Methodology for Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness Under Unusual Working Conditions in International Work Environments

Abstract Work environments are becoming increasingly variable and unpredictable, creating new challenges, as unusual working conditions (UWCs), including irregular schedules, spatial disruptions, and procedural or psychosocial instability. These conditions negatively affect the consistency, quality and safety, often exceeding the capacity of conventional risk assessment approaches. This article introduces a practice-oriented methodology designed to dynamically identify and evaluate risks while simultaneously capturing changes in work effectiveness. The framework, based in a literature review and validated with empirical evidence from surveys and observations in international companies, combines SWOT analysis with the DMAIC cycle to support continuous improvement and adaptability to company-specific contexts. By aligning workplace practices with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8), the study contributes to promoting decent work, safe environments, and sustainable organisational development.