Influence of the Inherent Safety Principles on Quantitative Risk in Process Industry: Application of Genetic Algorithm Process Optimization (GAPO)

Inherent safety (IS) refers to a set of measures that enhance the safety level of processes and equipment, rendering additional equipment and/or add-ons. The early design phase of processes is suited best for implementation of IS strategies as some of such strategies either are impossible to be implemented at the operation phase or substantially increase costs. The purpose of this study is to present a new approach called genetic algorithm process optimization (GAPO), by which processes can be made inherently safer even at the operation phase. This study simulates the IS principle, assessing its impact on quantitative risk and the possible consequences of process incidents identified by Hazard and Operation Study (HAZOP). The principle of intensification was simulated through GAPO, and feasibility of implementation was approved by HYSYS. Moreover, the integrated inherent safety index (I2SI) was used to evaluate and quantify the level of IS following implementation of GAPO compared to the initial design. Our result shows that GAPO substantially reduced the risk of consequences and quantitative risks and concomitantly improved the I2SI. The proposed GAPO can be applied to process operation as an approach to enhance IS at no cost and without decrease in production

Presenteeism and Work Ability: Development of the Persian Version of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (P-SPS-6) and Measurement of its Psychometric Properties

Background: Presenteeism is recognized in Iran’s hospitals, however little research has been done to understand and tackle the phenomenon because of a lack of valid tools to measure presenteeism. This study aimed to develop a Persian version of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) and measure its psychometric properties. Another goal was to examine the relationship between presenteeism and work ability using a sample of 250 nurses. Methods: The forward-backward translation process and cross-cultural adaptation of the scale were performed according to a standard method. The psychometric properties of the scale were measured using face and content validity, construct validity based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency. Work ability score (WAS) was used to assess discriminative validity and examine the relationship between presenteeism and work ability. Measures of Job Satisfaction and Emotional Exhaustion were used to assess convergent validity with the developed presenteeism scale. Results: Mean content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were 1 and 0.93 respectively. CFA verified the two-dimensional structure of the scale. Cronbach's alpha was 0.77. There were positive relationships between P-SPS-6 and Job Satisfaction, and P-SPS-6 and WAS. There was a significant negative relationship between P-SPS-6 and Emotional Exhaustion. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the P-SPS-6 had appropriate psychometric properties for studying presenteeism in employees using the Persian language. Given the negative relationship between presenteeism and work ability and the negative consequences associated with it, it is necessary to regularly evaluate this stressor and to emphasize purposeful intervention programs to control or reduce it

Understanding occupational accidents in tunnelling construction using a natural experiment

Background: Reducing occupational accidents is of utmost importance. This research investigated how individual and job-related risk factors affect occupational accidents in one of the largest tunnelling companies in Iran. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional natural experiment utilizing data from 760 employees who consented to participate in the study. 150 individuals had a history of occupational accidents and 610 individuals did not. Information about accidents was extracted from reports, medical records, and interviews. Results: The main causes of accidents were unsafe acts performed by workers. 71% by unsafe acts alone, and another 12% unsafe acts in unsafe conditions. The odds ratio of occupational accidents was significantly higher in workers aged under 30 years (p = 0.016), with a high school diploma or lower educational achievement (p = 0.012), low job satisfaction (p = 0.035), work experience less than 16 years (p = 0.023), as well as lack of regular exercise (p = 0.001). Within the final adjusted logistic model, low levels of education (OR= 5.81; 95% CI, 1.03-9.03) and younger age group (OR= 2.38 95% CI, 0.24 to 8.02) remained significant. Conclusion: Use of young and inexperienced staff, low education, and lack of simple and understandable safety guidelines for workers in the tunnelling industry have led to unsafe acts that can increase the rate of occupational accidents. Changes in working conditions, and unstable job security also contribute to explaining the accident rates in this 12-month period. Managers should pay special attention to these individual-organizational factors to prevent accidents and promote safety

Influence of the Inherent Safety Principles on Quantitative Risk in Process Industry: Application of Genetic Algorithm Process Optimization (GAPO)

