Uncertainty In Qualitative Risk Analysis And Rating Systems : Modeling Decision Making Determinants

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Ogaga Jonathan Tebehaevu (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: As workplace risk assessment is pivotal to ensure the safety and health of workers, adopting a reliable technique in performing this assessment cannot be overemphasized. The qualitative risk analysis is considered the most common technique of performing risk assessment, yet has received strong criticism as being influenced by subjectivity and lack of systematic process. The utility of risk matrices in scoring and obtaining risk rating has further complicated this technique and made it quite challenging for management to establish confidence in decision-making based on qualitative analysis. This study identified those subjective factors impairing the credibility of qualitative techniques and actually measured their impacts. By means of a simulated worksite scenario with identified hazards, Certified Safety Professionals, Engineers and Students were made to analyze, rate and make an overall decision on the scenario with a view to understanding the influence of those subjective predictors in the decision outcome. The goal was to determine what factors influence the decision making process and if Certified Safety professionals would be most influenced by these factors to produce a distinct outcome from the other groups. A comprehensive decision model was also used as a holistic approach to model the decision outcome of these predictors. The predictor factors were statistically significant though, but the results presented further systematic characteristics in the risk analysis and ratings among the three groups.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

Occupational safety;Systems science;Qualitative risk analysis;Risk matrix;Uncertainty

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