Evaluating Critical Safety and Health Risks by Job Safety Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process in Industrial Printing

Critical risks are one of the most important problems in industries, which have high costs for the industry. This study aimed to assess critical safety and health risks through job safety analysis and analytic hierarchy process in industrial printing.

The present study was conducted as a descriptive and analytical in one of the printing industries in Iran, in 2020. Critical risks were collected by visiting and observing the job safety analysis checklist. Then, critical risk prioritization was performed by an analytic hierarchy process using Expert Choice software, version 11.

A total of 23 hazards were identified. Mechanical hazards (61%) and chemical hazards (9%) had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. The identified safety and health hazards included musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the upper and lower back, respiratory and skin exposure to chemicals, the risk of electric shock, and mechanical hazards (hand entrapment, hand amputation, and falling objects).

The highest priority of critical risk was related to MSDs of the upper and lower back. The next priority of critical risk was related to chemical agents, respiratory exposure to organic solvents, and dermal exposure to organic solvents.