Evaluation of safety risks in construction using Fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FFMEA)

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous environments to work in. For this reason, safety-related risk analysis is one of the most significant tasks that has to be undertaken when managing major construction projects. A combination of fuzzy logic and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Analytical Hierarchy Process-Data Envelopment Analysis (AHP-DEA) was applied to improve the process of managing safety risks. Two different types of large-scale construction projects were also considered as case studies. It was found that the risk of falling from a height is the most significant risk in both types of project. Moreover, the factors intensifying the risk of injury in the workers who fall were found to be ignoring safety and lack of personal protective equipment as well as lack of appropriate training for construction workers. It was also concluded that the framework is applicable to all construction sites, covers all safety aspects, and has valid results.