Commuting risk perception among railway employees: influence of travel pattern, accident experience and preventive measures

Commuting risk perception is an important aspect of occupational safety, particularly among railway employees who often travel at irregular hours. This study investigates the influence of Travel Pattern, Accident Experience, and Preventive Measures Effectiveness on perceived commuting risk among railway employees in Malaysia. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 193 respondents through structured questionnaires. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression were employed to examine relationships between variables. The findings reveal that Travel Pattern and Accident Experience significantly predict commuting risk perception, with accident experience emerging as the strongest predictor. Preventive measures effectiveness showed a small but significant positive association with risk perception, suggesting that employees who value safety interventions are more aware of commuting hazards. The regression model explained some of the variance in risk perception, indicating that other factors such as stress, fatigue, and organizational safety culture may also play a role. The study contributes to risk perception theory by integrating structural, experiential, and organizational factors in the commuting context. Practical implications include implementing flexible work arrangements, targeted safety programs for high-risk employees, and continuous evaluation of preventive measures. These findings provide actionable insights for railway organizations and policymakers to enhance commuting safety and employee well-being.