Expert systems as a tool to manage accident risks in grain storage facilities

Abstract

Caring for workers’ welfare and health is an Engineering basic principle, which comprises scientific studies and aims to achieve a positive result in the end of the processes. Using Grain Processing and Storage Units is advantageous since they permit storing products for long periods. On the other hand, these places offer risks to workers. Currently there are a great number of researches which use expert systems in order to assist decision-makings. Fuzzy Logic is one of the most used, since it presents easy handling and results interpretation. Thus, this study aimed to use Fuzzy Logic in the Occupational Safety Engineering in order to elaborate a mathematical model which represents the accident risk levels in Grain Processing and Storage Units and that could be used as a tool to assist decision-makings. The possibility of accidents; exposure to risk; and workers’ experience were considered the input variable. The simulation answer was the risk of occurring occupational accident. In conclusion, it was possible to say that Fuzzy Logic was so efficient as an Engineering tool to represent accident risks. Regulation Norms’ (NR) accomplishment and “Workers’ Experience” can impact on the “Risk of Accident” in Grain Processing and Storage Units.

Keywords

• fuzzy logic. nr. occupational safety.