This paper documents a detailed safety walkthrough conducted at CSBC Corporation, Taiwan's Kaohsiung shipyard in January 2008. The assessment identifies major workplace hazards including volatile organic compounds exposure, falls, overhead object hazards, heat stress, noise, ergonomic strains, and traffic accidents. The paper provides background on the company's history as a state-owned shipbuilder and outlines current health and safety practices involving 5,300 workers across direct employment and subcontractor roles. Specific control recommendations are offered for each hazard category, aligned with Taiwan's Labor Safety and Health Law. The company's goal of reducing its safety index by 20% is evaluated with practical suggestions for improved training, personal protective equipment compliance, and workplace policies.
A workplace safety walkthrough of CSBC Corporation, Taiwan's Kaohsiung shipyard was conducted on Monday, January 14, 2008. The assessment team included seven students from a local university and twenty students from Kaohsiung Medical University, accompanied by three faculty members from Kaohsiung Medical University. The weather was overcast with temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
An introduction to the shipyard began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted approximately 45 minutes. A Public Relations representative presented a video documenting the facility's history and manufacturing processes, along with an informational brochure about the company. The shipyard tour took place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., led by Mr. Tseng Ching Chin and Mr. Chi-Chen Hong. The team toured the interior of a newly completed commercial cargo vessel for Wan Hai Lines, including the control room, generators, upper deck, and captain's chambers. The walkthrough concluded with a question-and-answer session at the Department of Industrial Safety and Environment Protection at approximately 12:00 p.m.
CSBC Corporation, Taiwan is a state-owned company headquartered in Kaohsiung with shipyards located in Keelung (northern Taiwan) and Kaohsiung (southern Taiwan). The Keelung shipyard was founded in 1919 as the Keelung Dock Company. In 1937, Mitsubishi Heavy Metals Corporation invested in and founded Taiwan Dock Company.
In 1946, the company underwent significant restructuring. Taiwan Dockyard Company merged with Taiwan Steel Works and Tong Kuang Company in Kaohsiung, became government-owned, and was renamed the Taiwan Machinery Manufacturing & Shipbuilding Corporation. Two years later, in 1948, the company separated into two distinct government-owned entities: Taiwan Machinery Corporation and Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (TSBC), each with separate management and operations.
Development of the Kaohsiung facility accelerated during the 1970s. In 1972, a committee was formed to plan construction of the Kaohsiung shipyard. Approximately one year later, the China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) was established and reverted to government ownership in 1977. The Kaohsiung shipyard was completed in 1976, making it one of the newest shipyards in the world at that time. In 1978, TSBC and CSBC merged to form the China Shipbuilding Corporation, operating two shipyards with headquarters in Taipei.
Most recently, in April 2007, the company changed its name to CSBC Corporation, Taiwan. The company planned to transition to private ownership by the end of 2008, which would allow it to hire foreign workers and engage subcontractors more freely—changes intended to support growth as one of the world's largest shipbuilders.
CSBC Corporation, Taiwan provides comprehensive services including designing and manufacturing commercial and naval ships, ship repair, machinery manufacturing, and diversified industrial operations. The commercial vessels produced include container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, and specialized ships such as semi-submersible heavy lift deck cargo carriers and reefer ships. Naval ship construction includes Guide Missile Patrol Frigates (PFG II), patrol craft, fast attack boats, and transport ships.
Beyond shipbuilding, CSBC has manufactured components for various industries. Notable projects include fabrication and installation of continuous ship unloaders; reinforced concrete containment vessel lines and reactor pressure vessel pedestals for Taiwan Power Company's fourth nuclear power plant; natural gas receiving stations for Chinese Petroleum Corporation; container cranes; and 250-meter smoke stacks for Hsing-Ta Power Plant. At the time of the walkthrough, CSBC held orders for four ships to be completed over the following five years, projected to generate approximately NT$120 billion in profit.
The shipbuilding process at CSBC encompasses eleven critical manufacturing steps: contract signing, design, lofting, steel cutting, plate bending, primary assembly, block assembly, launching, painting and outfitting, delivery, and after-service support. During the site visit, the Wan Hai Lines cargo vessel was in the painting and outfitting stage. This phase includes final preparations such as painting, sanding, cleaning, and installation of all specified ship amenities and systems.
