Housekeeping Practices and Seafarer’s Performance: The Mediating Role of Occupational Safety and Health

Housekeeping is a fundamental element in creating a safe, healthy, and efficient work environment on ships. However, empirical research on the effect of housekeeping on occupational safety and health (OSH) and seafarer performance is still limited. This study aims to analyze the effect of housekeeping on OSH and seafarer performance, and to examine the mediating role of OSH in this relationship. Using a quantitative approach with an explanatory design, data were obtained from 375 Indonesian seafarers working on various types of commercial vessels. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results show that housekeeping has a positive and significant effect on OSH, and OSH has a significant effect on seafarer performance. Housekeeping has also been shown to improve seafarer performance directly, as well as indirectly through OSH mediation. These findings confirm that housekeeping is not merely a technical activity, but an integral part of a safety culture that influences seafarers' behavior and work effectiveness. Practically, the results of this study recommend that shipping companies integrate housekeeping standards into their Safety Management System (SMS), strengthen OSH training, and conduct continuous monitoring to improve ship safety and operational performance