RISK MANAGEMENT OF TERMINAL ON-SITE OPERATIONS FOR SPECIAL BULK CARGOS IN TAIWAN

Abstract

The main purpose of this article was to study the risk management of terminal on-site operations for special bulk cargos in Taiwan. This study applied the concept of Formal Safety Assessment approach as the foundation of risk management assessment. At first, a total of four risk aspects with eighteen preliminary risk factors were generated from literature and experts interviews. Three methods – namely analytical hierarchy process (AHP), risk matrix model (RMM), and costs and benefit analysis (CBA) methods – were employed to perform an empirical study in Taiwan. The empirical results showed: (1) The most severe risk factor found using the AHP method was ‘failure to perform periodic machinery maintenance and examination.’ (2) Ten risk factors placed in the highest-risk area via the RMM method. (3) All risk control strategies were evaluated for applicability by using the CBA method. This study recommended that improvement and reinforcement of the staff aspect and the related risk factors for the on-site operation of special bulk cargos. Through implementation of risk control strategies, the risks of accidents can be controlled.