**5. A knowledge based system to professional risk assessment in SMEs**

A knowledge-based system (KBS) is the one that captures the expertise of individuals within a particular field and incorporates it and makes it available within a computerized application (Lovett, 2000).

The KBSs help enterprise to diagnose processes in real time, schedule operation, troubleshoots equipment, maintain machinery and design service and production facilities. With the implementation of a KBS in the industrial environments, companies are finding that the real-world problems are best solved by an integrated strategy involving the management of personnel, software and hardware systems.

At PREMINV Research Center, University "POLITEHNICA" of Bucharest, have been implemented some of the KBS modules for risk assessment in various professional fields, system able to provide at the SMEs level the original KM framework (proposed in figure 9) implementation. A first KBS module is focused on professional risk assessment for an *Auto Service Company*.

To identify hazards at the workplace was prepared a General Hazard Checklist (see Table 1). This list can be extended according to specific facilities. Note that, correct identification of hazards involves active involvement of all employees in the process of gathering information.

For each YES answer in the general list is given 0 points and for each answer NO is given 1 point. Depending on the total score obtained and taking into account the probability and severity of consequences risk arising from hazards are evaluated – it may be small, medium or high.

Using expert systems generator VP-Expert (was used the expert system generator - VP-Expert version 2.1, by Brian Sawyer, Educational Version, distributed by Paperback Software International) and based on General Hazard Checklist was built the knowledge base *AUTOSER.KBS* (see figure 13)*.* 

The knowledge base rules are following: rules for awarding points variables, rules for calculation of the partial scores and total score and rules for assessment of probability and severity of consequences, and risk arising from hazards in accordance with the total score

**5. A knowledge based system to professional risk assessment in SMEs** 

A knowledge-based system (KBS) is the one that captures the expertise of individuals within a particular field and incorporates it and makes it available within a computerized

The KBSs help enterprise to diagnose processes in real time, schedule operation, troubleshoots equipment, maintain machinery and design service and production facilities. With the implementation of a KBS in the industrial environments, companies are finding that the real-world problems are best solved by an integrated strategy involving the

At PREMINV Research Center, University "POLITEHNICA" of Bucharest, have been implemented some of the KBS modules for risk assessment in various professional fields, system able to provide at the SMEs level the original KM framework (proposed in figure 9) implementation. A first KBS module is focused on professional risk assessment for an *Auto* 

To identify hazards at the workplace was prepared a General Hazard Checklist (see Table 1). This list can be extended according to specific facilities. Note that, correct identification of hazards involves active involvement of all employees in the process of gathering

For each YES answer in the general list is given 0 points and for each answer NO is given 1 point. Depending on the total score obtained and taking into account the probability and severity of consequences risk arising from hazards are evaluated – it may be small, medium

Using expert systems generator VP-Expert (was used the expert system generator - VP-Expert version 2.1, by Brian Sawyer, Educational Version, distributed by Paperback Software International) and based on General Hazard Checklist was built the knowledge

The knowledge base rules are following: rules for awarding points variables, rules for calculation of the partial scores and total score and rules for assessment of probability and severity of consequences, and risk arising from hazards in accordance with the total score

Fig. 12. The professional risk assessment (PRA) steps

management of personnel, software and hardware systems.

application (Lovett, 2000).

*Service Company*.

information.

base *AUTOSER.KBS* (see figure 13)*.* 

or high.

obtained. To achieve the KBS professional assessment of risk was used the method of representation of knowledge production rules.


Table 1. The Hazard Checklist

In the *AUTOSER.KBS* knowledge base (KB) there are *if-then* structure rules (excluding the rules for inference engine operations), such as:

A Knowledge Management Framework as Knowledge Bases

as small).

Development Support to Professional Risk Assessment in SMEs 133

to reduce or necessary to ensure that it will remain at the same level (in case of risk assessed

Fig. 13. The *AUTOSER.KBS* knowledge base interrogation and show results

Covering the steps into the inspection pit with non-slipping material.

Never stepping into a closed inspection pit in a service station.

necesary to take preventive measures (EASHW, 2007a), such as:

Cleaning thoroughly after grinding, painting, etc.

Wearing protective non-slipping shoes.

Never stepping under raised vehicles.

Measures of prevention and protection to be implemented in the organization are to eliminate or reduce to a minimum the danger by organizational measures, or use of collective protection equipment suitable for individual protection. To reduce the risk it is

#### **RULE 0-0**


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++";

#### ... ... ... ... ... **RULE 14-0**


After querying the knowledge base will be displayed to evaluate the outcome of risk assessment conclusion and explanations on the likelihood and severity of injury in terms of consequences (see figure 13).

We considered the risk level depending on probability and severity of consequences as follows: *small risk*, *medium risk* and *high risk* and high risk are unacceptable and small and medium risks are acceptable (see figure 14).

In general, if the risk is assessed as unacceptable (height) reduction actions must be taken immediately. If risk is assessed as acceptable (average) is recommended plan of action

oil<>? AND inspit<>? AND shoes<>? AND

EXPLANATIONS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Probable = may materialize only a few times during the occupational career of an employee. Moderately harmful = accidents and illnesses not causing prolonged distress (such as small

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++";

After querying the knowledge base will be displayed to evaluate the outcome of risk assessment conclusion and explanations on the likelihood and severity of injury in terms of

We considered the risk level depending on probability and severity of consequences as follows: *small risk*, *medium risk* and *high risk* and high risk are unacceptable and small and

In general, if the risk is assessed as unacceptable (height) reduction actions must be taken immediately. If risk is assessed as acceptable (average) is recommended plan of action

Conclusion = it is necessary to ensure that it will remain at the same level.

