Safety Climate and Risk Management Practices among Laboratory Teachers in High Schools: A Comparative Study between Public and Private Sectors

Despite laboratory accidents in high schools, safety culture at this educational level remains understudied, particularly in Latin America where regulatory frameworks are weak or undeveloped. This study evaluated the association between Safety Climate (CLASS-T) and Risk Management Practices (RAMP-T) in private and public high schools (state and federal) in Sonora, Mexico using self-reported data from 148 laboratory teachers from 60 schools. Overall, a positive safety climate (M = 2.71 ± 0.48 on a 1 to 4 scale) and moderate participation in risk management practices (M = 3.13 ± 0.54 on a 1 to 4 scale) were observed across participating schools. Teachers showed highest involvement in recognition of hazards and minimization of risks, and lowest involvement in assessment of risks and preparation for emergencies. A positive moderate correlation was found between CLASS-T and RAMP-T (r = 0.503, p < 0.01) for all high schools. Differences were identified between sectors, with private schools showing the strongest relationship (R2 = 0.428), followed by state schools (R2 = 0.244) and the lowest in federal schools (R2 = 0.117). Although a positive safety climate is associated with better preventive practices, the variability observed in public sector high schools and low involvement in technical risk management practices suggest that positive perception alone does not ensure comprehensive action. These findings underscore the need for institutional action, including ongoing risk management training, and adequate resources allocation within appropriate regulatory framework regarding laboratory supplies including chemicals approved for use with youth, to ensure that positive safety climate perceptions translate into comprehensive and sustainable safety practices.