The Kaohsiung shipyard employs a total of 5,300 workers. Approximately 2,300 are directly employed by CSBC Corporation, while roughly 3,000 are subcontractors. The average age of CSBC employees is 47 years, compared to 40 years for subcontractors. Women represent a very small percentage of the workforce: approximately 30 women work directly for CSBC, while about 300 women are employed as subcontractors. Female subcontractors typically perform painting, gardening, and grinding tasks.
Taiwan's Labor Safety and Health Law, Article 21, stipulates types of work that women cannot perform, creating significant restrictions on their employment opportunities. At the time of the walkthrough, no foreign workers were employed due to the company's government ownership status. This practice was expected to change upon privatization, as private operations would not face regulations limiting employment to local labor.
All standard work is conducted during a single shift from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with employees allowed no more than three hours of overtime. Workers receive two 15-minute breaks for tea time (10:00–10:15 a.m. and 3:00–3:15 p.m.) and one hour for lunch. Only personnel assigned to power supply, fire departments, and subcontracted safety guards work night shifts. This operational model was anticipated to change with privatization to support increased production capacity.
CSBC maintains a dedicated safety personnel structure. Thirty to forty onsite safety personnel provide direct guidance and oversight to employees. Higher-level planning and audit responsibilities are managed by ten safety engineers within the Department of Industrial Safety and Environment Protection. Additionally, one on-call officer is available for emergencies occurring outside normal working hours.
Responsibility for health and safety is divided: CSBC is responsible for the health and safety of its direct employees, while subcontractor health and safety is the shared responsibility of both the subcontracting company and CSBC.
All workers are required to complete three hours of mandatory training before beginning work at the shipyard. The specific content of this training was not detailed during the visit. Subcontractor training is conducted by their employing company rather than CSBC. Additionally, all workers receive three hours of refresher training every two years, supplemented by onsite training as needed. Emergency evacuation procedures are practiced regularly, and identification cards for workers in designated ship areas are placed outside work zones to ensure accountability during emergencies.
CSBC provides direct employees with uniforms including a safety helmet, pants, shirt, boots, and ankle protection against cuts and welding sparks. Subcontractors are not provided company uniforms or personal protective equipment by CSBC. During the site visit, subcontractor companies did not appear to have formal personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Most subcontractors wore what appeared to be homemade masks and regular everyday clothing rather than appropriate safety gear.
Health examination and management follows Taiwan's Labor Health Protection Regulations, specifically Articles 5 and 12 of the Labor Safety and Health Act. Workers under 30 years of age are required to have health examinations every five years; those aged 30–45 every three years; and those over 45 annually. Additional annual health examinations are required for employees engaged in work involving excessive noise, dusty environments, or chemical aerosols. Approximately half of CSBC's workforce is exposed to these hazardous conditions, with subcontractors performing the majority of such tasks.
Both employees and employers contribute to labor insurance and medical insurance costs. CSBC employs two nurses and one doctor. For medical emergencies requiring advanced treatment beyond the clinic's capacity, workers are transported to local hospitals.
The major sources of workplace injuries at CSBC are falls and traffic accidents. The previous year's safety index was 10. The company set an ambitious goal to reduce the safety index by 20 percent in the coming year through multiple strategies: implementing regular and irregular auditing; imposing fines of NT$10,000 per violation deducted from employee paychecks; establishing a reward system for workers demonstrating good safety habits; providing additional education and training resources; and implementing a safety checklist system.
During the site visit, a safety station at the dock entrance near the ship stairs contained fire extinguishers and posted information (in Chinese) about job site hazards and personal protective equipment requirements. This station served as an accessible information resource for workers.
Painters and workers inside the ship are exposed to varying concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from interior and exterior paint applications. The ship's hull exhibited a strong odor, though the specific source was not definitively identified.
Painting operations were directly observed on ship decks and staircases. Workers performing this task wore what appeared to be homemade masks and goggles, along with gloves, indicating inadequate protection relative to the chemical exposure.
Heat stress, falls, tripping, noise, and overhead falling objects were identified as major physical hazards. Heat stress was not directly observed but represents a significant potential hazard given Taiwan's tropical climate and the nature of shipbuilding work performed either outdoors in direct sunlight or in confined spaces with minimal ventilation.
