A decision-support system based on Pythagorean fuzzy VIKOR for occupational risk assessment of a natural gas pipeline construction

Natural gas pipeline construction projects are major projects between countries that include onshore and offshore sections. Aim of these projects is to supply the natural gas from one place to another. Safety of workplace, environment and employers is also another important argument. In this respect, it is essential to conduct an occupational risk assessment (ORA) study to eliminate the risks that may arise around the pipeline. Application of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods for the ORA has shown great increase recently. Also, developing a decision support system (DSS) which is easy to use and capable of extracting results enables decision makers to assess health and safety risks. Therefore, (i) A DSS based on Pythagorean fuzzy VIKOR (PFVIKOR) in ORA literature is developed for the first time; (ii) A case study is employed to risk assessment for trenchless crossings installation by auger boring process of the pipeline project; (iii) A sensitivity analysis is performed in the results of PFVIKOR-based DSS; and (iv) Two additional risk parameters called sensitivity to PPE non-utilization and undetectability are considered in ORA process apart from the classical risk assessment parameters of severity and probability. Developing such a DSS and applying it for risk assessment in a natural gas pipeline construction will contribute stakeholders in the energy industry.