Ergonomic Risk Assessment as an Effective Tool in Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Industrial Workplaces

Abstract

This paper explored the concept of ergonomic risk assessment (ERA) as a preventive measure against Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in a workplace associated with the industrial setting. Although there were improvements towards automation, manual repetition and awkward postures remained an important factor in occupational ill-health, incurring significant direct and indirect economic burdens. The study employed a theoretical framework by combining Biopsychosocial Model with the Hierarchy of Controls to deal with the interaction between biological, psychological and social risk factors. It was suggested that there be a systemic, three level procedure, which includes Tier 1 subjective screenings, Tier 2, observational postural examination (with RULA, REBA, and OWAS) and Tier 3, expert biomechanical modelling. The results indicated that the transition of a reactive to a proactive safety culture with the help of ongoing cycles of identification, evaluation, intervention, and verification was an effective way to reduce risk scores and achieve positive health outcomes. Moreover, it was identified that the application of ergonomic strategies positively impacted the operational resilience because of the reduction of Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART), as well as an increase in the overall shift throughput. Even though the research encountered problems in the form of cultural push-back and anthropometric diversity, it was found that human-centered work design was a strategic need that would enable sustainability of industrial production and workforce safeguarding over the long term.