Ergonomic risk and work-related musculoskeletal disorder in machine and equipment manufacturing workers

• Published in: Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional
• Main Authors: Sabrina Alves Petrini Lopes, Elisa Bizetti Pelai, Fabiana Almeida Foltran, Delaine Rodrigues Bigaton, Rosana Macher Teodori
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional 2017-12-01
• Subjects: Ergonomic Risk; Occupational Health; Public Health.
• Online Access: http://www.cadernosdeterapiaocupacional.ufscar.br/index.php/cadernos/article/view/1699/930
• ISSN: 2526-8910; 2526-8910

Introduction: Workers of the metallurgical industry are constantly exposed to occupational risk factors that can lead to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These disorders are highly debilitating, generating losses to workers, companies and the State. Objective: To identify and verify the connection between risk factors and WMSDs in metallurgical workers in the manufacture of machinery and equipment. Method: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study that involves registered workers of the Occupational Health Reference Service (Cerest) in São Paulo state. The survey was conducted through review of electronic medical records. Results: 2116 electronic medical records were analyzed, from these, 36 were considered for the sample. We observed that 91.6% (n = 33) of the participants were men, age range from 29 to 62 years and the most prevalent occupational status was unemployment (47.3% (n = 17)). The WMSDs were found in the upper limbs and spine region, predominantly spine. Repetitiveness was the most prevailing risk factor (94.4% (n = 34)). A connection between repetitiveness (p = 0.0046) and physical exertion (p = 0.001) with symptoms in the spine was detected. Conclusion: The spine is the main body region affected in these workers. There was a link between repetitiveness and physical exertion with the symptoms of spine pain. The results strengthen the need for interventions in the workplace to minimize repetitive work and excessive physical exertion seeking prevention and workers’ health promotion