The purview of this study resides within the domain of industrial risk reduction strategies, wherein the selection of safety barriers to mitigate inherent risks presents a formidable challenge, particularly when constrained by the ALARP principle (As Low As Reasonably Practicable), which necessitates the application of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). The crux of this challenge lies in the precise evaluation of annualized costs and anticipated benefits associated with each prospective safety barrier. To circumvent this impediment, a semi-quantitative CBA optimization methodology has been devised, drawing upon the established framework of protection layers within industrial risk management. The deployment of this methodology underscores its efficacy, notably in upholding fundamental safety tenets within risk reduction paradigms, encompassing the primacy of prevention over protection and the judicious consideration of risk tolerance.

Purpose The aim of this paper is to assess the dispersion of gas flaring (GF) emissions in the Hassi R'mel field, Algeria, through a diachronic analysis covering the 2018–2022 period. The objective is to characterize the temporal evolution and spatial extent of pollutant plumes. Design/methodology/approach The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was used to simulate the dispersion of GF pollutants over a 72-hour period for four representative seasonal scenarios per year. Simulations were initialized using meteorological data from the NOAA Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) at a 1° spatial resolution. Findings Results reveal summer and spring conditions produce the largest plume extensions. In contrast, winter stability limits plume development and promotes pollutant accumulation near the source. These simulations confirm that GF pollutants from Hassi R'mel frequently extend beyond national borders, influencing air quality over eastern Algeria and the Mediterranean basin. Originality/value This study represents the first diachronic modeling assessment of gas flaring dispersion in Algeria's desert environment. It enables a consistent year to year comparison of plume footprint and demonstrates that seasonal meteorology exerts stronger control on transport extent than interannual variability in flaring volumes. This provides a decision-relevant basis for prioritizing mitigation strategies and for framing progress toward Zero Routine Flaring by 2030.

This study aims to highlight the importance of evaluating explosive atmosphere (ATEX) risks and to propose a novel, more accurate and comprehensive risk assessment method compared to traditional existing approaches. To address the limitations of traditional ATEX risk assessment methods, this study introduces a new approach based on three key parameters: occurrence, detection, and severity. These factors are combined using a weighted sum (WS) formula to calculate a modified risk priority number (RPN), enhanced by the analytic hierarchy process.This hybrid methodology provides a more precise and reliable assessment of ATEX risks. Moreover, the findings of the proposed WS-RPN method (and its ATEX-specific version, WS-RATEX) demonstrate superior accuracy and lower duplication rates compared to conventional risk assessment techniques. A sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness, stability, and reliability of this approach, making it a valuable tool for quantifying ATEX risks.It is evident to say that WS-RPN represents a significant advancement in ATEX risk assessments. By integrating a refined calculation model, and factoring in occurrence, detection, and severity, the latter ensures a more systematic and reliable evaluation. Thus, with improved risk prioritization, this approach not only enhances industrial installations' safety but also serves as a more effective alternative to traditional assessment methods.

The direct use of generic frequencies from databases to assess Major Accident Hazards (MAH) can introduce substantial biases in risk assessment. These generic data are inherently uncertain, as they fail to reflect the specific operational conditions of a given facility. Such biases may result in either overestimation, which can lead to excessive and costly safety investments, or underestimation, which compromises the adequacy of risk mitigation measures.To address these limitations, this paper proposes an integrated adjustment approach specifically designed for quantitative risk analysis to manage the uncertainties associated with generic data. The proposed approach enables the adjustment of generic failure frequencies by incorporating technical factors related to safety barriers (e.g., the probability of failure on demand), and operational management factors. Additionally, it considers the time-dependent degradation of equipment, i.e., the degradation factor.The applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach in industrial risk management are illustrated through a case study involving a pressurized equipment system (a three-phase separator). The findings highlight its significant advantages in managing industrial risks, particularly in SEVESO Establishments, when compared to existing techniques.

Burnout among oil and gas industry workers has emerged as a topic of significant importance and concern, given its substantial implications at both organizational and individual levels.The study aims to systematically review publications about burnout among oil and gas workers.The research follows a systematic literature review approach in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.A comprehensive search was conducted across 14 databases, with inclusion criteria stipulating the inclusion of fully published articles in English without any specified timeframe.Selected articles were meticulously assessed to ensure the reliability of the extracted data, based on the Quality of Survey Studies in Psychology checklist.The findings of this review highlight a notable gap in research focused on burnout within the petroleum industry.According to selected studies, burnout is directly associated with poor work conditions and work-family conflict.Moreover, the studies suggest that variables such as job satisfaction, social support, psychological resilience, and organizational commitment could mitigate the negative effects of burnout.The insights derived from this study illuminate the extent, consequences, and contributing factors of job burnout, providing valuable guidance for management to implement evidence-based interventions.

