Modeling the factors affecting unsafe behaviors using the fuzzy best-worst method and fuzzy cognitive map

Abstract The prevention of Unsafe Behaviors (UBs) requires a deep understanding of their root causes and motivations. Therefore, the present study aimed at modeling the factors affecting UBs using the best-worst (FBWM) and Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) methods. The present study consisted of three parts: identifying the factors affecting UBs using content analysis, weighing the factors using the FBWM, and examining the relationships between the factors using the FCM. The first part of the study included semi-structured interviews with 40 workers and safety and health professionals, and the second and third parts were completed with an expert panel. Based on the results, the factors affecting UBs were classified into three categories, namely organizational, individual, and socio-economic factors. The results of weighing the factors showed that among the organizational factors (with a mean weight of 0.36), organizational safety culture was the most important factor. In addition, community safety culture among the socio-economic factors and personality traits among the individual factors were considered significant by the experts. The results of the FCM also showed that management’s attitude towards safety, internal monitoring, training, and organization’s tendency to UBs were the most centralized factors in the map. Overall, management’s attitude towards safety was one of the important factors affecting UBs. The centrality of this factor was high, as well. Hence, by changing the management’s attitude towards safety, the underlying factors of UBs could be controlled and guided for controlling such behaviors.