Introduction: Disaster volunteer activities are crucial for recovery after large-scale disasters. However, safety measures are often insufficient compared to industrial settings, and accidents occur repeatedly. This vulnerability is attributed to constantly changing situations, fragile prevention systems, and heavy reliance on volunteers' self-responsibility.
Purpose: This study aimed to (1) investigate background factors (including human factors like excessive motivation) related to accidents and near-misses during disaster volunteer activities, and (2) clarify risk perception, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of experienced volunteers and inexperienced citizens (potential future volunteers) based on these factors. We also examined general tendencies regarding responsibility attribution for accidents.
Method: We used a two-phase approach. First, semi-structured interviews with 10 stakeholders (NPOs, social welfare councils, government, etc.) involved in disaster volunteer activities, focusing on the Great East Japan Earthquake, explored background factors. Second, based on interview factors, a large-scale internet questionnaire survey was administered to 4,000 individuals in Japan (aged 16 and over, quota sampling by generation). The survey assessed volunteer experience, willingness, attitudes toward safety measures, and attribution of responsibility.
Results: Interviews identified several factors contributing to risks, including lack of knowledge, rushing, fatigue, habituation, notably, excessive motivation, and consideration. The survey (N=4,000) revealed experienced volunteers and those willing to participate showed a significantly higher tendency to accept extending working hours to complete tasks (p<.01). Regarding responsibility for injury, 40.4% of all respondents attributed it to "self-responsibility," while 59.6% attributed it to the "coordinating organization."
Conclusions: Although experienced volunteers demonstrate positive safety attitudes (e.g., preparing their own equipment, p<.01), their willingness to extend work hours suggests potential risks associated with fatigue and excessive motivation. The finding that 59.6% hold coordinating organizations responsible, despite the autonomous nature of volunteering, indicates a clear need for organizations to consider participants' risk perceptions and attitudes to ensure safety effectively.