Most road crashes at work are caused by Driver Behavioral Drift (DBD). This DBD has become a recurring issue on congested road sections. In this context, this study proposes a method called (MASOCU-DBD) which allows to analyze this DBD problem in two steps: assessment of the dynamics of DBD occurrence using a model called BM-NSA and analysis of DCC using a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) weighted by the Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP). The application of the MASOCU-DBD on a road section of an Algerian city's entry highlighted the problem of the DBD in terms of its occurrence and uselessness in the studied section. The merit of the proposed method is that it uses multi-criteria analysis tools (AHP and CBA) as well as a mathematical model (BM-NSA) to analyze professional drivers' behavioral deviations.

PurposeThe reliability prediction is among the most important objectives for achieving overall system performance, and this prediction carried out by anticipating system performance degradation. In this context, the purpose of this research paper is to development of methodology for the photovoltaic (PV) modules' reliability prediction taking into account their future operating context.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed methodology is framed by dependability methods, in this regard, two methods of dysfunctional analysis were used, the Failure Mode and Effects Criticality Analysis (FMECA) method is carried out for identification of the degradation modes, and the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method is used for identification the causes of PV modules degradation and the parameters influencing its degradation. Then, based on these parameters, accelerated tests have been used to predict the reliability of PV modules.FindingsThe application of the proposed methodology on PWX 500 PV modules' in different regions of Algeria makes it possible to predict its reliability, taking into account the future constraints on its operation. In this case, the temperature and relative humidity vary from one region to another was chosen as constraints. The results obtained from the different regions confirms the reliability provided by the designer of the Saharan cities Biskra, In Salah, Tamanraset, and affirms this value for the two Mediterranean cities of Oran and Algiers.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology is developed for the reliability prediction of the PV modules taking into account their future operating context and, the choice of different regions confirms or disproves the reliability provided by the designer of the PV modules studied. This application confirms their performance within the framework of the reliability prediction.

Patient safety culture (PSC) is a linked to improved organizational performances and fewer adverse events in healthcare. Mainly, PSC is assessed using self-administered questionnaires that define PSC through a number of dimensions. Nevertheless, the latter suffers from a major limit that is dimensional scores aggregation to obtain PSC overall level. To overcome this constraint, the proposed approach consists of applying unsupervised clustering algorithms (i.e. K-means & HAC) to group HEs sharing similar PSC profiles. This approach was applied on PSC assessment data in 10 Algerian pubic HEs. Results showed that HEs can be grouped into 3 clusters having different PSC profiles. The proposed approach has the merit of guiding decision makers to propose adapted improvement actions based on shared inter and intra cluster problematic PSC dimensions.

In the context of the industrial process safety, the domino effect has become a topical issue for scientists and managers of companies given the diversity of factors that contributed to the aggravation of this phenomenon such as; proximity to industrial facilities, transport networks, development of industrial complexes, storage of hazardous substances and population growth. The purpose of this article is the MICDE method (Method of Identification and Characterization of Domino Effects) application on industrial zone of LPG storage in SONATRACH-Algeria Group for analyzes the domino effects caused by a major industrial accident. Our study is adopted on the MICDE method which constitutes an aid in the integration of the domino effects problem in hazard studies and safety studies. In our application, it aims to formalize the points relating to the domino effects due to the BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) phenomenon of an LPG storage sphere. The results obtained show that the hazardous equipment in the vicinity is seriously affected by the thermal and overpressure effect of the main accident, and may be seats in a new accident. The MICDE method is a promising method can be applied in several fields since it studies the phenomenon. This method facilitates decision-making in the prevention of domino effects for the sustainability facilities

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 is causing more health, economic and social issues worldwide. As of July 5, 2021, the world registered more than 184 million cases across 222 countries; more than 4 million have died from the deadly infection. The SARS-CoV-2 continues spreading globally; new variants emerge randomly due to errors in the virus' gRNAs replication process. The present paper treats the new delta variant of concern, also known as B.1.617.2 lineage. The study highlights transmissibility, vaccine effectiveness, pathogenicity, and the likelihood of hospital admission related to delta variant infection based on a literature review of 10 indexed databases. The findings indicate high transmissibility of the B.1.617.2 lineage, approving it to be the dominant strain worldwide. Also, reduced vaccine effectiveness is confirmed. However, approved vaccines for emergency use remain valuable against COVID-19's delta variant. Finally, the risk of hospitalization seems to be twice in the case of delta variant infection. A combined approach of vaccination and nonpharmaceutical interventions is the leading way to contain the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.

Purpose The objective of this article is to carry out an exploratory study on the emergence of health and safety committees (HSC) in Algerian companies. Design/methodology/approach The methodology chosen, governed by the systemic approach, is centered on the exploration of HSC emergence factors in companies. Findings The suggested method consists in defining hypotheses found in the literature on the emergence of HSC in order to affirm or refute them in the case of Algerian companies. Research limitations/implications Despite the fact that a good number of Algerian industrial companies were solicited; the number of respondents was limited. This limitation confirms the difficulty commonly encountered in exploratory studies by questionnaire. Practical implications The results of this exploratory study serve as a basis for the elaboration of a national action plan dedicated to HSC emergence in Algerian companies. Originality/value This is the first study conducted in Algerian companies on HSC emergence. The identification of emergence problems allows drawing up an effective action plan to solve them.

