Evaluation of the impacts of challenging factors on underground colliery occupational hazards in Iran using fuzzy cause and effect interaction

The occupational and health hazards associated with working in coal mines are known as the main concerns despite the high importance of coal production in the economic development of countries. Irreparable damages to personal and financial losses can be avoided if the effective factors result in the occupational risks of underground coal mines are identified. In this research, these factors were initially identified in the case of underground coal mines in Iran. Then, the direct and interaction effects of the identified factors were evaluated and determined using fuzzy cognitive map approach that is based on the analysis of the cause and effect interaction between the identified effective factors. Results indicated that dust concentration, individual negligence and mistakes, inappropriate and inadequate ventilation, errors in design, planning, and execution, and the volume and concentration of methane gas are respectively determined the important factors caused the occupational hazards in the underground coal mines of Iran. The statistical study of the accidents occurred in Iran's underground coal mines, especially recent events, confirms the results of this research.