A novel aggregated multiple criteria decision-making approach to evaluate the physical workload of workers

Abstract

Physical workload (PWL) is a measure of the physical resources consumed by a worker while performing a task. Analyzing the PWL of workers can aid experts in identifying workers whose working conditions should be improved. Identifying workers who are exposed to the highest PWL is essential for task continuity and occupational health. In this study, a new approach is proposed to prioritize workers according to their PWL levels. In the proposed approach, multiple criteria decision-making techniques are used because different factors can affect PWL levels. Eight criteria, that is, standard time, frequency of working posture, heart rate, the risk level of posture, noise level, lighting intensity, rest period, and perceived workload level are considered. In the evaluation process, criteria weights are computed using entropy considering measurements of the eight criteria for each worker. Using these weights in multiobjective optimization by simple ratio analysis, multiobjective optimization by ratio analysis, and multiattributive ideal-real comparative analysis methods, workers are ranked according to their PWL levels. The final order of workers is determined by aggregating different rankings obtained from these three methods, using the technique of precise order preference method. This study presents original research that can potentially contribute to the literature by considering different perspectives offered by various methods for PWL evaluation. It focuses on several different criteria by performing real measurements and subsequently ranking workers based on the aggregation of these measurements.