Ethics code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.184
University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science , moh.sadeghi@uswr.ac.ir
Abstract: (144 Views)
Background and Aims: Occupational accidents in complex industries present significant challenges, and traditional analysis techniques have limitations, including insufficient emphasis on systematic deviations, human-organizational factors, and interdependencies. The primary objective was to evaluate novel Industrial Root-cause Analysis & Judgment (IRAJ) technique using the ANP–VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making method and to compare it with conventional techniques.
Method: The IRAJ technique was developed by integrating Change-Based Analysis with the 6M framework through six main steps. Evaluation criteria—including systematic nature, analysis depth, speed, neutrality, support for corrective actions, organizational learning, and industrial applicability—were derived from a comprehensive literature review. The expert panel comprised 10 HSE specialists. Criteria weights were determined using ANP (considering interdependencies), and the techniques were ranked using VIKOR.
Results: The IRAJ technique ranked first with a score of 0.34 (FAM: 0.26, Tripod-β: 0.22, SCAT: 0.18, CBA: 0.16, ECFC: 0.14, RCAT: 0.10). Compared to the reference methods, the depth of analysis increased by 28%, coverage of human-organizational factors improved by 31%, support for corrective actions rose by 35%, and reliance on analyst judgment decreased by 29%. Furthermore, the most frequent root causes were identified in management (28%) and method (24%).
Conclusion: The IRAJ technique provides a structured, change-oriented approach that enhances the comprehensiveness and accuracy of accident analysis. Furthermore, the findings indicate that applying the ANP–VIKOR method offers a scientific and standardized framework for evaluating and ranking accident analysis techniques, ensuring that critical criteria are assessed simultaneously and that decision-making is conducted quantitatively and transparently.
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Funding: None.
Method: The IRAJ technique was developed by integrating Change-Based Analysis with the 6M framework through six main steps. Evaluation criteria—including systematic nature, analysis depth, speed, neutrality, support for corrective actions, organizational learning, and industrial applicability—were derived from a comprehensive literature review. The expert panel comprised 10 HSE specialists. Criteria weights were determined using ANP (considering interdependencies), and the techniques were ranked using VIKOR.
Results: The IRAJ technique ranked first with a score of 0.34 (FAM: 0.26, Tripod-β: 0.22, SCAT: 0.18, CBA: 0.16, ECFC: 0.14, RCAT: 0.10). Compared to the reference methods, the depth of analysis increased by 28%, coverage of human-organizational factors improved by 31%, support for corrective actions rose by 35%, and reliance on analyst judgment decreased by 29%. Furthermore, the most frequent root causes were identified in management (28%) and method (24%).
Conclusion: The IRAJ technique provides a structured, change-oriented approach that enhances the comprehensiveness and accuracy of accident analysis. Furthermore, the findings indicate that applying the ANP–VIKOR method offers a scientific and standardized framework for evaluating and ranking accident analysis techniques, ensuring that critical criteria are assessed simultaneously and that decision-making is conducted quantitatively and transparently.
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Funding: None.
Keywords: Occupational accidents, IRAJ technique, root cause analysis, accident analysis, occupational safety.
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