Multi-method assessment of forest fire and production risks in the production areas of a forest management directorate in Artvin: Comparison of l-type, fne-kynney and fmea methods

This study was conducted to evaluate occupational health and safety (OHS) risks in forest products production processes and to determine the effectiveness of comparative risk analysis methods. In the study, the education, production, cutting, transportation, storage, and fire stages of wood raw material production (WRMP) activities were examined by taking into account physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors, and a total of 127 risk factors were identified. These risk factors were evaluated using the Fine-Kinney, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and L-Type (5x5) Matrix methods. The study was carried out with an expert team of 5 people consisting of 1 forest engineer, 1 forest guard, 2 workers, and 1 OHS specialist working in a forestry institution. Hazards were determined through literature review, field observations, and worker-employer interviews, and risk analysis data for each method were collected based on classification criteria. As a result, the results of three different risk analysis methods were compared, and the factors with the highest risk values that require immediate action were evaluated. The study revealed that there are serious OHS risks in the forestry sector. 107 risk factors were identified in the Fine-Kinney method, 66 in the L-type matrix method, and 123 in the FMEA method as high-risk groups requiring immediate action. In addition, new analysis data was collected through group work and it was determined that 111 risk factors in Fine-Kinney method, 43 risk factors in L-type matrix method and 126 risk factors in FMEA method are in high risk group and require urgent measures. While the L-Type Matrix and FMEA methods showed similar results, the Fine-Kinney method produced higher risk values. The study also highlighted that forest work areas are dangerous due to their natural structure, and that employees need to be supported by the active use of personal protective equipment and continuous training. Considering the realities of forestry in our country, it has been recommended that legal regulations in the field of OHS be updated, job descriptions of forest workers be clarified, risks be constantly monitored, and OHS experts be assigned. It is evaluated that this study will provide infrastructure for risk assessment processes, OHS practices, and emergency action plan preparations of forestry institutions. The findings will contribute to the creation of a safer and more sustainable working environment in the forestry sector.