Tripping hazards are widespread throughout the shipyard, including uneven pavement and numerous stairs and doors with 6 to 12-inch lips designed to prevent water infiltration into ship compartments. Fall hazards were prominently observed during tarp-securing operations. Workers balanced on railings and metal containers without fall protection equipment. During observation, one worker lost balance while on the rail and metal container, verbally warning others by shouting "danger, danger." A ladder used by another worker assisting with tarp installation was not being used properly. Additionally, painters were simultaneously painting stair railings, rendering them unusable for handholds while traversing steep flights of stairs. This created a potentially dangerous situation where workers lacked appropriate handholds while climbing, potentially increasing the risk of slips and falls.
Noise levels inside the ship were extremely high, requiring workers to speak at near-shouting volume to communicate. A sign at the ship entrance safety station indicated that hearing protection was required, but compliance was minimal. Only the tour guide possessed hearing protection, and it was not being worn. No other workers observed near large generators and other noise-producing machinery wore hearing protection despite the evident hazard.
Overhead hazards were identified during two distinct operations. First, during dry-dock inspection, a tugboat was being lifted above the work area and placed in water. Workers with handheld radios communicated with the crane operator and coordinated removal of lifting hooks once the boat was positioned. The potential existed for catastrophic failure of chains or hooks, with the heavy vessel potentially crushing workers below. Second, a large container was being hoisted to the ship deck. The container lacked side containment for its contents, creating potential for items to fall due to wind or crane movement. This scenario presented a significant hazard for workers in the drop zone.
No biological hazards were identified during the walkthrough. However, potential biological hazards could exist in the form of mold or fungi growing on the ship or in dry-dock areas due to the warm tropical climate and the inherently wet environment of shipbuilding operations near water.
Ergonomic hazards were identified during painting and grinding/sanding operations. Painting tasks involved excessive reaching and overextension for areas above worker reach or out of normal working range. Lower section painting required frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling on hard surfaces. Grinding and sanding tasks similarly involved sustained bending and squatting postures. These awkward postures could lead to low back pain and muscle strain; in severe cases, they could result in disabling injuries.
Scooters are the primary form of personal transportation in Taiwan and are prevalent throughout the shipyard. Traffic accidents represent a major source of workplace injury at CSBC. During the walkthrough, scooters were observed creating dangerous situations, including one scooter racing behind a backing forklift truck and others traveling at excessive speeds in the busy dry-dock area. All scooter riders observed were wearing helmets. However, the overall traffic environment posed significant risk.
Another identified hazard involved eating and drinking in the workplace without adequate hand hygiene facilities. The control room served as both a break room and workspace. While no workers were directly observed handling hazardous chemicals during eating, many appeared to have unclean hands. Proper hand washing is essential to prevent illness transmission and reduce exposure to chemicals or substances encountered during work. Additionally, an empty beer can was discovered on the top deck. Alcohol consumption can impair judgment and create unsafe conditions for both the consuming employee and coworkers. The timing and identity of the person who consumed the alcohol could not be determined.
Volatile organic compound monitoring should be conducted inside the ship to quantify airborne levels. If measurements exceed safe thresholds, increased ventilation or cartridge respirators should be implemented to reduce exposure. Painters working outside the ship should be assessed to determine their actual VOC exposure levels. Once exposure is characterized, appropriate controls can be selected, such as cartridge respirators, safety glasses or goggles, and gloves. Chemical hazard awareness should be incorporated into both formal training presentations and onsite briefings before work begins.
Heat stress poses serious risk and requires proactive management. Taiwan's Labor Safety and Health Law, Article 11, specifies that employers cannot expose workers to extreme heat for more than six hours per day. During periods of elevated heat, workers should receive additional breaks and access to shaded areas or air conditioning. Water and electrolyte-containing beverages should be readily available, and workers should receive training on heat stress dangers and warning signs.
The shipyard's safety station at the ship entrance displays a sign indicating the need for hearing protection. Since no workers were observed wearing hearing protection, awareness efforts must be strengthened. Workers should receive training on hearing protection requirements through both classroom and onsite instruction, be informed of hearing loss consequences, and be provided with readily accessible earplugs at the safety station. Non-compliance should result in warnings and potential fines consistent with company policy.
Tripping hazards are inevitable given uneven pavement, numerous stairs, and varied walkway types. High-risk areas should be designated through paint markings or warning signs to increase worker awareness. While ship interior marking is challenging, training can increase situational awareness and reduce trip frequency.
Fall hazards demand comprehensive controls. Workers performing tarp-securing and similar tasks require fall protection equipment. Additionally, a netting system should be considered to catch workers in the event of a fall. Workers engaged in these tasks should receive both classroom training on work hazards and onsite instruction to ensure the safest possible execution.