Inherent safety (IS) refers to a set of measures that enhance the safety level of processes and equipment, rendering additional equipment and/or add-ons. The early design phase of processes is suited best for implementation of IS strategies as some of such strategies either are impossible to be implemented at the operation phase or substantially increase costs. The purpose of this study is to present a new approach called genetic algorithm process optimization (GAPO), by which processes can be made inherently safer even at the operation phase. This study simulates the IS principle, assessing its impact on quantitative risk and the possible consequences of process incidents identified by Hazard and Operation Study (HAZOP). The principle of intensification was simulated through GAPO, and feasibility of implementation was approved by HYSYS. Moreover, the integrated inherent safety index (I2SI) was used to evaluate and quantify the level of IS following implementation of GAPO compared to the initial design. Our result shows that GAPO substantially reduced the risk of consequences and quantitative risks and concomitantly improved the I2SI. The proposed GAPO can be applied to process operation as an approach to enhance IS at no cost and without decrease in production

Developing a model for predicting safety performance of nurses based on psychosocial safety climate and role of job demands and resources, job satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion as mediators

Abstract Background The present study aimed to develop a model for predicting the safety performance of nurses based on psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and the role of job demands and resources, job satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion as mediators. Methods A cross-sectional study using structural equation modeling (SEM) was carried out among nurses in Iran. Data were collected using the Psychosocial Safety Climate questionnaire, Neal and Griffin’s Safety Performance Scale, the Management Standards Indicator Tool, the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, the Michigan Organizational Assessment Job Satisfaction subscale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results Surveys were distributed to 340 nurses provided informed consent. After removing incplete surveys, data from 280 partipants were analysed. The completion rate was 82.35%. The SEM results indicated that PSC can directly and indirectly predict nurses’ safety performance. The final model showed an acceptable goodness of fit (p = 0.023). It indicated that PSC, job demands, and job satisfaction were directly related to safety performance, and also that PSC, emotional exhaustion, job resources, and job demands were all indirectly related to safety performance. Also, PSC had a significant relationship with all mediator variables, and job demands had direct effect on emotional exhaustion. Conclusions The current study presented a new model for predicting safety performance in nurses in which PSC, both directly and indirectly, plays an important role. In addition to paying attention to the physical aspects of the workplace, healthcare organizations should also take into account PSC to improve safety. Next steps in reducing safety issues in nursing is to develop intervention studies using this new evidence-based model as a framework

Advancing understanding of vulnerability assessment in process industries: A systematic review of methods and approaches

In the context of process safety, vulnerability refers to the inherent susceptibility of a process industry to exacerbate the potential for escalating negative outcomes resulting from natural or man-made disturbances. Conducting vulnerability assessments is crucial in identifying potential hazards and formulating effective risk management strategies to prevent accidents, thereby ensuring the safety of individuals and the environment within process industries. However, there is evident scope for further enhancement in this domain, specifically with regards to adequately addressing uncertainties associated with human behavior. This study aimed to investigate vulnerability assessments in the process industries through a systematic review. The primary objective was to analyze the existing literature in this field. The review focused on identifying relevant publications published between 2010 and 2022 and explored different categories of vulnerabilities, such as human, physical, social, and safety vulnerabilities. Multiple approaches were utilized in assessing vulnerability, including index systems, graph theory, decision-making methods, and modeling techniques. The utilization of 2D or 3D vulnerability maps within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), combined with the implementation of cellular automata and Bayesian network theory, has demonstrated enhanced precision in depicting vulnerable areas. This research critically examines the merits and drawbacks of these various methodologies, while also offering suggestions for future studies aimed at refining vulnerability assessment techniques to bolster the safety and security of process industries. In essence, this article underscores the significance of vulnerability assessment in mitigating potential risks and hazards in process industries, providing a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners invested in this domain

Advancing understanding of vulnerability assessment in process industries: A systematic review of methods and approaches

In the context of process safety, vulnerability refers to the inherent susceptibility of a process industry to exacerbate the potential for escalating negative outcomes resulting from natural or man-made disturbances. Conducting vulnerability assessments is crucial in identifying potential hazards and formulating effective risk management strategies to prevent accidents, thereby ensuring the safety of individuals and the environment within process industries. However, there is evident scope for further enhancement in this domain, specifically with regards to adequately addressing uncertainties associated with human behavior. This study aimed to investigate vulnerability assessments in the process industries through a systematic review. The primary objective was to analyze the existing literature in this field. The review focused on identifying relevant publications published between 2010 and 2022 and explored different categories of vulnerabilities, such as human, physical, social, and safety vulnerabilities. Multiple approaches were utilized in assessing vulnerability, including index systems, graph theory, decision-making methods, and modeling techniques. The utilization of 2D or 3D vulnerability maps within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), combined with the implementation of cellular automata and Bayesian network theory, has demonstrated enhanced precision in depicting vulnerable areas. This research critically examines the merits and drawbacks of these various methodologies, while also offering suggestions for future studies aimed at refining vulnerability assessment techniques to bolster the safety and security of process industries. In essence, this article underscores the significance of vulnerability assessment in mitigating potential risks and hazards in process industries, providing a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners invested in this domain

