Assessment of occupational health and work environment with socio-tech value stream mapping

Lean production has grown in popularity and has been adopted worldwide to strive for efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimization; it is realistic to expect lean production to continue to expand and evolve. While lean manufacturing may benefit organizations, it is vital to recognize that it can severely influence worker health and risk factors if not applied appropriately. Just-in-time manufacturing is related to shorter cycle times and resource savings. The increased work rate and insufficient recuperation time are linked to higher musculoskeletal risk symptoms. Value stream mapping (VSM) has enabled extended lean applications under triple-bottom-line (Social, Economic, and Environmental). The social components need to be addressed in favor of environmental and economic challenges. Previous studies indicate that using VSM might intensify work, putting workers at a higher risk of acquiring job-related musculoskeletal and psychosocial risks. The current study's version of VSM considers social support to enhance the working environment and lessen musculoskeletal and psychosocial risk factors. This article proposed a social-technical value stream mapping (Socio-tech VSM) technique and various possible societal metrics to improve social sustainability. To validate the method, a case study involving the PP Woven manufacturing business was used to document and report the results of the methodology's implementation, test it, and draw judgments regarding its efficiency. It contributes theoretically and practically to closing the gap on this long-ignored scope.