Development of a National and Regional Comprehensive Safety Index (CSI) Based on an Absolute Standard Calculation Method

This study focused on the development of a Comprehensive Safety Index based on absolute standards using OECD statistics. To minimize confusion among local governments, the primary entities utilizing the index, the study ensured technical and policy consistency with the existing Regional Safety Index. The research findings are as follows: First, the Comprehensive Safety Index was developed to measure integrated safety capacity at both the national and regional levels. Second, absolute standards were derived from disasterand safety accident-related fatalities in OECD member countries, and a five-group classification system was established to enhance intuitiveness. These standards were subsequently incorporated as constants into the calculation formula for the Comprehensive Safety Index. Third, the calculation results indicate that South Korea overall belongs to Group 3. Regional safety capacities were highest in the following order: basic districts (Gu), metropolitan cities (Si), basic cities (Si), metropolitan provinces (Do), and basic counties (Gun). Consequently, the utilization of this Comprehensive Safety Index enables the quantitative monitoring of policy goals and project effectiveness. Furthermore, the study confirmed the potential for regional safety capacity to change depending on policy efforts in safety management.