A Comprehensive Risk Assessment Method For Shopping Malls

Shopping malls are structures that pose multidimensional risks in terms of occupational health and safety due to the high density of visitors and the simultaneous execution of many different activities. In this study, a two-step, integrated risk assessment method was developed for shopping malls and applied in a shopping mall located within the borders of Istanbul, serving approximately 50,000 visitors daily. In the first step of the proposed method, a total of 153 requirements were analyzed using a checklist-based pre-assessment approach. As a result of this evaluation, 121 requirements were classified as "yes", 4 requirements as "no" and 29 requirements as "not suitable/incomplete". In the second step, detailed risk analysis was carried out with the FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) method only for 33 requirements determined as "no" and "not suitable/missing".Thanks to the proposed two-step approach, the risk assessment process was completed with approximately 79% fewer analysis steps compared to the detailed analysis of all requirements. This method reduces time and labor loss, allowing risks to be managed more effectively and preventive measures to be developed faster. Keywords: Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Shopping Malls, Checklist, FMEA