Overhead object hazards require engineering controls. Containers transporting objects to and from the ship should be fully enclosed with walls on all sides to prevent items from falling. The area beneath containers being raised or lowered should be cordoned off. This same practice is recommended when moving tugboats between dock and water. If crane or chain failure occurs, cordoning reduces the likelihood of worker injury from falling objects.
No biological hazard controls are recommended, as no biological hazards were observed during the walkthrough.
Painters should be provided with extendable paint brushes and rollers and/or step ladders to safely reach high areas requiring paint application. While step ladders introduce their own hazards, proper use reduces excessive reaching to paint unreachable areas. Extendable brushes and rollers allow workers to reach both high and low areas without excessive reaching or bending.
For grinding and sanding operations, tools should be modified or replaced to eliminate the need for prolonged squatting. If financial constraints prevent equipment changes, stretching exercises, frequent breaks, and work rotation should be implemented to reduce squatting duration. It was noted that squatting is culturally common in Taiwan for ground-level tasks; the relationship between this cultural practice and injury rates remains unclear and warrants investigation.
The shipyard should institute formal scooter driving and traffic safety policies. Speed limits should be posted throughout the facility, with penalties and fines enforced for violations. When feasible, designated scooter lanes and separate scooter and non-scooter zones should be established. These measures will create a safer environment and reduce traffic accidents.
Hand hygiene is critical for preventing communicable disease transmission and reducing chemical exposure. Hand washing stations or antibacterial hand sanitizer dispensers should be provided in break rooms and lunch areas. Training on hand hygiene best practices should be integrated into worker education to encourage compliance. For tasks involving chemicals or dirty/greasy conditions, gloves should be provided to reduce skin contact and prevent incidental chemical ingestion during eating.
Written policies must prohibit alcohol consumption during work hours. Training should be provided to increase awareness of alcohol's impairment effects on work task performance and scooter operation. Clear consequences for policy violations should be established and enforced.
CSBC Corporation, Taiwan has established a goal of reducing the safety index by 20 percent in the coming year. The company has outlined multiple strategies to achieve this objective, including implementing regular and irregular safety audits, imposing fines of NT$10,000 per violation deducted from employee paychecks, establishing a reward system for workers demonstrating good safety habits, providing enhanced education and training resources, and implementing a comprehensive safety checklist. These initiatives have strong potential to reduce accidents and incidents at the Kaohsiung shipyard.
The major hazards identified during the assessment include noise exposure, tripping and falling hazards, overhead object fall and crushing risks, heat stress, volatile organic compound exposure, ergonomic strain from bending and overreaching, traffic accidents, alcohol consumption on-site, and inadequate hand washing before eating. Enhanced training to increase hazard awareness should substantially reduce potential illnesses and injuries. Specific recommendations include cordoning off areas beneath crane-suspended objects to prevent worker injury from falling materials, establishing scooter lanes and designated zones to reduce traffic accidents, providing appropriate tools such as extendable paint brushes for painters to minimize bending and overreaching, and instituting policies prohibiting alcohol consumption with associated awareness training on the dangers of impairment.
Subcontractor safety management deserves particular emphasis. Since subcontractors perform the majority of hazardous work at the shipyard, CSBC Corporation must ensure their training meets company requirements and that all workers—both direct employees and subcontractors—receive onsite instruction from CSBC. Providing subcontractors with necessary training and appropriate tools for job tasks will substantially reduce injury risk.
Safety culture visibility should be enhanced through billboards and posters displaying the safety index and motivational safety slogans throughout the plant. Some facilities display the number of days since the last accident; others prominently feature "Safety First" messaging. The existing safety station at the ship entrance successfully provides workers with hazard and PPE information. Expanded visual cues and complementary training can further reinforce safety awareness and reduce accidents and injuries.
Overall, occupational health and safety conditions at CSBC Corporation's Kaohsiung shipyard appear reasonably well-managed. With implementation of the control measures outlined above and management commitment to strengthening safety culture, the company's goal of a 20 percent reduction in safety index should be readily achievable and potentially exceeded in the coming years. The assessment team thanks CSBC Corporation, Taiwan for the educational opportunity and extends particular gratitude to Mr. Tseng Ching Chin and Mr. Chi-Chen Hong for conducting the workplace tour and generously answering numerous questions.
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