Identification, classification, and prioritization of the main risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders using the hybrid SWARA–PROMETHEE method

BackgroundVarious risk factors play a role in causing musculoskeletal disorders. These risk factors do not have similar importance.ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to identify, categorize, and rank the risk factors contributing to WMSDs by employing an integrative approach combining the SWARAand PROMETHEE as the multi-criteria decision-making techniques.MethodsThis empirical and qualitative investigation commenced with the identification of key factors influencing MSDs through an exhaustive review of existing literature. These factors were systematically organized into five distinct categories: individual characteristics, biomechanical demands, equipment and technological considerations, psychosocial dynamics, and ambient environmental conditions. Subsequently, the relative importance and hierarchy of these categories were established utilizing the SWARA technique. Following this, the PROMETHEE method was applied to discern the weights and rankings of specific risk factors within each category.ResultsThe analysis revealed that physical factors had the most substantial relative weight and priority, with a value of 0.47. Successive rankings were attributed to the tool and technology factors (0.25), personal factors (0.13), psychosocial factors (0.07), and environmental factors (0.04), in that order.ConclusionThe findings indicate a pronounced emphasis on physical factors and equipment and tool and technology factors over other categories in the context of MSDs within occupational settings. These insights are instrumental in guiding preventative strategies, with a particular focus on addressing the most influential factors. The use of multi-criteria decision-making techniques along with other evaluation techniques can help to identify and prioritize the most important risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders.