Application of A Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Model for Accident Analysis Method Selecting in Oil Industry

Background: Selecting the appropriate method for analysis of accidents is an important phase in accident investigation, due to the varieties of factors affecting the selection process, varieties of accident analysis methods, and their specific strengths and weaknesses. Objectives: This study was carried out with aim of determining the important criteria that accident analysis methods should have and selecting the optimal method for analysis of accidents in the Iranian oil industry. Methods: The fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) technique was used to address the relative importance of the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria (pair-wise comparisons of criteria was carried out by oil industry safety expert) for selecting accident analysis methods. Fuzzy TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) were used for accident analysis methods prioritizing and ranking (methods was scored by occupational health post-graduate students). Results: Results indicated that the multiple levels cause identification capability and provides solution are the most and least important criteria in comparison with the other criteria for selecting accident analysis method, respectively. Based on the studied criteria, it was concluded that tripod beta (CCi = 0.303) can be used as an optimal method for accident analysis in oil industry. Conclusions: The present study found that Tripod beta has a greater ability to analyze oil industry accidents compared with the other methods under consideration. However, it has limitations, which can be addressed by other methods.