Cost-effectiveness analysis remains underexplored in coal mine accident prevention, despite its crucial role in optimizing safety resource allocation. Traditional studies have primarily focused on hazard identification and causal analysis, often overlooking the feasibility of risk mitigation strategies. To address this gap, this study integrates network analysis with cost-effectiveness evaluation to develop a systematic approach for prioritizing accident prevention strategies. First, hazard networks are constructed for gas explosions and roof collapses to capture hazard interdependencies, moving beyond linear risk chains by introducing the concepts of active and passive hazard roles within complex systems. Next, critical hazards and key transmission pathways are identified, forming the basis for risk intervention. Based on the network structure, three prevention strategies, including risk point control, risk chain control, and risk-blocking, are proposed and compared in terms of their effectiveness in reducing hazard connectivity and their associated costs. Our findings reveal significant differences in cost-effectiveness across accident types: risk chain control proves most effective for gas explosions, while risk-blocking is optimal for roof collapses due to its capacity to manage high-cost hazards. By linking hazard network topology with economic evaluation, this study advances risk analysis methodologies and offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders. The proposed framework enhances coal mine safety decision-making and holds potential for application in other high-risk industries.
Chen et al. (Sun,) studied this question.