Analysis of risk factors affecting occupational health and safety in textilefirms in the framework of sustainability

Abstract

Determining risk factors affecting occupational health and safety is crucial for textile firms today. Identifying these risks helps firms assess their current situation and take stronger steps toward the future. In this study, the DEMATEL method was used to calculate the interactions and weighting of risk factors based on expert opinions, enabling a realistic and applicable occupational health and safety management approach. The analysis revealed that management perceptions, education, and employee expectations have the greatest impact on other criteria, while chemical factors are the most influenced by them. The criteria that do not significantly affect any of the criteria are employee psychology, biological factors, and technology. Implementing occupational health and safety practices while considering these factors will lead to more effective and efficient outcomes. Textile firms must prioritise such analyses and recognise their role in enhancing overall efficiency. Furthermore, firms that successfully foster an occupational health and safety culture will be better positioned to achieve their sustainability goals. By integrating these practices into their operational strategies, textile firms can create a safer and healthier environment for employees, ensure production continuity, and contribute to long-term growth and stability. Ultimately, understanding risk factors is key to aligning occupational health and safety with broader sustainability objectives, benefiting both firms and their stakeholders.