Title: A fuzzy-QFD approach for the enhancement of work equipment safety: a case study in the agriculture sector

Authors: Mario Fargnoli; Mara Lombardi; Nicolas Haber

Addresses: Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Sapienza - University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, Rome 00184, Italy ' Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Sapienza - University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, Rome 00184, Italy ' Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Sapienza - University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, Rome 00184, Italy

Abstract: The paper proposes a design for safety methodology based on the use of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, focusing on the need to identify and analyse risks related to a working task in an effective manner, i.e. considering the specific work activities related to such a task. To reduce the drawbacks of subjectivity while augmenting the consistency of judgements, the QFD was augmented by both the Delphi method and the fuzzy logic approach. To verify such an approach, it was implemented through a case study in the agricultural sector. While the proposed approach needs to be validated through further studies in different contexts, its positive results in performing hazard analysis and risk assessment in a comprehensive and thorough manner can contribute practically to the scientific knowledge on the application of QFD in design for safety activities.

Keywords: design for safety; risk assessment; hazard analysis; quality function deployment; fuzzy logic; agricultural machinery.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRS.2018.094943

International Journal of Reliability and Safety, 2018 Vol.12 No.3, pp.306 - 326

Received: 22 Dec 2017
Accepted: 04 Aug 2018
Published online: 27 Sep 2018 *

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