Determining training needs of welders in equipment manufacturing industry: A systematic approach using Delphi fuzzy method and FAHP for traditional and immersive trainings

Abstract

Background The metal equipment manufacturing industry is inherently high-risk, particularly in welding operations. Effective training is critical to ensure welders' safety and health. Systematic identification and prioritization of educational needs are essential for creating impactful training programs tailored to these high-risk environments.Objective This study aims to identify and prioritize essential training topics for welders using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to enhance safety, health, and productivity.Methods A total of 15 experts participated in this study, including 13 industry professionals (factory inspectors, engineers, and safety directors) and 2 academic experts (professors). Their professional backgrounds encompassed areas such as occupational health and safety, welding safety supervision, and HSE management. Their educational qualifications ranged from BSc to PhD. Expert opinions were collected in two phases. first, the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) was used to refine the training topics, and second, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was employed to prioritize them based on their relative importance.Results Of 18 proposed topics, 11 met the 0.7 retention threshold. The highest-ranked topics were Working at Height and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), both with a normalized weight of 0.149. Other key areas included Welding Safety in Confined Spaces (0.142) and Electrical Hazards in Welding (0.112). Expert agreement across rounds was strong, with final consensus variation under 0.2.Conclusions Effective health and safety training is essential for high-risk industries like welding. Accurate identification of training needs ensures that tailored educational content enhances employee safety and organizational productivity.