Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model of the Main Factors of Fire and Explosion Accidents in Construction Projects

Abstract

Fires and explosions are not the most common cause of injury to construction sites; such accidents can have devastating effects on workers' health. Out of 302 cases reported to the Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) from 2010 to 2019, about 0.33% of Malaysia cases are fire and explosion. It is discovered that the cause of death is inadequate supervision and lack of safety training, and the trade worker affected is construction labour. This paper developed an AHP model for fire and explosion accidents' significant factors and determined their relative weights and priorities. Worker's unsafe actions have a maximum weight of 80.98% for the significant factors based on the proposed AHP model, followed by unsafe site conditions with 10.89% and management factors with 8.13%. Financial constraint carries the most weight with 20.22% for management factors, unsafe working and operating procedure, presence of combustibles on-site, presence of an electrical hazard, improper on-site storage for flammables, and improper on-site storage of explosives for blasting with 14.28% each carry the most weight for unsafe site conditions. Rushing to complete the job and use of faulty or unsafe electrical equipment or machinery carry the most weight, with 17.24 % each for workers’ unsafe actions.