IF surfaces<>? AND clean<>? AND surfpaint<>? AND

 lighting<>? AND ventilation<>? THEN FIND rp1 FIND rp2 FIND rp3 FIND rp4 FIND rp5 FIND rp6

r1=(rp1+rp2+rp3+rp4+rp5+rp6+rp7+rp8);

conseq=MODERATELY\_HARMFUL

FIND rp7 FIND rp8

**RULE 0-0** 

... ... ... ... ...

**RULE 6-1** 

CLS DISPLAY"

IF risk>18 AND risk<=20

THEN prob=PROBABLE

Small Risk = acceptable.

... ... ... ... ... **RULE 14-0** 

**RULE 14-1** 

**RULE 15-0** 

**RULE 15-1** 

riskprof=SMALL

nicks, eye irritations, headaches, etc.).

IF inspit=YES THEN rp5=0;

IF inspit=NO THEN rp5=1;

IF shoes=YES THEN rp6=0;

IF shoes=NO THEN rp6=1;

medium risks are acceptable (see figure 14).

consequences (see figure 13).

to reduce or necessary to ensure that it will remain at the same level (in case of risk assessed as small).

Fig. 13. The *AUTOSER.KBS* knowledge base interrogation and show results

Measures of prevention and protection to be implemented in the organization are to eliminate or reduce to a minimum the danger by organizational measures, or use of collective protection equipment suitable for individual protection. To reduce the risk it is necesary to take preventive measures (EASHW, 2007a), such as:


A Knowledge Management Framework as Knowledge Bases

competitiveness and enterprise productivity.

**7. References** 

evaluate eventually other SMEs activities who involve risks.

Development Support to Professional Risk Assessment in SMEs 135

the majority of annual report of Top 15 BSE (Bucharest Stock Exchange) Romanian listed companies 60 % are in an incipient stage of implementation, only 40 % of this Top 15 companies have already defined their objectives regarding risk management or already have an integrated system of risk management (Blidisel et al., 2008). According to legislation in safety and health, all employers should periodically assess the occupational risks. The main goal of the occupational risk assessment is to protect workers, helping to maintain

This work realized at the UPB - PREMINV Research Centre, in University "Politehnica" of Bucharest, is focusing on a university – small and medium-sized enterprise partnership. The validation of this methodology by a case study in the PROGPROC project (CNMP 11014/2007 – between 2007-2010) is to create a support system for resources planning and programming activities according to manufacturing processes management in virtual organizations. The future work in this area includes building other knowledge bases to

Blidisel, R.; Popa, A. & Farcane, N. (2008). Disclosure Level of Risk Management

Bolloju, N.; Khalifa, M. & Turban, E. (2002). Integrating knowledge management into

Botezatu, C.; Botezatu, C.P. & Carutasu, G. (2008). Conformity Issues for Health and Safety

Dragoi, G.; Cotet, C.; Rosu, L. & Rosu, S.M. (2007). Internet/Intranet/Extranet-Based

4020-6760-0 (HB), ISBN 978-1-4020-6761-7 (e-book), Dordrecht, Netherlands Dragoi, G.; Draghici, A.; Rosu, S.M.; Radovici, A. & Cotet, C.E. (2010). Professional Risk

Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, ISSN 978-972-669-929-6, Germany Desouza, K.C. & Awazu, Y. (2006). Knowledge management at SMEs: five peculiarities. *Journal of Knowledge Management*, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 32-43, ISSN 1367-3270

EASHW (2007b). *The Business Benefits of Good Occupational Safety and Health*, Fact sheet 77,

EASHW (2007a). *Risk Assessment Essentials*, printed in Nurnberg, Germany

Fink, K. (2000). *Know-how Management*, Oldenbourg Verlag, Munchen/Wien

printed in Belgium

DAAAM International, ISBN 978-3-901509-68-1, Vienna, Austria

DAAAM International, ISBN 978-3-901509-68-1, Vienna, Austria

*Systems*, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 163-176, ISSN 0167-9236

Information: the Case of Romanian Companies. In: *Annals of DAAAM for 2008 & Proceedings of the 19th International DAAAM Symposium*, B. Katalinic (Ed.), 115-116,

enterprise environments for the next generation decision support. *Decision Support* 

at Work – Part of Integrated Management Systems. In: *Annals of DAAAM for 2008 & Proceedings of the 19th International DAAAM Symposium*, B. Katalinic (Ed.), 151-152,

Systems in the CESICED Platform for Virtual Product Development Environment. In: *Advances in Integrated Design and Manufacturing in Mechanical Engineering II*, Tichkiewitch, S., Tollenaere, M. & Ray, P. (Eds.), 293-307, Springer, ISBN 978-1-

Assessment Using Virtual Enterprise Network Support for Knowledge Bases Development. In: *Enterprise Information Systems, Communications in Computer and Information Science*, Vol. 110, No. 3, J.E. Quintela Varajao et al. (Eds.), 168-177,


Fig. 14. The risk evaluation based on *probability* and *severity of consequence* 


It indicated a reassessment of activity sector after the implementation of these measures and to compare this result with that obtained at first evaluation in order to verify the effectiveness of measures for prevention and protection implemented.
