A Framework Based on a Systems Approach to Developing Safety Indicators in Fish Farming

Abstract

Abstract:The fish farming industry is one of the industries in Norway with the highest occupational fatality and injury rate. Despite the serious health, safety, and environmental issues in the industry, little is done to measure changes in safety over time beyond the traditional Lost Time Injury (LTI) registrations. In this article the objective is twofold; (i) to propose a framework for developing safety indicators based on Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA), and (ii) to apply the framework to find indicators relevant for hazards in operations where subcontractors participate. STPA uses a hierarchical portrayal of the system in focus, in contrast to sequential models, and views safety as a control problem. It is believed that a systemic approach to indicator development better captures the complex safety challenges in aquaculture. Thirteen indicators are identified within areas such as maintenance, training, and planning. The indicators identified may function as a basis for decisions and actions that must be undertaken to ensure safe operations.

Occupational Safety and Health in U.S. Aquaculture: A Review

“…In addition, Holen and Utne (2018) point out that the regulatory and surveillance framework for this industry in Norway is fragmented, and gaps in the understanding of safety and health risk factors in aquaculture persist. 70 In Brazil, Speck et al (2015) identified electric shock, solar radiation, and drowning as priorities for hazard mitigation at a long-line mollusc farm. 71 Other identified hazards included noise exposure (up to 88.5 dB), biological hazards (bites, stings, zoonotic diseases), ergonomic hazards (materials handling and hazardous postures), and slip/trip/fall hazards (slippery conditions, boat travel, debris on floor).…”

An Ontology-Based Approach to Aid STPA Analysis

“…In the STPA analysis, it is common that the analyst has to consider a great deal of non-pertinent suggestions, resulting in waste of time and increasing the possibility of making mistakes. One way to have better results is by improving the analysis process to have more comprehensive, accurate, and relevant information [11], [12]. In addition, the execution of the STPA steps requires teamwork involving domain experts, systems engineers, and safety engineers, and other stakeholders.…”