<![CDATA[Occupational health and safety (OHS) in port loading and unloading activities remains a critical issue, particularly regarding the high potential for accidents arising from interactions between workers, operational vehicles, and heavy equipment. Operations involving forklifts, transport vehicles, and manual cargo handling frequently entail risks such as collisions, being struck by falling loads, physical injuries, and equipment damage. These conditions indicate that OHS risk management in loading and unloading processes is suboptimal and requires a systematic approach to identify and control existing hazards. This study aims to assess OHS risks associated with cargo loading and unloading using the HIRARC approach. The results indicate that the primary sources of hazard—capable of causing workplace accidents—stem from the use of operational vehicles and heavy equipment (such as forklifts) and from manual cargo handling activities. Loading and unloading activities were categorized into low risk (15%), medium risk (55%), and high risk (30%), with the use of forklifts and operational vehicles falling into the high-risk category. Risk control was addressed by applying the hierarchy of controls, encompassing elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Consequently, there is a need for enhanced supervision of vehicle activity, regulation of operational routes and speeds, installation of safety signage, and improved worker understanding regarding PPE usage and safety procedures. Furthermore, the consistent implementation of a workplace safety culture is a crucial factor in supporting the long-term effectiveness of risk control measures.]]>
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