Purpose Workplace violence is a universal phenomenon that is constantly increasing. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of violence committed against Algerian health professionals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey, based on an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, was conducted in healthcare settings of eastern Algeria (where 144 respondents participated in this study). Besides, socio-demographic characteristics and data related to violence, including its prevalence, different forms, perpetrators, reporting and the way it is handled, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings Half of the respondents were victims of violence. More specifically, 90.1% of them were verbally abused. Compared to physical violence, verbal violence was significantly perpetrated against women and young health professionals ( p < 0.05). However, nurses and those with less than or equal to five years of work experience were the most vulnerable to both types of violence ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the main perpetrators were the patients' relatives (70%) followed by the patients themselves (51.4%). In terms of risk treatment, aggressors were verbally warned (60%). For violence reporting, 31% of the respondents observe such a fact as not being important. Finally, 65.7% of the participants reported that their employers had provided them with security measures (guards). Originality/value This is the first study conducted in Algeria that examines the prevalence of violence and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics. Authorities must react effectively to solve this problem by implementing preventive and anticipatory strategies.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the interest of focusing public policies for wildfire management on behavioral changes supported by sustainable development projects dedicated to the Algerian forest heritage. Thus, the Aurès region in the eastern part of Algeria will be used as an example to illustrate the proposed new strategy. Design/methodology/approach The proposed method, guided by projects' management in sustainable development, consists of developing a responsible citizenship strategy focused on behavioral changes of citizens. Therefore, the title of the proposed method: The Construct of Responsible Citizenship. Findings In order to cope with forest fires, the proposed approach highlights the interest of promoting responsible citizenship. Likewise, it outlines a tool for sustaining behavioral changes based on the principle of continuous improvement and field follow-up using a multicriteria approach known as “goal programming.” Practical implications The proposed new forest fire protection plan addresses the shortcomings in Algeria's current forest fire management policy, which appears unable to deal with the increasing severity of forests' fire risk that the country has been experiencing in recent decades. Originality/value The aim is to highlight the interest of investment in forest fires prevention within the framework of the sustainable development of Algerian forest heritage, specifically, to work toward citizen subcontracting of the Algerian forest heritage.

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 is causing more health, economic and social issues worldwide. As of July 5, 2021, the world registered more than 184 million cases across 222 countries; more than 4 million have died from the deadly infection. The SARSCoV-2 continues spreading globally; new variants emerge randomly due to errors in the virus' gRNAs replication process. The present paper treats the new delta variant of concern, also known as B.1.617.2 lineage. The study highlights transmissibility, vaccine effectiveness, pathogenicity, and the likelihood of hospital admission related to delta variant infection based on a literature review of 10 indexed databases. The findings indicate high transmissibility of the B.1.617.2 lineage, approving it to be the dominant strain worldwide. Also, reduced vaccine effectiveness is confirmed. However, approved vaccines for emergency use remain valuable against COVID-19's delta variant. Finally, the risk of hospitalization seems to be twice in the case of delta variant infection. A combined approach of vaccination and nonpharmaceutical interventions is the leading way to contain the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; delta variant; literature review.

The assessment of Patient Safety Culture (PSC) is often conducted using a quantitative approach based on questionnaires or a qualitative one focused on the deployment of Patient Safety Culture Maturity Models (PSCMM). These two approaches suffer from a number of limitations and their resolution is only possible by exploiting the possible complementarity that exists between them. Indeed, to overcome their inherent limits, it is imperative to merge the two PSC approaches in a single approach called quali-quantitative evaluation of PSC. This article fits into this context and aims to materialise the merger of PSC approaches through their co-deployment. This will make it possible to capitalise the scores of the HSOPSC dimensions in terms of PSC maturity levels.

The workplace, and more particularly the healthcare sector, has recently experienced a staggering increase in violence. These aggressive behaviors are resulting in considerable consequences on healthcare workers, both in terms of mental and physical health. In light of this observation, this study aims to provide a quantitative analysis of the potential causes leading to violence in Algerian hospitals, which have become the place where tensions arise, especially during these uncertain times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we started with conducting a field survey, in order to highlight the main causes behind this violence, as well as the strategy in terms of how it is managed as a risk. Then we used ISHIKAWA diagrams to classify predefined causes into several categories and anticipate the likelihood of such violent behaviors. Finally, the results of this study revealed that working conditions were the main cause of violence in Algerian hospitals. In order to remedy this gap, we recommend improving the healthcare staff well-being, as well as prioritizing proactive measures preventing violent behaviors. © IEOM Society International.