This study was conducted in a warehouse at a vaccine production centre where improvement to existing storage and working conditions were sought through the construction of a new refrigerated store section (2-8C°). Warehousing tasks were videotaped and ergonomics analysis tools were used to assess the risk of developing MSDs. Specifically, these tools were the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the NIOSH equation. The current plant layout was sketched and analyzed to find possible targets for improvement trough the application of general work space design and ergonomics principles. Seven of the eight postures evaluated with REBA had a total score between 8 and 10, meaning a high risk, and only one was at a medium risk level. Nine of the eleven manual material handling tasks analyzed with the NIOSH equation had a Lifting Index between 1.14 and 1.80 and two had a recommended weight limit of 0kg, indicating a need for job redesign. Solutions included the redesign of shelves, the design of a two-step stair and a trolley with adjustable height; also, changes in work methods were proposed by introducing a two-workers lifting strategy and job rotation, and, finally, a restructuring of plant layout was completed.
A practical method for non-experts in assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related
musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is presented. Evaluación del Riesgo Individual
(Individual Risk Assessment) (ERIN) is based on available ergonomic tools, epidemiological
evidence and the joint IEA-WHO project for developing WMSDs risk management in developing
countries. ERIN focuses primarily on the interaction of some physical workplace factors
but also includes the workers’ assessment. A scoring system has been proposed to indicate
the level of intervention required to reduce the risk of injury. A worksheet has also been
designed for increasing the usability of the method. Preliminary tests show that it is
easy and quick to use, but further work is needed to establish its reliability and
validity. The use of ERIN can contribute to the prevention of WMSDs in Cuba and other
developing countries.
Background: The number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has been increasing in industrially developing countries. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent these injuries through ergonomic assessment and job redesign. Objective: This paper presents a practical tool for non-experts in assessing exposure to risk factors for WMSDs. Methods: Evaluación del Riesgo Idividual (Individual Risk Assessment) (ERIN) is based on available ergonomic tools, epidemiological evidence and the joint International Ergonomics Association-World Health Organization project for developing WMSD risk management in developing countries. Results: ERIN focuses primarily on physical workplace factors but also includes the workers' assessment. A scoring system has been proposed to indicate the level of intervention required to reduce the risk of injury. Preliminary tests show that ERIN is easy and quick to use, but further work is needed to establish its reliability and validity. A worksheet has also been designed for increasing the usability of the tool. Conclusions: The use of ERIN can contribute to the prevention of WMSDs in Cuba and other developing countries.
The concept of ergonomics was introduced in Cuba at the beginning of the 1970s. More than 40 years later, the prevailing approach to workers' health is still generally reactive rather than proactive, despite the commitment of the government to the subject. A factor influencing this issue is, generally, lack of recognition of the benefits of establishing ergonomic principles within most occupational activities. Recent progress to move occupational health practice toward a more preventive approach has been conducted, frequently with international support. The introduction of a set of Cuban standards proposing the necessity of ergonomic evaluations is an example of this progress. The main challenge for Cuban ergonomists is to transfer knowledge to occupational health practitioners in order to be in concordance with basic standards and regulations regarding ergonomics. The article offers a short description of the history of ergonomics and an overview of ergonomics practice in Cuba.
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