A conceptual framework to determine the effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) on work productivity of aviation maintenance workers

Abstract

This paper aims to develop and propose a conceptual framework to determine the effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) on work productivity of aviation maintenance workers. The systematic review of literature has been performed to identify the gaps of knowledge, identify the relevant factors or variables and develop the conceptual framework. The independent variables are identified as gender, age, work posture, amount of loads lifting and time exposure while the dependent variable is the work productivity of maintenance workers which involved absenteeism and presenteeism. The conceptual framework proposed in this study will be used as a reference to identify the relationship between work-related physical risk factors, WMSDs and work productivity of aviation maintenance workers. The knowledge of the relationship will indeed beneficial as it serves as a reference for the aviation industry specifically to mitigate the risk of contracting WMSDs, improve productivity, safety and health, which then concurrently could reduce the cost lost due to absenteeism and presenteeism. © 2020 SERSC.