Safety Climate and Risk Awareness as Predictors of Laboratory Accidents in Mexican Higher Education Institutions

This study examines the influence of safety climate and risk perception on laboratory accidents among students in Mexican higher education institutions (HEIs). Data collected from 438 students across three public HEIs using validated questionnaires reveal that a positive safety climate─characterized by adherence to safety protocols, institutional commitment, and proper equipment use─is associated with lower risk perception and reduced accident rates. Conversely, inadequate safety practices, insufficient training, and weak institutional leadership contribute to heightened risk perception and increased laboratory incidents. A significant finding is the prevalent invulnerability mindset among students, which, combined with underreporting of accidents due to fear of reputational or institutional consequences, undermines effective safety management. These challenges underscore the urgent need to enhance safety culture through targeted interventions, comprehensive training programs, and the establishment of formal reporting mechanisms that are tailored to academic laboratories. While the study is limited by its reliance on localized data and potential underreporting, it highlights critical areas for improvement in laboratory safety within Mexican HEIs. Future research should replicate this study across diverse institutions and regions to strengthen the generalizability. Overall, fostering a robust safety climate and addressing risk perception are essential to reducing laboratory accidents, protecting students and staff, and promoting sustainable safety practices in academic environments.