Work Conditions and Seafarer Performance: The Role of Occupational Safety

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of contract duration, internet connectivity, and workload on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and employee performance among Indonesian seafarers employed by foreign shipping companies operating on international routes. In addition, it examines the direct effect of OSH on seafarer performance and evaluates the mediating role of OSH in the relationships between contract duration, internet connectivity, workload, and employee performance. A quantitative explanatory research design was employed to examine the proposed causal relationships. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to Indonesian seafarers working for 19 foreign shipping companies engaged in international maritime operations. The study population comprised 350 seafarers, from which a sample of 187 respondents was determined using the Slovin formula. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. The findings reveal that contract duration, internet connectivity, and workload significantly influence Occupational Safety and Health. Contract duration and workload do not exert significant direct effects on seafarer performance, whereas internet connectivity demonstrates a significant positive effect. Furthermore, the Sobel test confirms that OSH significantly mediates the relationships between contract duration, internet connectivity, workload, and employee performance. The study concludes that improvements in seafarer performance depend not only on organizational factors such as contract duration, internet connectivity, and workload but also on the effective implementation of Occupational Safety and Health practices. These findings highlight the strategic importance of strengthening OSH systems alongside optimizing employment policies, ensuring reliable onboard internet access, and managing workload effectively to enhance both employee well-being and organizational performance within international shipping operations.