Evaluation of Safety Risks in Construction Using Fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FFMEA)

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous environments within which to work. 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) is 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 was the most significant risk for both types of project. Moreover, the factors intensifying the risk of injury from workers falling were found to be ignoring safety and lack of personal protective equipment as well as a 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 its results are valid.