Hazard function deployment: a QFD-based tool for the assessment of working tasks - a practical study in the construction industry

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2020 Jun;26(2):348-369. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2018.1483100. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Abstract

Despite the efforts made, the number of accidents has not significantly decreased in the construction industry. The main reasons can be found in the peculiarities of working activities in this sector, where hazard analysis and safety management are more difficult than in other industries. To deal with these problems, a comprehensive approach for hazard analysis is needed, focusing on the activities in which a working task is articulated since they are characterized by different types of hazards and thus risk levels. The study proposes a methodology that integrates quality function deployment (QFD) and analytic network process methods to correlate working activities, hazardous events and possible consequences. This provides more effective decision-making, while reducing the ambiguity of the qualitative assessment criteria. The results achieved can augment knowledge on the usability of QFD in safety research, providing a basis for its application for further studies.

Keywords: analytic network process; construction industry; hazards prioritization; occupational health and safety; quality function deployment; risk assessment; safety management.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational / prevention & control*
  • Construction Industry / organization & administration*
  • Construction Industry / standards
  • Decision Making
  • Environment
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Occupational Health
  • Risk Assessment
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*
  • Safety Management / standards
  • Workplace / standards