A HIRARC model for road safety management in Kangar

Abstract

Road safety management implies systematic work to ensure continuous improvements in road safety. This study was conducted to create a HIRARC model for the evaluation of environmental safety and health in Federal Route 7 Jalan Kangar-Alor Setar. HIRARC model is a systematic analysis used in occupational safety and health from combination of Hazard Identification (HI), Risk Assessment (RA) and Risk Control (RC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factor through risk assessment and identify the best control measure. The primary data to determine hazards and risk factor of road accident was collected through inspection, survey, observation and interview. Meanwhile, secondary data was gathered from past accident report. Selected risk assessment method to be used in this study was Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment by estimating probabilities and consequences using matrices. The risk is managed by reducing the likelihood and potential consequences in accordance hierarchy of control to recommend the best control measures. A total of 45 hazards of human, road, vehicle and environments were identified in the study area which 22% of the hazards identified were low risk, 60% medium risk and 18% high risk. The result from this study can be implemented as an indicator to reduce number of accidents in Malaysia and focusing in Kangar, Perlis. As human contributes the biggest factor of road accidents, the implementation of awareness program should be strengthen by the authority.