Investigation of Occupational Accident Causes Using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) Method: A Case Study of the Shabashak Coal Mine

Abstract

Underground coal mining is associated with a high risk of occupational accidents due to the complex and dangerous working environment. This study investigates the factors affecting occupational accidents in the Shabashk coal mine using the Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to 28 engineers of the mine and after completion, the theories were fuzzy with weighting and later converted into probability rates; to identify the main risk factors. The results showed that the factors with probability rates were: insufficient specialized training (P = 0.00433), lack of lights relative to the number of workers (P = 0.00334), and lack of sufficient lighting in the workplace (P = 0.00232), which were considered as the most basic factors of occupational accidents. Factors with moderate probability include safety training (P = 0.00274), daily working hours (P = 0.00213), roof collapse control (P = 0.00213), ventilation system efficiency (P = 0.00142), and use of personal protective equipment (P = 0.00104). Factors with low probability that are of critical importance include: the condition of reinforcements, worker skills with machinery, installation of warning signs, and environmental controls; such as temperature, humidity, and airflow. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting specialized training and employee safety, improving lighting and ventilation systems, and the correct use of personal protective equipment, and can be used as practical foundations for developing work instructions with the lowest risk rate and a guide for making management decisions to improve safety in underground mines.