Unit 5: Industry Application: Findings from Case Studies and Surveys
In a case study prepared for this chapter, Company NK has provided its response on whether the risk-based approach used by the company in conducting assessments as required by the ISM Code is effective and useful.
The Company has a risk-based approach to ensures that safety measures are proportionate to the level of risk, making it a more efficient and effective way to manage safety. Company also aware risk assessments are not static; they require ongoing monitoring and adjustment. This approach encourages a culture of continuous improvement, as companies must regularly review and update their assessments to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging risks. There is a safety-first culture within company. When employees understand the risks associated with their tasks and are involved in the risk assessment process, they are more likely to take safety seriously and adhere to safety protocols.
Company has a clear and wide procedures for Risk assessments;
The Risk Assessment Process: Step by Step Approach,
Risk Evaluation,
Risk Control,
Reviewing Risk Assessments,
When to carry out a Risk Assessment;
List of work that requires risk assessment, which by no means is exhaustive:
Any Hot Work outside of the designated Hot Work location on board
For any work that is planned in an enclosed space or Pump room beyond the scope of the respective entry permit
The malfunctioning of (or any work which requires disabling of) critical systems, such as steering, inert gas, alarm systems, fire-fighting or lifesaving appliances, etc.
Working on live electrical circuits
Working on any system that is subject to LOTO.
Undertaking major maintenance / repair / renewal jobs
Movement, removal or replacement of heavy items such as cylinder heads, pistons, liners, large pumps or motors, pipelines, etc.
Diving (or internal work) on underwater shipside connections (e.g. pipelines & valves).
Critical areas of navigation, including shallow water, Sensitive Areas and difficult night passages.
Loading unusual cargoes (may be detrimental to health or the ship).
For STS Operations, SBM and CBM mooring, Tandem mooring to an FSO/FPSO (Spread moored or Turret moored) – the risk assessment should take into account the approach, mooring operations, hose connection and disconnection, cargo operations and unmooring operations. In addition, factors such as the control of tugs and tugs lines, ready availability of engines, weather factors, including the availability of proper weather forecasts, squalls and other local weather phenomena, should be among those taken into consideration.
When calling at Ports / Terminals / Berths, where mooring arrangements may require special considerations.
Inadequate berthing / mooring / terminal facilities.
Discovery of cracks, cargo ingress into non-cargo spaces, etc.
When receiving or transferring bunkers in any tank (FO/DO/MGO) above 90% by volume.
Rescue and Salvage operations.
When carrying out ship-helicopter operations
At any other time or operation considered appropriate by Shipboard Management.
When directed by Shore Management
The Company has Risk assessments library which includes around 125 generic risk assessments created to assist onboard crew to make a better risk management.
A survey of shipping companies shows a high adoption rate of a risk-based approach, with 91% affirming its use and 95% of those finding it "Highly" or "Moderately effective." However, findings also reveal significant gaps.
Bullying and Harassment: A significant portion of respondents (62%) do not currently include the risk of bullying and harassment in their risk assessments, a potential area for improvement.
Training Needs: Companies identified training in Collision Regulations, ERM and BRM integration, and Crew-Pilot interactions as particularly helpful for the effective implementation of the ISM Code.