Analyzing occupational risks of pharmaceutical industry under uncertainty using a Bow-Tie analysis

Abstract

Risk analysis is a systematic and widespread methodology to analyze and evaluaterisks which are exposed in many working areas. One of the Quantitative RiskAnalysis (QRA) methods for risk assessment is Bow-Tie analysis which combinesfeatures of fault-tree analysis and event-tree analysis to identify the top event; itscauses and consequences (outcomes); and possible preventive and protectivecontrol measures or barriers. This study proposes an occupational risk assessmentapproach, which is known as Fuzzy Bow-Tie analysis, for pharmaceutical industryprocesses and work units. The aim is to evaluate critical risks and riskypharmaceutical work units and take safety precautions against accidents whichcaused by risky conditions. Thus, this methodology combines the concept ofuncertainty which comes from different (Decision Maker) DM’s evaluations andthe whole performance of the Bow-Tie analysis for hazard identification and riskassessment. To apply and validate the proposed method, a case study is performedfor pharmaceutical industry processes and work units. Based on the computed riskscore, which is calculated by multiplying probability ranking and impact rankingof criterion, the risks are prioritized and some measures are suggested formanagement to prevent accidents occur in the industry.