Using Multi-criteria decision analysis to select the most effective best practices for loading flatbed semi-trailers

Abstract

Falls are major cause of fatal indoor accidents in many countries and preventions of fall-related aftereffects are also urgent issue [1]. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, fall from elevations caused 14% of fatal work injuries that occurred at United States in 2010 [2]. 12% of these fall injuries are dedicated to fall from non-moving vehicles. Loading trailers are daunting and time consuming task that requires precision with heavy duty lifting equipment. It is easy for employees in these situations to cut corners and put themselves in situations where their safety is jeopardized. This paper focuses on applying decision analysis techniques to a situation where numerous fall protection alternatives are available and it is unclear which system would be the most effective for a specific situation. We have an approach for flatbed semi-trailers that integrates MCDA and AHP to determine the optimal best practice for loading. This paper follows that given format of Section 1 presents the introduction, Section 2 provides relative definitions and background with respect to the paper, Section 3 describes the details of the problem statement and hypothesis for this paper, Section 4 presents the approach and data collection technique, Section 5 presents data and results concerning the functionality of the approach and Section 6 discusses the conclusions.