Applying Metaheuristics to Minimize Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Introduction

The planning and work organization of human resources is a dynamic process. The working capacity of a human resource is a reflection of the balance between: the job (e.g. work performed); their individual resources (e.g. strengths and weaknesses); and motivation (e.g. job satisfaction). When these three aspects are reconciled, the work capacity of a human resource is increased, their quality of life is improved and consequently their productivity as well. In work planning and scheduling, the priority is always given to the capacity and efficiency of equipment and workstations, yet never to human resources. This could lead to some adverse effects on their health. However, some initiatives have been implemented by organizations in order to preserve the health and safety of workers, such as: breaks, gymnastics, health monitoring (e.g. medicine at work), among others. But, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) continue to affect active citizens all over the world (Occhipinti & Colombini, 2016). It is common for companies to sometimes neglect the individual characteristics of their human resources (e.g. limitations, capacities, health condition and capabilities), due to work organization, in order to fulfil their objectives. Moreover, with the average life expectancy increasing and the birth rates decreasing, the labor force will grow older in the coming decades. Thus, the biggest problem nowadays should be allocating the best person to the most adequate workstation, ensuring that WMSDs are minimized. For this type of decision, one must consider the characteristics of the workstation and the capabilities and health condition of the human resource, while ensuring stable productivity. Each person has strengths and weaknesses, regardless of age, which must be leveraged and also taken into consideration in order to ensure the health, safety and quality of life of human resources. In an attempt to provide an active ageing, the main objective of this work is to present a metaheuristic approach, to solve the Work-Schedules Programing and Organizational Resources Integrated Problem (WPORIP) that will establish the most appropriate allocations between human and technical resources, according to the characteristics that define and characterize each individual.