An Integrated Neutrosophic Group BWM-FMEA Approach for OHS Risk Assessment in Sustainable Construction Projects

Abstract

The expansion of the sustainable development concept in construction projects, coupled with the construction industry's high rates of safety accidents and job losses, underscores the critical need for effective Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risk assessment in sustainable construction projects (SCPs). Poor safety performance, resulting from the lack of efficient and accurate risk assessment mechanisms, can reduce employee productivity and increase project cost and duration. Existing studies often overlook the integration of sustainability and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) dimensions with quantitative risk assessment under expert uncertainty. To address this gap, this research develops a hybrid Neutrosophic Group Best-Worst Method and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (NG-BWM–NG-FMEA), incorporating expert weighting to quantify and prioritize OHS risks in Iran's SCPs. Thirteen experts participated via a focus group discussion. Key findings indicate that the top-ranked risks are: (1) insufficient employee safety skills due to inadequate training, (2) hazards from flawed design and site layout, and (3) occupational injuries and illnesses. The study proposes both reactive and preventive strategies to mitigate these and other prominent risks.