Applying the ILO Ergonomic Checkpoints in Post-Conflict SMEs: Evidence from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background : Workplace health and safety (WHS) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is especially challenging in post-conflict regions with limited regulation. This study applies the ILO Ergonomic Checkpoints framework to assess WHS across five industrial sectors in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods : A cross-sectional study was performed among 70 SMEs, spanning food, metal, construction, furniture, and chemical industries. Ergonomic compliance data were collected using a structured observational checklist. Sectoral differences in safety performance were examined through ANOVA and ANCOVA, while correlation analysis explored the associations between WHS outcomes and organizational characteristics. Assumption checks confirmed statistical validity through Shapiro–Wilk tests, Q-Q plots, Levene’s test, and Variance Inflation Factors (VIF). Findings : The results demonstrated substantial disparities in ergonomic safety compliance across sectors, with food and construction enterprises exhibiting the lowest total safety scores. Among enterprise-level factors, managerial experience and workforce size were significantly associated with WHS performance, whereas average wage and company age showed weaker links. A conceptual predictive model is proposed to guide future research, positioning the total safety score as a function of key organizational variables. Conclusion : This study provides a validated ergonomics-based methodology and a conceptual model to guide WHS improvements in post-conflict SMEs. Findings support targeted interventions such as WHS training and participatory risk assessments. The model offers a scalable foundation for future predictive analytics and policy design in resource-limited settings.