Analysis of Factors Affecting Safety Performance in Iranian Power Distribution Companies - Hybrid Approach of DEMATEL and ISM

Workplace safety and protecting human resources and other resources is an important concern in the industry. Workplace accidents leads to damages to employeesand affect business operations for a variety of reasons, including absenteeism, loss of productivity, and increased production costs.One of the most dangerous industries in the world is the electric power industry, and electric power has been identified as the fifth factor in terms of work accidents.The purpose of this study is to identify and classify the factors affecting safety in power distribution companies and determine the relationship between them.

Based on previous studies, 14 indicators affecting safety were identified in three dimensions: organizational, technical and human. Using the questionnaire, the rational relationship between the indicators is quantified and then by combining DEMATEL and ISM, the influencing degree, influenced degree, centrality and causality between the indicators calculated. In order to systematically analyze the relationship between the indicators, a hierarchical model was drawn using ISM method; and based on the power of influence and dependence of indicators, MICMAC diagram was drawn. According to the resultant model, relationship between indicators were analyzed systematically.

Top management commitment and safety standards, rules and regulations indicators have the most power to influence other indicators and have a causal role; risk identification and control, contractor and supplier management, incident analysis, safety audit, Personal protective equipment, control and supervision, health and first aid, emergency response, safety training, communication, understanding the needs and expectations of employees and other stakeholders, and developing a safety culture are effective indicators.

This paper in addition to introduction of theoretical basisfor safety influencing indicators in power distribution companies and investigating their relationships, has proposed practical suggestions to prevent accidents and improve safety in power distribution companies.