Abstract

Eye injuries of small scale craftsmen due to industrial accidents are predominant in Sri Lanka. These victims may be skilled or unskilled. In addition to the personal suffering, the organizations and the industry as a whole are badly affected due to these problems. Investigating the underlying reasons behind poor adherence to industrial safety standards by Sri Lankan craftsmen is the overall objective of this research. One major reason for high incidence of industrial accidents may be the lack of adhering to safety precautions. Most eye accidents could be eliminated and the damage can be minimized, if proper precautions are taken. This research argues that poor knowledge adoption could have been the main cause behind the non-adherence to safety precautions. Gaps in the craftsmen’s knowledge related to industrial safety are critical. Using multiple case study methodology, a number of accidents victims who seek treatment from the Colombo National Eye Hospital has been investigated. The knowledge adoption model presented by (Beesley & Cooper, 2008) is used as the study framework for investigating the process of knowledge acquisition and adoption. Different phases of the knowledge acquisition and adoption process are examined in the case study data analysis. The paper concludes with several propositions explaining the reasons behind the eye accidents. Gaps in knowledge acquisition and adoption related to safety practices, inadequate practical skills of equipment usage, gaps in quality of safety equipment, poor training, mismatch of educational levels and culture related factors are identified as key underlying reasons.