Evaluation of physical risk factors by fuzzy failure mode and effects analysis: an apparel mill example.

Abstract

This study investigates the evaluation of risks faced by employees in a selected large-scale apparel mill using a risk assessment method with a fuzzy logic approach. The study found that risk assessment in the apparel industry is more accurate and reliable when using a fuzzy logic approach. Measurements were taken in three different time periods for noise, vibration, thermal comfort and lighting, which are physical risk factors. To evaluate the identified failure modes, the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method was first applied. Then, for the same failure modes, the fuzzy FMEA method was applied using Fuzzy Logic Designer, an add-on to MATLAB. The study concludes that the fuzzy FMEA method can be a more useful method for risk assessment in the apparel industry.