Assessing organizational and physical risk factors among office workers: Key insights into musculoskeletal disorders prevention using fuzzy DEMATEL analysis

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) necessitate addressing physical and organizational risks while comprehending their cause-effect dynamics to reduce their risks.ObjectiveThis study focused on validating the Persian version of WOAQ, evaluating organizational and workload risks through WOAQ and PWQ, and unraveling interrelationships among organizational factors with WMSDs using Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis.MethodsConducted as a cross-sectional study in 2024 among 100 employees in a private company in Kerman, Iran, this research utilized the Forward-Backward method for WOAQ translation. Reliability was gauged via Cronbach's alpha and test-retest methods. The PWQ and WOAQ were used in assessing workload and organizational risks. Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis was employed to elucidate cause-effect relationships between organizational factors.ResultsAnalysis of 81 questionnaires (41 men, 40 women) revealed the WOAQ's reliability with Cronbach's alpha and test-retest scores of 0.927 and 0.865. Predominant WMSD prevalence was observed in the lower back. 41.50% and 31.70% of men experienced high and very high organizational and workload risks. The DEMATEL fuzzy analysis identified rewards, recognition, and quality of relationships with management as influential factors.ConclusionsUnderstanding factors influencing WMSD prevalence encompasses physical, organizational, and psychosocial facets. Overlooking non-physical aspects contributes to physical risks and subsequent musculoskeletal disorders. Prioritizing improved management relationships and recognition systems was pivotal for effective WMSD prevention strategies.