Explaining safety challenges and their relationships using a qualitative-fuzzy DEMATEL approach: A surface mine case study

Safety in surface mining operations is a major organizational management challenge due to the inherently hazardous nature of mining activities. This study aimed to explain safety challenges and identify their interrelationships through a combined qualitative-fuzzy DEMATEL approach in a surface mine in Yazd Province, Iran. The research was carried out in two sequential phases: first, key safety challenges were identified through qualitative interviews with employees, supervisors, and safety experts; then, the relationships among these challenges were analyzed and prioritized using the fuzzy DEMATEL technique. The main challenges identified included insufficient specialized training, inadequate safety equipment, weak organizational safety culture, and reliance on outdated machinery. The results revealed clear differences in the perception of safety challenges among the three groups, and showed that strengthening training programs and improving safety culture could mitigate other issues, such as human error and unsuitable machinery. By integrating qualitative exploration with fuzzy DEMATEL analysis, this study provides a novel framework for capturing diverse perspectives and quantifying their interactions, thereby offering more precise strategies for enhancing workplace safety in mining operations.