Use of the analytic hierarchy process for complex assessment of the work environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to outline possibilities for the use of multiple-criteria decision making methods for complex assessment of the work environment. We focused on quantitative pairwise comparison of criteria, taking basic input parameters from a model of complex risk assessment used in selected forestry activities. The model is based on quantification of risk factors (noise, temperature, vibrations and mental stress), which have the most important effect on health and well-being of forest machines operators. Operators are simultaneously influenced by aforementioned risk factors and mutual interaction of all these risk factors was assessed. Proceeding from taken measurements and following experimental assessment it is possible to state that the result of complex assessment by multiple-criteria method influences significantly the determination of weight coefficient of importance. Higher value of weight coefficient means that certain risk factors have a bigger influence on the result and vice versa, risk factors with a lower value of weight coefficient affect the result less. For this reason it is necessary to approach conscientiously and responsibly the assessment of individual pairs of risk factors in Saaty’s matrix.