Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Implementation of the Lockout Tagout (LOTO) System in Improving Work Safety on Board Ships

Abstract

The complexity of the work environment on board a ship, which includes the main engine, generator, hydraulic system, and other supporting equipment, requires a systematic approach in risk management. Each system has different maintenance characteristics that have the potential hazards, ranging from electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, to thermal systems. The purpose of this study is to analyze in depth the effectiveness of the implementation of the Lockout Tagout (LOTO) system in improving work safety on board ships, by considering various complex factors that influence its implementation. This study uses a mixed-methods approach with a comprehensive quantitative-qualitative research design to analyze the effectiveness of the LOTO system in improving work safety on board ships by adopting a multi-instrument approach for comprehensive data collection on the implementation of LOTO procedures on merchant ships, consisting of a structured questionnaire to measure the level of crew understanding of LOTO procedures, assess perceptions of work safety, and identify barriers to implementation. The results show that the level of understanding of LOTO procedures reached an average score of 3.55 indicating good but not optimal awareness among crew members. The inhibiting factors for LOTO implementation indicate that the variation of engine systems with a score of 3.62 is the most significant challenge. The effectiveness of LOTO implementation showed positive results, with the highest score in the accident prevention aspect 4.12 which was categorized as very effective. The compliance index reached 3.87 indicating that most respondents had implemented the procedure well. These findings yield practical implications in the form of the need for ongoing training, adaptive LOTO procedures, comprehensive documentation systems, and strengthening of safety culture.