| Sumario: | Background and Aim: Occupational safety in high-risk industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector, is one of the most significant challenges of public management. This study aimed to evaluate public management policies for improving occupational safety and reducing workplace accidents in the National Iranian South Oilfields Company. Methods: This applied qualitative study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts specializing in occupational safety. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Results: The analysis yielded 78 initial codes, 8 organizing themes, and 4 overarching themes: "Safety Governance and Public Management in Operational Organizations"; "Human Capital Empowerment and Institutionalization of Safety Culture"; "Organizational Learning System and Risk Management for Safety Improvement"; and "Outcomes and Challenges of the Effectiveness of Public Management Policies in Occupational Safety". The findings indicated that top management commitment, implementation of the HSE management system, continuous employee training, and effective risk management were among the most influential factors in improving occupational safety and reducing workplace accidents. Conclusion: Overall, the implementation of these policies has contributed to reducing the frequency and severity of workplace accidents, lowering accident-related costs, enhancing organizational productivity, and improving employees' sense of occupational security. Nevertheless, several challenges were identified, including conflicts between production objectives and safety priorities, resource constraints, resistance to organizational change, and insufficient interdepartmental coordination.
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