Ergonomía, Investigación y Desarrollo

EDITORIAL

Elías Apud-Simon — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Editorial of the second issue of the seventh volume of EID Journal, dedicated to the memory of Victoria Ratinoff Ferrera

INTEGRATION OF FATIGUE-BASED TOOLS FOR ERGONOMIC AND PRODUCTION EVALUATION IN THE CHILEAN SALMON INDUSTRY

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This article aims to present the development and applied use of a computational tool based on fatigue failure theory for the ergonomic risk assessment of occupational tasks. A platform called ErgoTools was developed, integrating the LiFFT, DUET, and Shoulder Tool (TST) into a unified environment capable of estimating cumulative tissue loading in the lumbar spine, distal upper extremities, and shoulders, respectively. The open-source software, available in Spanish, allows users to input key task parameters, visualize results through a 3D anatomical model, and compare exposure scenarios across different workers or job tasks. To illustrate its application, three case studies from a salmon processing facility in southern Chile are presented, covering head-cutting, fillet deboning, and box-handling operations. The results reveal notable differences in cumulative loading and injury risk among workers performing similar tasks, linked to factors such as experience, workstation location, and anthropometric characteristics. Additionally, opportunities for improvement related to product quality and process efficiency were identified. In conclusion, the use of tools such as ErgoTools introduces new dimensions to ergonomic analysis, supporting informed decision-making in injury prevention and operational management.

ERGONOMIC STUDY IN A PRIVATE PORT SERVICES COMPANY WITH A CHILEAN CUSTOMS WAREHOUSE

Guillermo Silva-Espinoza — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This study aims to evaluate and identify potentially hazardous ergonomic conditions in two interconnected workstations within a port cargo warehouse management system, in order to offer ergonomic improvements. Three operators who rotate between the container crane and forklift positions are presented. The operators have reported experiencing musculoskeletal disorders while performing their duties in both positions, which motivated this study, in addition to the existing misinformation about ergonomics among workers. An activity-time study was used to assess organizational workload. Anthropometric and heart rate measurements were performed for physical workload. Posture and work repetitiveness were assessed using the REBA method and OCRA checklist. Mental workload was assessed using the NASA TLX test. It is concluded that the container crane and forklift positions present organizational problems and are indeed subjected to working conditions that may be risky for developing musculoskeletal disorders.

HEALTH IMPACT OF HEAT STRESS EXPOSURE IN AGRICULTURAL WORK

Sandra Milena Muñoz-Nuñez, Juan Carlos Velásquez-Valencia — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Current knowledge of the dangers of heat stress in the workplace, related to global warming and the effects on heat stress, hydration status, and physical work capacity, is very limited in the workplace, particularly in the agricultural sector. With the aim of compiling the available evidence on the effects of global warming and heat stress on health, hydration status, and work capacity in the agricultural sector, a systematic review was conducted, retrieving reviews available in PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect, to obtain as many references as possible, filtered by "systematic review." The search was restricted to articles published in English and Spanish from 2012 to July 2024, resulting in 541 references being retrieved, and 13 articles were ultimately selected for in-depth analysis. The included articles were published between 2016 and July 2024, but the majority were published after 2018. Most studies addressed illnesses and injuries associated with workplace heat stress. Heat risk factors and exposure in outdoor workers and heat stress metrics were discussed in six studies. Four articles mentioned heat cooling or mitigation measures and their relationship to fatigue. The conclusion is that due to global warming, an increase in the frequency and intensity of weather is expected, making workplace heat exposure a growing challenge for ergonomics. Workers exposed to extreme heat or who work in hot environments are at greater risk for fatigue, especially those in developing countries in tropical regions. These workers include agricultural workers, construction workers, firefighters, miners, soldiers, and manufacturing workers, among others.

EVALUATION OF WORKLOAD IN THE AVOCADO PACKING PROCESS BY SUBJECTIVE METHOD

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The study determines the calculation of the global index of mental load related to the avocado packing process, identifying the dimensions of mental, physical and temporal demands that the task demands and personal resources such as the dimensions of performance, effort and frustration experienced by workers to meet the goals of their work activity. The study was carried out in an avocado packing company located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, with the objective of identifying the most relevant dimensions in the avocado packing process during the work day established by the company itself. 111 workers, who are the staff belonging to the avocado packing process, were evaluated using the Nasa TLX (Task Load Index) method, which estimates the perceived load levels, through binary combination questions and the estimation of 0 to 100 of the load experienced by workers when performing the task. The results show that the dimensions of performance, frustration and physical demand have a greater relationship with the workload; concluding that the avocado packing process resulted in a high overall mental load index.

