A Multi-parameter Occupational Safety Risk Assessment Model for Chemicals in the University Laboratories by an MCDM Sorting Method

Abstract

University laboratories are high-risk working environments where many chemicals coexist to conduct teaching and scientific research. The frequent occurrence of such chemical-related occupational accidents in recent times highlights the importance of ensuring these units’ safety in universities for researchers, students, workplaces, and institutions. In occupational safety risk assessment, very few studies have grouped risks. Many of them also ignored some important risk parameters. Overcoming these disadvantages, this study developed a multi-parameter and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) sorting-based methodology for the occupational safety risk assessment of chemicals in a university laboratory. First, six different risk parameters (probability, severity, exposure, detectability, worsening factor, sensitivity to non-usage of personal protective equipment) were determined. The weight value was calculated using the best–worst method (BWM). Then, a risk priority value and classification for each chemical with TOPSIS-Sort, the MCDM sorting method. Finally, some control measures are recommended to reduce the safety risk of the laboratory. The applicability of the proposed methodology has been tested with a real case study. The methodology is intended to adapt to university laboratories’ risk assessment and become a primary reference for university safety analysts.