Human-HAZOP Approach for Identifying Hazards and Evaluating Risks in Ship Recycling Activities in Bangladesh

The ship recycling sector in Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in the national economy, primarily through the recovery of reusable materials and employment generation. However, it grapples with substantial challenges related to worker safety and operational hazards. This study applies the Human-Hazard and Operability Study (Human-HAZOP) method to identify hazards and assess risks in the ship dismantling yards of Bangladesh. The primary reason for selecting this method is its strong ability to identify hazardous activities performed by shipbreaking workers, which involve complex human behaviour and decision-making processes. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was conducted across 18 ship dismantling yards, identifying 14 worker groups and gathering insights from workers, supervisors and safety experts. The survey responses were aggregated in a Human-HAZOP analysis, revealing that the cutter group was exposed to the highest number of hazards, while the wire group, the cutter group, and the oil and barge handler group are at higher risk in their fieldwork. In the end, several pragmatic safety measures are proposed to create a safer work environment in the ship recycling yards in Bangladesh.