valid datasets through rigorous preprocessing. Employing ScientoPy, the analysis mapped publication trends, the most-cited papers, and thematic areas, revealing a significant increase in research output since 2018, driven by global safety initiatives. Key findings indicate that “Public, Environmental & Occupational Health” dominates the field, followed by “Education & Educational Research” and “Engineering,” demonstrating the multidisciplinary nature of occupational safety research. Institutional trends reveal that Germany and Finland contribute extensively to this research domain. The study also identifies emerging trends, including the increasing focus on skill development, competency-based training, and integration of digital tools for safety education. However, gaps remain in addressing young workers’ specific safety needs and adapting safety training to evolving industrial demands. The findings underscore the necessity of a holistic approach that combines regulatory compliance, practical training, and innovative educational strategies to enhance workplace safety. Future research should explore interdisciplinary safety education models, digital interventions, and the effects of automation on occupational safety training. By offering a comprehensive bibliometric landscape, this study serves as an essential resource for policymakers, educators, and researchers committed to developing, implementing, and refining evidence-based strategies to enhance occupational safety within vocational education and workforce training contexts. Through its in-depth analysis, the study provides valuable insights into emerging trends, key research contributions, and critical gaps, fostering a more informed approach to policy formulation, curriculum design, and workplace safety initiatives.