Integrated Ergonomic Risk Analysis by Using REBA, RULA, OWAS, and AHP in the Furniture Manufacturing Line

Authors : Dilara Güray, Dilber İnal, Ahmet Alahdal, Mustafa Sekmen, Fatih Yapıcı

Pages : 81-94

Doi:10.55385/kastamonujes.1560664

View : 27 | Download : 27

Publication Date : 2024-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Ergonomic risk is defined as the existence or potential of factors that may negatively affect the health and safety of employees in the workplace. The main source of ergonomic risks may be unsuitable working body posture, carried loads or applied forces at the workplaces. In order to protect employee health, ergonomic risk assessments must be carried out in workplaces to determine risk levels and take necessary precautions. This study was carried out in a company that produces furniture in the furniture sector. 42 working postures were evaluated in the study. Ergonomic risk levels of employees were determined by using REBA, RULA, OWAS and MURI methods. Since the risk score levels of each of these methods are different, the AHP method was applied to obtain an integrated risk score. Risk values were ranked using the criteria weights determined by the AHP method. While applying the AHP method, 3 decision makers were employed. Decision makers compared each ergonomic risk assessment method and determined their importance levels. According to the integrated risk scores, the highest risk levels of operations were determined to be taping the box (58%), sewing (45%), putting the finished parts (43%), removing the feet (43%), closing the box lids (42%) and removing the bases of parts (40%), respectively, and necessary remedial suggestions were presented.
Keywords : AHP, Ergonomics, risk Analysis, REBA, RULA