Title: A fuzzy AHP methodology for selection of risk assessment methods in occupational safety

Authors: Ali Fuat Guneri; Muhammet Gul; Senim Ozgurler

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract: In modern times daily occupational accidents cause an ever increasing number of pecuniary loss claims as well as intangible damage within small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide. To counter this problem, most enterprises commonly apply risk assessment methods (RAMs) to promote occupational safety (OS). As there are plenty of different methods in this area, an effective and careful approach is required to select the most appropriate RAM for enterprises in general. This paper provides a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology for selecting the best RAM in OS operations for SMEs. As a test case study, a Turkish woven-printed-carton labelling company was chosen to carry out this study application under four separate decision criteria namely: scope, practicality, cost and sensitivity. On conclusion, it was deduced that the decision making approach can benefit company management in selecting the right method for OS operations.

Keywords: risk assessment methods; method selection; fuzzy AHP; FAHP; analytical hierarchy process; occupational safety; occupational accidents; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; Turkey; woven-printed carton labelling; multi-criteria decision making; MCDM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2015.071222

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2015 Vol.18 No.3/4, pp.319 - 335

Received: 15 Apr 2014
Accepted: 10 Mar 2015
Published online: 17 Aug 2015 *

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