A Decision Support Approach for Safety Risk Analysis and Management in Large-Scale Shield Cutter Head Hoisting Operations

In the construction industry, hoisting a shield cutter head is a complex task due to the large scale of equipment and the challenging construction environments. These operations carry significant safety risks, making the implementation of effective risk management strategies essential to prevent potential failures and accidents. Accordingly, this study introduces a decision support approach (DSA) aimed at identifying and managing risks associated with shield cutter head hoisting operations. The approach adopts a multicriteria decision-making framework structured into two analytical phases: Phase I leverages the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to conduct pairwise comparisons among criteria and risk factors, whereas Phase II assesses the relative importance of the risk factors. A case study is used to illustrate the application of DSA, demonstrating its capacity to improve safety management practices in shield cutter head hoisting operations. The analysis highlights the critical risk factors affecting operations in complex construction environments. This study advances construction safety analysis and management theory by introducing a structured methodology for addressing the intricate risks associated with large-scale shield cutter head hoisting operations. Additionally, it offers practical guidance to industry professionals, supporting the implementation of safer management practices.