Musculoskeletal workload assessment Index development for body workload evaluation

BackgroundWork-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a significant concern in occupational health. However, in South Korea, the implementation of effective ergonomic assessment methods remains limited owing to procedural complexities and a lack of understanding. This highlights the critical need for a comprehensive approach to assess musculoskeletal workload and mitigate WMSDs.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare the reliability of four work posture assessment methods and to propose a new Musculoskeletal Disorder Assessment Index (MDAI) that is easy to use and can evaluate local work load.MethodsThis study introduced a novel Musculoskeletal Disorder Assessment Index (MDAI) that incorporates posture, force, and repeatability as primary risk factors. The MDAI was compared with established assessment methods using empirical data gathered from a manufacturing facility. Thirty-two tasks encompassing diverse physical activities were evaluated using these methods, and their respective action levels were analyzed.ResultsThe MDAI offered a more comprehensive assessment, effectively capturing local workload variations across different body regions. Statistical analysis revealed significant disparities between the MDAI and the other methods, underscoring the distinct advantages of the MDAI approach in accurately assessing local workload. The MDAI excelled in evaluating tasks involving intricate and diverse local workload factors.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the field of ergonomics by introducing a novel musculoskeletal disorder assessment index that enhances the detailed evaluation of local body region workload. Considering posture, force, and repeatability, the MDAI provides a reliable framework for identifying and addressing the risks associated with musculoskeletal disorders.