Evaluation of ergonomic risk of warehouse activities in a telecommunications sector company

Abstract

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a worldwide problem, both in terms of health and socioeconomic level. WMSDs are one of the main concerns of ergonomics, since they have been identified as being associated with occupational activities that expose employees to a high biomechanical and physiological load. In view of the above, it is necessary to assess risk in real work contexts. The present study was developed in a company in the telecommunications sector with the aim of assessing the risk of developing WMSDs to which employees are subject in carrying out their activities in the warehouse. The tasks analyzed were carry task, manual load lifting task and logistical work. For this purpose, the NIOSH Equation, Key Indicator Method and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment will be applied. It is intended to identify whether these tasks developed constitute risk for employees, to allow the presentation of measures that can minimize the effort required during the activity and, consequently, reduce the risk to which employees are exposed. The results show that the risk of low back pain and the development of WMSDs is increased, so there is a need for an ergonomic intervention in terms of technical and organizational measures in this activity.