Modelling Work Safety in the Machining Process: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Using FAHP

Abstract

In manufacturing enterprises, work safety assessments mostly focus on technical requirements and regulatory compliance, whereas the influence of workplace environmental quality is still not adequately addressed. To bridge this gap, this paper develops a novel approach to work safety analysis that incorporates both quantitative and qualitative parameters characterizing the working environment of employees involved in machining processes. This framework consists of: (1) a description of the workstation, (2) a set of quantitative and qualitative indicators characterizing the working environment of employees involved in machining processes, and (3) the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method. Overall, the developed analytical framework consists of eight quantitative parameters representing workplace environmental values specified in legal regulations, and eight qualitative parameters reflecting selected aspects of environmental quality and work comfort. The results of the FAHP analysis revealed that the sense of security in the use of machinery and equipment and the level of concentration/distraction were identified as the most significant qualitative factors influencing work safety among employees engaged in machining processes. Next, the findings of our study enabled the development of a new method, namely occupational safety index (OSI). Finally our paper introduces the main challenges and directions: (1) monitor a continuous change as new technologies are introduced and implemented in machining process, (2) asses and analyse the necessary competencies to ensure the safe operation of modern technological systems, (3) and incorporate the ongoing monitoring and regular updating of work safety assessment results into the organization’s strategic management framework.