EVALUATION OF ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS IN A HOSPITAL LAUNDRY

Oscar Fernandez — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The present study aims to identify ergonomic conditions that affect workstations in a hospital laundry, which during long work shifts carry out routine tasks, mainly involving manual load handling and repetitive movements. The analysis considered anthropometric measurements through skinfold measurements and body segment measurements. Organizational variables were also analyzed through time studies and document review. The results of quantitative evaluations of physical agents requested from the administering body of the law were analyzed, and ministerial protocols were applied for the identification and evaluation of repetitive movements, manual handling of loads, and Work environment and mental health assessment questionnaire. The evidence allows us to conclude that the laundry service requires corrective actions for each of the analyzed variables, as risk factors are identified to a greater or lesser extent. Among the main recommendations, we can mention the implementation of physical activity programs, modification of the work schedule, incorporation of more staff, adjustment of lighting levels, addition of support elements for washing and drying processes that facilitate and reduce vertical and horizontal distances in manual load handling, and training for workers.

ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PERSONNEL

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This study aims to conduct an ergonomic evaluation of occupational health personnel, specifically focusing on the secretary who receives patients and the physician responsible for their assessment and treatment. To achieve this, the clinic’s database was first consulted to measure patient satisfaction. Subsequently, a checklist using the LEST method was applied to both the occupational physician and the secretary. The results revealed mental workload issues for both positions and significant static postural overload for the secretary. To evaluate mental workload, a continuous time study was conducted, along with self-report measures using the NASA TLX questionnaire and Holter electrocardiogram monitoring to assess heart rate and heart rate variability. For static postural load, an anthropometric evaluation and the ROSA method were applied. The most important findings indicate low patient satisfaction, mainly due to long waiting times, as well as very high levels of mental load according to all three methods used. Additionally, the secretary’s postural risk level was found to be extreme, requiring urgent interventions. Among the main conclusions and recommendations, the need to increase the number of doctors and secretaries stands out, as well as modifications to the secretary’s workstation, including the adoption of an ergonomic chair. All these measures are intended to reduce waiting times and, consequently, improve patient satisfaction.

ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARTS OF THE STUDENT POPULATION OF UNIVERSIDAD DE LA SIERRA, MOCTEZUMA, SONORA

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The present study was conducted at the facilities of the Universidad de la Sierra in Moctezuma, Sonora, where a project was carried out to design anthropometric charts for the working population of the mountainous region. The objective was to improve and adapt work environments for all workers. Measurements were taken from 236 individuals, including height, weight, shoulder height, as well as foot width and height. A total of 50 key body measurements were analyzed in depth. Three anthropometric charts were created: one for the mixed working population, one for men, and one for women. The sample was obtained using the Murray and Larry equation. Measuring instruments such as an anthropometer, scale, and measuring tape were used. The development of these charts was undertaken due to the well-known issues in workplaces caused by a lack of ergonomics, as a consequence of musculoeskeletic and psicosocial pathologies, associated to an inadequate ergonomic adaptation, which includes carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tennis elbow, and work-related stress. By obtaining these anthropometric charts, workstations can be redesigned based on the actual measurements of the working population, considering current regulations.

