Musculoskeletal risk factors assessment based on exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process

Abstract

The occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is increasing significantly. It is crucial to understand risk factors to reduce MSD problems. This study aims to identify the possible risk factors and investigate each risk factor’s role in developing MSD problems. Twenty-five risk factors for MSD problems have been identified through a systematic literature review and consultation with experts. These risk factors are further classified into five groups using Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA). They are personal, biomechanical, workplace, psychological, and organizational. The authors have employed the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to prioritize the risk factors. The top five significant risk factors are working posture, repetitive motion, layout, anthropometry, and vibration. This study can contribute significantly to existing literature since it has scientifically classified risk factors into five major groups. In addition, this study has practical implications. This study will be helpful for the decision makers to prepare an effective plan to reduce musculoskeletal problems within their industries or organizations.

Keywords:

• Musculoskeletal Disorder
• Risk Factor
• Biomechanical
• Workplace
• Psychological

Acknowledgement

The authors are very grateful to the experts who participated in this study and provided valuable opinions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical approval

Before conducting the study, ethical approval was obtained from an appropriate local ethics committee. A statement to confirm this is also included within the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology under grant number CASR 62/42/32.

Notes on contributors

S. Talapatra

S. Talapatra obtained his PhD degree in Industrial Engineering and Management in the department of Industrial Engineering and Management of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. His research interests include Human Factor Engineering, Design Engineering, Productivity Improvement and Total Quality Management. He is an associate professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

M.S. Parvez

M. S. Parvez received MSc Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. His research interests include Human Factors Engineering, Product Design and Development, Customer-led Design, Supply Chain Management, and Operations Management. He is an assistant professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

P. Saha

P. Saha completed BSc Engineering degree in Industrial & Production Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. His research interests include Human Factors Engineering, Total Quality Management, Productivity Improvement, and Operations Management. He is a lecturer of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

M. G. Kibria

M. G. Kibria received MSc Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. His research interests include Human Factors Engineering, Operations Research, Optimization, and Operations Management. He is an assistant professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

A.S.M. Hoque

A.S.M. Hoque completed his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Bangladesh in 2002 and then his PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland in 2010. After that, he served as Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Dhaka, Bangladesh from April, 2010 to November, 2010. He joined Jashore University of Science and Technology as Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Production Engineering on December, 2010 and has been working here since then. He is currently designated as Associate Professor at the department. He is also one of the senior-most faculty members of the university. His research interests are Manufacturing Feature-Based Design, CAD/CAM, Maintenance Management, Hospital Robotics, Ergonomics and Safety Management. Email: [email protected]