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

Abstract

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.