<![CDATA[This study aims to test and analyze the influence of leadership and work culture on operational safety through safety awareness at PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division I North Sumatra. This research is motivated by the ongoing challenges of operational safety, especially related to crossing incidents and the importance of human behavior factors in supporting work safety. This study uses a quantitative approach with primary data sources obtained through the distribution of questionnaires to employees of operational units. The study population was 609 people, with a sample of 86 respondents determined using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method with the help of SmartPLS 3.0. The results showed that all indicators met the validity criteria with an outer loading value above 0.70 and met the reliability criteria based on Cronbach's Alpha and Composite Reliability values. The R-square value shows that leadership and work culture are able to explain safety awareness by 45.6%, while leadership, work culture, and safety awareness are able to explain operational safety by 50.1%. The results of the hypothesis test show that leadership has a positive and significant effect on operational safety and safety awareness. Work culture also has a positive and significant effect on operational safety and safety awareness. Furthermore, safety awareness has a positive and significant effect on operational safety. The results of the indirect influence test showed that safety awareness was able to mediate the influence of leadership and work culture on operational safety. Thus, improving operational safety depends not only on procedures and infrastructure, but also on leadership qualities, a work culture that supports safety, and employee safety awareness.]]>
