Job Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Park Rangers: A Case Study of Shirkooh Wildlife Refuge and the Masjed Mountain Private Protected Area

Hesan Akhavan   Ghalibaf; Afarin  Akhavan; Gholamhossein  Halvani; Rohollah Fallah  Madvari

doi:10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19011

Hesan Akhavan Ghalibaf Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran.
Afarin Akhavan Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran.
Gholamhossein Halvani Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Rohollah Fallah Madvari Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19011

Keywords: Risk Assessment, Occupational safety, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Park Rangers

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study aimed to assess the risks associated with environmental protection jobs in Ashkezar and Taft counties.

Materials and Methods: This was an applied descriptive study. Data were collected and analyzed using the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) method. Risk assessment of hazards was performed using a semi-quantitative approach based on the MIL-STD-882E military industry standard. The number of hazards identified across various categories, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychological, mechanical, and social risks, was 2.102 hazards.

Results: According to the risk assessment results, 312 hazards (14.8%) were categorize as high risk, 939 hazards (44.67%) were considered in the warning risk category, and 851 hazards (40.49%) were at a risk level which was acceptable risk level. Based on the Pareto principle, the top 20% of hazards with the highest average Risk Priority Number (RPN) included inappropriate tools (e.g., heavy and inefficient bulletproof vests), conflicts and retaliation by offenders or individuals with prior motives, natural disasters, animal bites, lack of water and food resources, poisoning, exposure to accidents, traversing difficult and high-altitude routes, and gunfire. A total of 4,321 control measures were proposed to mitigate the risks associated with these hazards.

Conclusion: Administrative controls emphasize the importance of employee training, expertise, and experience, as well as the development of reference guides, instructions, and specialized regulations tailored for environmental protection. This database serves as a valuable resource for analyzing occupational hazards and predicting effective control measures, benefiting environmental protection efforts across Iran.