A CURRENT OVERVIEW OF MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING METHODS USED IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Abstract

The prevention of hazards in the workplace, along with measures and practices concerning the health and safety of employees are determined by national and international norms, directives and laws. In every small or large-scale workplace, hazards must be identified. Each industry is characterised by a different risk factor. The NACE codes, specific to each line of business, show which hazard group the sector of operation belongs to. For enterprises with a very dangerous risk group, the hazard type and the effects in case of an accident are quite different from those with the less dangerous risk group. Therefore, the risk analyses prepared are specific to each line of business and each workplace. Protection methods are determined according to the identified risks. When determining protection methods, there is a ranking from general to specific; that is, from environmental protection to personal protection. It is necessary to make important decisions at almost every step of these applications. Considering the fact that success is achieved through correct decisions, the importance of Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods manifests itself. Multicriteria or multi-attribute decision-making methods contribute to the elimination of risks thanks to mathematical rankings by using heuristic, verbal algorithms. MCDM methods in the field of occupational health and safety(OHS) are generally related to the ranking of hazards and risks. Decision-making processes basically consist of defining the problem, establishing criteria, evaluating alternatives, and determining the best alternative. Therefore, these methods differ according to the nature of the purpose and problem, and the relationship between alternatives. In fact, choosing the right decision-making method according to the problem is one of the most important decisionmaking problems. Today, AI technologies and AI algorithms are based on mathematical models. The industrial revolutions (3.0, 4.0, 5.0) owe their progress to these mathematical models. Risk analyses, especially those conducted in the field of OHS, aim to increase productivity by reducing work and workforce loss. With reference to the current literature, this study aims to examine the MCDM methods used in the field of OHS, and why those methods are chosen (in which sectors, for what purposes, according to what criteria); and examines the studies carried out according to MCDM methods based on the sector and weighting criteria. MCDM methods, which have just begun to be used in the field of OHS, are quite numerous and vary according to the case, sector, and priorities. This study aims to constitute a guide in using the desired decision-making method.