Abstract: Based on the innovative practice of work safety governance in the new era, this paper selects 16 typical manufacturing enterprises as the research objects, and refines a theoretical model of work safety governance mode of supply chain network for optimal efficiency by adopting the grounded theory method. Then the internal logic of key elements, relationship structure, behavior strategy and efficiency performance that enable the formation of work safety governance mode of supply chain network for optimal efficiency is revealed. This paper reaches the following conclusions: (1) In terms of the work safety governance of supply chain network for optimal efficiency, the external stakeholders led by the government and the enterprises with two-way efforts in the supply chain network respectively play the role of driving force and main engine. (2) Under the influence of informal relations among core enterprises, formal relations between core enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and informal relations among SMES, the horizontal linkage, vertical collaboration and penetration in the horizontal and vertical directions of work safety governance of supply chain network are promoted. Therefore, core enterprises take the initiative to carry out whole-process and dynamic work safety control for SMEs, while SMEs actively respond and comprehensively conduct multi-level and systematic work safety management. (3) Finally, under the dual pressure of external legitimacy and internal efficiency, core enterprises and SMEs in the supply chain network actively choose to join efforts in a coordinated manner for effective work safety governance, thus contributing to the compliant operation, risk control, resilience management and sustainable development of supply chain network’s work safety governance. This paper enriches the theoretical results of government work safety control, deepens the research on work safety governance of supply chain network, and also provides management enlightenment for the sustainable development of SMEs.

Key words: work safety governance mode, supply chain network, stakeholder, sustainable development, grounded theory