Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Proportional risk assessment (PRA) is a systematic approach frequently applied in the occupational health and safety (OHS) risk management. It is based on a proportional relation among three parameters including probability (P), severity (S), and frequency (F). In this approach, a risk value is measured by evaluating these parameters. Since the risk data are incomplete and has an uncertainty in PRA method, a new risk assessment approach is proposed based on multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods—fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS). In this approach, FAHP is proposed to deal with shortcomings of a precise risk score measurement and decrease the inconsistency in decision-making enabling OHS experts to use linguistic terms for evaluating three parameters of PRA method. First, these parameters are weighted by using FAHP, then the orders of priority for hazard groups are determined by using FTOPSIS. In order to show the applicability of the proposed approach, a case application in an aluminum extrusion workplace, which is located in Turkey is provided. Results of the case application show that the most important hazards are stemmed from the main electrical panel and fuses, flying object due to mold squeezing or breaking during pressing in extrusion process area, disuse of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in painting process, and fall of pending profiles. The proposed approach reveals the important hazards and suggest control measures for managing them.