A fuzzy bat clustering method for ergonomic screening of office workplaces

Abstract

A method for screening of company workplaces with high ergonomic risk is developed. For clustering of company workplaces a fuzzy modification of bat algorithm is proposed. Using data gathered by a checklist from workplaces, information for ergonomic related health risks is extracted. Three clusters of workplaces with low, moderate and high ergonomic risk are determined. Using these clusters, workplaces with moderate and high ergonomic risk levels are screened and relevant solutions are proposed. By a case study this method is illustrated and validated. Important advantages of the method are reduction of computational effort and fast screening of workplaces with major ergonomic problems within a company.