Application of AHP and ELECTRE I decision-making methods to solve a health and safety problem

Abstract

To select a solution for a health and safety problem affecting the workers of a waste treatment facility in a cleaning operation, multicriteria decision methods have been used, namely, AHP - Analytical Hierarchical Process, and ELECTRE I - Élimination et Choice Traduisant la Réalité. These two methods have been used to validate and find an appropriate solution for a health and safety problem while cleaning a section separating two waste disposal tanks. Four possible solutions have been advanced and compared using a set of criteria organized into categories. The results of the assessment methods led us to the same conclusion, reinforcing the solution to be implemented to ensure the workers’ health and safety. The paper provides details on how to apply the ELECTRE I method, with the perspective that its implementation and exemplification, will make it a more disseminated method to support decision-making processes, in settings where the stakeholders’ participation is very important, such as, in situations where health and safety issues must be addressed.