Evaluation of precautionary measures for COVID-19 in a work environment with multi-criteria decision analysis

Martins, Douglas Rangel Lucas Vianna Marcilene Vianna Dalessandro

Background In December 2019 in China, the COVID-19 pandemic process began. From this milestone, it is clear the relevance of the analysis of control and prevention measures used to combat this disease in a work environment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the main precautionary measures in COVID-19 administrative services, using three techniques of multi-criteria decision making. Methods This study was conducted in four stages. In the first stage, there was the characterization of an administrative services company as an analytical model. In the second stage, some prevention measures were defined as choices and their evaluation criteria. The alternatives were: use of masks;use of gel alcohol;handwashing;hygiene of workstations and bathrooms;use of individual utensils;physical-social distance;and education (training on prevention). The criteria were: reduction of the probability of transmission by contact;practicality of behavioral adaptation;and monthly cost. In the third stage, a decision matrix was constructed relating the selected choices and criteria. In the fourth stage there was the application of the techniques PROMETHEE I, PROMETHEE II and ELECTRE III to prioritize the selected prevention measures. Results After the comparative analysis of the results of the applied techniques, it was possible to strongly advise four of the seven measures chosen: use of masks;use of gel alcohol;physical-social distance and education. Conclusions The methodology used in this study can support decision-making with the selection of more efficient actions in the preservation of the health and work capacity of workers, and in the optimization of corporate financial resources.