STUDY OF THE MAIN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ergonomics is a key discipline both for protecting the physical and mental health of workers and for increasing productivity in any industry. Its direct impact on operational efficiency and work quality is undeniable. Proper workplace design, tool adaptation, and load handling not only prevent injuries and illnesses but also improve job performance and reduce absenteeism due to health problems. Ergonomics focuses on preventing muscle fatigue, repetitive strain, and mental stress. The main goal of this study is to identify the musculoskeletal effects on construction workers in Puerto Peñasco. The research is divided into several stages, which are outlined below: The first stage consisted of defining the sector to be analyzed, in this case, the construction industry in Puerto Peñasco, specifically construction workers of masonry, electrical, plumbing and installation; identifying the main ergonomic risks and the working conditions that could cause musculoskeletal problems. In the second stage, the Nordic questionnaire was chosen as a tool to measure the state of the musculoskeletal system of those workers. This questionnaire is widely used in ergonomic studies, as it allows the identification of the most common musculoskeletal problems. It offers information on the intensity, frequency and location of musculoskeletal pain, which facilitates the identification of the most affected parts of the body and the activities related to various disorders. The third stage consisted of applying the questionnaire to construction workers. This was distributed among those who perform intense and repetitive physical activities to obtain detailed information on the state of their musculoskeletal health. The questionnaires were completed anonymously, guaranteeing the confidentiality of the answers. Once the data was collected, it was recorded and analyzed using the statistical program SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), which allowed the information to be organized in a structured manner. The aim was to interpret the data to determine the most common disorders in this industry. The results showed that the most affected areas of the musculoskeletal system in Puerto Peñasco construction workers were the shoulders, lower back and knees. This reflects the demands of construction work, which involves uncomfortable postures and constant physical efforts. Once the information was interpreted, the study was concluded and the results obtained were presented. The results were discussed, as well as the context of the research; making corrective decisions within the initial methodology to obtain greater veracity in the information collected from the study subjects. This study highlights the importance of ergonomics in improving occupational health and productivity, suggesting that its implementation can have significant benefits for both workers and companies in the sector.

EVALUATION OF ERGONOMIC RISK CONDITIONS IN A MEDICAL SUPPLIES COMMERCIAL COMPANY

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The study aims to identify ergonomic risk factors present in the workplace of a commercial company. To achieve this, a tour of the facilities was first conducted and then, based on the findings, information was obtained regarding working conditions, body postures, frequency of injuries and the work environment. As a result, 48% of employees have presented disabilities during the performance of their duties, the vast majority have physical pain in the neck, pain in the hand/wrist and in the dorsal back area. In relation to office positions, the vast majority present a high level of risk, but four of them urgently need to be addressed through actions such as improving furniture design and implementing breaks. In conclusion, the study allowed establishing the conditions to adapt the work environment to mitigate risks and improve the health of administrative staff.

ERGONOMIC RISK FACTOR IN CONSTANT HAND POSITION

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This study focused on preventing ergonomic risks in the hands of Food Industry Engineering students at the Technological Institute of Cd. Cuauhtémoc while they produce artisanal foods. The general objective was to identify ergonomic risk factors such as excessive force, repetitive movements, and awkward postures, and to propose preventive measures. For the materials and methods, quantitative and qualitative approaches were combined. A literature review was conducted, and working conditions were evaluated using the ART Tool, Rapid Screening of Injuries (RSI), and Hand Grip & Insertion Forces to identify these risk factors. The results and discussion revealed a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The ART Tool showed high scores (37-38) in both arms due to repetitive movements and the application of force. The RSI tool indicated noticeable effort (Borg Scale of 5), 100 efforts per minute, and 20° wrist flexion, resulting in a Strain Index of 128.4, classifying the task as highly hazardous. Finally, the Hand Grip & Insertion Forces tool showed that the exerted force (7.54 lbs) exceeded the recommended limit, combined with radial wrist deviation and the repetitive nature of the task. In conclusion, the activity presents a high risk of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD). We recommend redesigning the task, implementing active breaks, optimizing the workstation, using supportive tools, and training students to improve working conditions and prevent injuries.

EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WORKLOAD AMONG WORKING WOMEN

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Women workings are exposed to physical and mental workload due to the double presence in the execution of their roles, which triggers negative effects on their health and the development of their work. The aim of this review was to identify the effects of physical and mental overload on women's productive and reproductive roles, using the JBI methodology and the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) structure. Results. 20 articles with relevant findings were obtained. It was determined that a balance should be found between work, family, self-care and social activities, in addition to the development of emotional intelligence, cohesion, family flexibility and work support. On the other hand, insufficient support systems, overtime and discrimination do not contribute to the balance. In the reproductive role component and family characteristics, there is a greater physical and mental burden of caring for children under 12 years, taking care of parents, an inactive social life and unpaid work at home. In the productive role, longer working hours, overload and monotony, rotating or night shifts, produce dissatisfaction, poor performance and absenteeism. As health effects, Burnout Syndrome, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, sleep disorders, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and immunological disorders were documented. Conclusions. The development of the double presence as mother and worker derives in health effects, affects work performance, and generates family imbalance in the execution of the role at home.