Evaluating the risk of operational safety for dangerous goods in airfreights - A revised risk matrix based on fuzzy AHP

The purpose of this study is to assess the risk of operational safety for dangerous goods in airfreights. Based on the relevant literature, the risk factors (RFs) of operational safety were first investigated. A revised risk matrix based on fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) was then proposed to assess the risks of those RFs' in operational safety. Finally, to validate the model, the airfreight operations of dangerous goods in Taiwan were empirically investigated. The results indicate the RFs with higher risk in shipper's operations are inaccurate declaration, insufficient knowledge and insufficient packaging. For the results, theoretical and managerial implications are further discussed. The results can provide practical information for airfreight operators to improve the performance of safety management. Further, the revised risk matrix can provide methodological reference for risk assessment research. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.