Risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dumper operators: A machine learning approach

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among dumper operators working in Indian iron ore mines. Methods: A total of 246 dumper truck operators meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen for data collection. A self-report custom and the standard Nordic questionnaire were used for collecting data about risk factors and WRMSDs. The data were pre-processed and analyzed using machine learning (ML) algorithms (such as logistic regression ( LR), support vector machines (SVM), decision trees (DT), gradient boosting machine (GBM) and random forest (RF)). Results: RF model was found to outperform the other algorithms with high accuracy (0.71), precision (0.75), recall (0.78), F1 score (0.76), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.82). The mean rank of the risk factors showed that age is the most critical parameter, followed by awkward posture, experience in mines, job demand, alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes, work design, and marriage status. Conclusion: Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the risk factors associated with WRMSDs among dumper operators and suggests that measures should be taken to address these risk factors to prevent WRMSDs in the dumper operator population.

Keywords

• Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
• Machine learning techniques
• Dumper operators
• Epidemiological study