Economic Analytical Methods for Work-related MSD Cost Prediction

Abstract

Today's changing work environment focuses on work organization and new forms of cooperation (outsourcing, decentralization of resources, introduction of new technologies, etc.) [1,2]. Organizations sustainable development is linked to the business success in the long-term run. It can be achieved with the help of organization‘s social and technical development, healthy work environment and competitive workers. Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD), including lower back pain, arm and neck muscle or tendon sprains and joint diseases have a significant impact on employees’ workability not only at the individual level but also at national perspective [3,4]. MSD affects efficiency, productivity and overall quality in every organization and labor market [5]. The aim of research is to discover most appropriate economic analytical methods for work-related MSD cost prediction in Latvian enterprises. This research focuses on the analysis of literature of various economic analytical methods for work-related MSD cost prediction at the organisations. Experts in ergonomics field suggests dividing ergonomic intervention costs to avoid MSD into four main categories [6]: Staff, equipment and material, reduced production and sales volume, overhead costs. World literature analysis shows that by increasing ergonomics preventive and assessment costs, considerably decreases costs of human and technology errors in the processes. Hence, it is possibility to gain additional profit that could be diverted for further preventive actions in order to continuously minimize MSD [6–8]. The combination and modification of economic analysis methods of economic loss mathematical calculations [9,10] and Washington State Ergonomics Cost Benefit Calculator is suitable for work-related MSD cost prediction and ergonomics solution cost and benefit analysis in European enterprises.