Maritime Safety in Waste Management: Analyzing Risk of Occupational Accidents during Waste Incineration on Vessels

Abstract

Abstract The advent of marine transportation poses several challenges, particularly concerning the disposal of waste generated by ships. Incineration of waste has proven to be an effective solution, significantly reducing on-board waste and facilitating its disposal at designated facilities upon arrival at the destination port. While waste can also be incinerated at sea in accordance with relevant regulations, this practice carries significant risks that can lead to workplace accidents. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential risk factors for workplace accidents during waste incineration activities on ships using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The risk levels of occupational accident were also assessed and analyzed to minimize workplace accidents. The FMEA analysis showed that the highest risk of workplace accidents was associated with hand injuries, with a Risk Priority Number (RPN) of 211.58 or 21.1% in the activity of burning waste in the ship´s incinerator.