Evaluation of Respiratory Protection Program in Petrochemical Industries: Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process

Background: Respiratory protection equipment (RPE) is the last resort to control exposure to workplace air pollutants. A comprehensive respiratory protection program (RPP) ensures that RPE is selected, used, and cared properly. Therefore, RPP must be well integrated into the occupational health and safety requirements. In this study, we evaluated the implementation of RPP in Iranian petrochemical industries to identify the required solutions to improve the current status of respiratory protection. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 24 petrochemical industries in Iran. The survey instrument was a checklist extracted from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration respiratory protection standard. An index, Respiratory Protection Program Index (RPPI), was developed and weighted by analytic hierarchy process to determine the compliance rate (CR) of provided respiratory protection measures with the RPP standard. Data analysis was performed using Excel 2010. Results: The most important element of RPP, according to experts, was respiratory hazard evaluation. The average value of RPPI in the petrochemical plants was 49 ± 15%. The highest and lowest of CR among RPP elements were RPE selection and medical evaluation, respectively. Conclusion: None of studied petrochemical industries implemented RPP completely. This can lead to employees' overexposure to hazardous workplace air contaminants. Increasing awareness of employees and employers through training is suggested by this study to improve such conditions. Keywords: analytic hierarchy process, petrochemical industries, respiratory protection progra

Prevalence of self-reported work-related illness and injuries among building construction workers, Shiraz, Iran

The construction industry is one of the largest and most hazardous industries in the world, which has a direct role in the development of countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported workrelated illness and injuries among construction workers in Shiraz, Iran. 850 randomly selected workers from 2450 construction sites completed a self-statement questionnaire regarding the prevalence of self-reported work-related illness and injuries (WRIIs), in Shiraz, Iran. The association of WRII with demographic variables were studied. The overall prevalence rate of occupational injuries was 31 %. Musculoskeletal disorders (53.3 %), eye diseases (34.1 %) and skin diseases (30.1 %) have been the most prevalent work-related illnesses among construction workers, respectively. The prevalence of WRIIs among construction workers was significantly associated with age, education, marriage, work experience, safety training programs and number of workers in the workplace as well as employment status. Considering the high prevalence of WRIIs among construction workers, more stringent occupational safety and health interventions are recommended in construction workplaces

Identifying the influential contributing factors to micro-enterprises’ workplace accidents using a hybrid D-DEMATEL-IFISM method

Introduction: Micro-enterprises are acknowledged as one of the most high-risk workplaces often due to poor safety practices and performance. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce these workplace accidents, they remain as a serious problem. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the contributing factors to workplace accidents in micro-enterprises remains a key area of interest for safety professionals. Method: This paper presents a new integrated approach comprised of a D number Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (D-DEMATEL) technique, and an Intuitionistic Fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modeling (IFISM) technique. The DEMATEL technique is applied to determine the cause-and-effect relationships of contributing factors, and D number theory is applied to take into account their uncertain characteristics. Lastly the IFISM technique is used to examine the hierarchical structure of driver-driven relationships. Results: Results showed that sixteen factors contribute to the micro-enterprises’ workplace accidents in which “repairing or maintaining equipment under unsafe conditions” and “improper use of tools” are the most important causes. The hierarchal structure analysis showed that the root and basic causes of micro-enterprises’ workplace accidents based on the ISM method were the “improper use of tools” and “repairing or maintaining equipment under unsafe conditions”. Conclusions: This study is the first of its kind to propose a hybrid D-DEMATEL–IFISM method for identifying and evaluating the contributing factors affecting the occurrence of workplace accidents in micro-enterprises. The new method allows insights on contributing factors to be based not only importance, intensity and impact of each identified contributing factor but also on the relationship amongst the contributing factors. Practical application: The study presents key information on the main contributing factors to micro enterprise workplace accidents. These results provide safety professionals with evidence which can be used to focus safety efforts, with a view to reducing workplace accidents in micro enterprises