Ergonomía, Investigación y Desarrollo

ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF MANUAL LOADING AND UNLOADING OF WOOD IN FORESTRY TRUCKS

Morelia Frias-Cárcamo — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This evaluation aims to analyze and innovate the manual wood loading and unloading workstation in forestry trucks, as well as to highlight ergonomics as a tool within the business and small enterprise management field to achieve production outcomes and improve workers' quality of life.The methodology involves both quantitative and qualitative assessment. Results: The evaluation revealed manual handling of loads that requires prompt corrective actions. Interventions led to the acquisition of machinery, including a crane and a wood splitter. Additionally, an organizational-level intervention resulted in the hiring of two additional workers, allowing the company to maintain economic income throughout the year. Conclusion: This assessment analyzed the manual wood loading and unloading workstation in forestry trucks, successfully describing and evaluating both the job and the organization of the family-owned small business. Subsequently, the ergonomic intervention, which introduced technology into tasks that were previously performed solely manually, helped reduce musculoskeletal discomfort among workers. Processes were redesigned to improve performance and increase income.However, this evaluation did not address all subsystems in which there are health and safety risk factors for workers. Therefore, further assessments of the various workstations are necessary, along with the proposal of improvements—technological or organizational—for future research.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN OF A HAND TOOL FOR CASSAVA HARVESTING WITH A CO-DESIGN METHODOLOGY AND PARTICIPATORY ERGONOMICS

Sandra Milena Muñoz-Nuñez, Juan Carlos Velasquez-Valencia — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

From the work performed worldwide in different economic sectors, we find manual agricultural work, tasks developed mainly in the rural sector, with the purpose of cultivating the land, which includes activities such as seed preservation, sowing, pest control, collection or harvesting of products and manual handling of materials, where one of the relevant factors is that most of the tasks are performed based on human effort. The purpose of this research is to present the results of the physical load evaluation in the execution of the cassava harvesting task and the participatory ergonomics and co-design methodology used for the development of a manual tool for this task, where

the central axis is the understanding and inclusion of the needs and expectations of the users, from participatory ergonomics in the conception of the product. In order to reduce the biomechanical risk factor, we worked through the applied co-design process, which is integrated by eight practical stages of creation, with participatory ergonomics, which includes synchronous work in face-to-face field scenarios, with 6 workers who perform the task and who participated in the development of the tool, which resulted in a redesign proposal in which ergonomic conditions that contribute to the reduction of the risk of postures and better perception of comfort and reduction of effort were integrated. At the end of the research the main finding is the involvement of users from the early stages of a technological development process; this allows a correct understanding of the needs and desires in relation to the performance of their work activity. The study also shows that it is possible to mitigate risk factors, and in doing so, to conceive a much more comfortable tool with better ergonomic quality features.

ERGONOMIC STUDY OF SYSTEMS IN WORK PROCESSES IN PASTRY

Patricio Vasquez-Arenas — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The bakery industry is growing, but workers face conditions that can impact their health and well-being. This study focuses on the ergonomics of job positions in a bakery in Rancagua, without addressing commercial aspects or product innovation.

The main objective is "To conduct an ergonomic study of the job positions in the bakery and propose improvements to reduce occupational risks."

A quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted, using a descriptive and cross-sectional design. Various ergonomic factors were evaluated, such as anthropometric analysis, time study, ergonomic job evaluation, cardiovascular load, lighting, noise, thermal load, and cognitive and psychosocial factors.

Ergonomic issues were identified in the positions of saleswoman, bakery assistant, and baker. The saleswoman faces challenges with manual order registration, while the bakery assistant requires repetitive effort and strength when opening jars. The baker, on the other hand, performs intensive and repetitive tasks. Evaluations using the OCRA method revealed "Not acceptable, High level" risk levels for both, the bakery assistant and the baker.

The adoption of ergonomic measures in bakeries, such as optimizing order registration and including automated tools, is vital to minimize occupational risks and increase efficiency. These improvements are crucial in preventing a sequence of cascading errors, highlighting the interconnection of work systems and the resulting domino effect.

REPRODUCTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE WORK IN WOMEN FROM A SYSTEMIC ERGONOMICS PERSPECTIVE

Marisol Ramirez-Peña, Karen Lange-Morales, Aida Josefina Rojas-Fajardo — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Women's work has been the subject of study in various disciplines, especially sociology, psychology and other social sciences. In this context, ergonomics has also addressed this issue, focusing largely on the physical domain. The initial literature review focused on the productive (paid) work and reproductive or care (unpaid) work of informal women workers in relation to systemic ergonomics. For this search, PRISMA guidelines were followed and specialized databases such as

Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science were consulted. In total, 547 articles were identified, of which 247 papers were included in the analysis. The studies found are mostly linked to physical ergonomics, highlighting approaches focused on prevention through participatory ergonomics and improvement of working conditions. However, some works also explore labor relations and their complexities from a broader perspective. In this sense, it is suggested the need for an in-depth understanding of women's work from a systemic approach, considering the variability and context in which both productive and reproductive work are developed in this specific population.

PHYSIOLOGICAL MARKERS FOR DETERMINING DURATION OF RECOVERY BREAKS IN DYNAMIC WORK

Esteban Oñate-Henriquez, Juan Carlos Velasquez-Valencia — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Fatigue has been described as “a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy” and may be associated with physically demanding tasks, affecting workers with potentially serious consequences for their safety and health. For tasks that require dynamic physical work, it is necessary to determining duration of recovery breaks during the workday to prevent fatigue. In this regard, physiological limits have been proposed for dynamic work, such as the maximum acceptable working time, as well as limits based on aerobic-anaerobic fatigue thresholds. However, according to various studies, dynamic tasks can be performed above or below these physiological limits and still be unsustainable due to levels of physical

load, work duration, and other individual worker variables. For this reason, the objective of this literature review is to identify and understand the main studies and research opportunities that would allow for establishing recovery break times for dynamic work, paving the way toward developing new predictive models for prescribing these breaks based on physical exertion and physiological indicators. For the development of this literature review, classic literature related to work physiology and ergonomics was examined. Additionally, a search was conducted using the snowball strategy and by consulting the EBSCO database and Google Scholar, to obtain the greatest possible access to publications in English and Spanish from 2008 to 2023.

ERGONOMIC EVALUATION AND DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR A WORKSTATION FOR OFFICE TEACHERS AT PUCE AMBATO

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The research arises from the need to ergonomically evaluate the workplace of the teacher who teaches office automation subjects in the laboratories of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ambato campus. It is of great importance to understand how the characteristics of the current workplace influence the possible performance of the educator in the classroom, while also qualifying their physical condition and stress level during long working hours. The objective of the research is to assess the workplace in order to propose a solution in line with the user's needs. The methodological process will be developed with a qualitative approach with a descriptive scope. To obtain the information, the field research technique will be used, along with ergonomic evaluation methods such as: Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), and 1SO11226, to analyze the current situation of the furniture and the potential consequences of musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). In the development of the proposal, the User Centered Design methodology is used, aiming for general innovation based on people. The result shows the current conditions, due to long working hours, present a high risk for teachers to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the lumbar area, neck and wrists.

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME IN OFFICE WORKERS

Jorge Luis Hernandez-Pavón, Richard David Arana-Blas — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, encompasses a range of visual disturbances resulting from prolonged use of digital devices. Symptoms are nonspecific and heterogeneous, though there is no evidence that these symptoms cause permanent ocular damage, they adversely affect productivity and work efficiency. The aim of this review is to synthesize and report on Computer Vision Syndrome among office workers. A search was conducted in PUBMED, ScienceDirect, and Springer Link for original articles in Spanish or English. The searches were limited to articles published between January 2019 and June 2024. Initially, 340 articles were identified, and 15 were included after evaluating their methodology to ensure quality and relevance. The total sample consisted of 2779 participants. The mean age of participants ranged from 27.9 (± 6.6) to 54 (± 8). The combined prevalence among office workers was 71.33%. Female sex, age, the use of optical prescription, and prolonged use of the computer were the main predictors in the development of the condition. Key management strategies include the 20-20-20 rule, optical aids, ergonomic workplace design, and awareness of Computer Vision Syndrome. It is recommended that workers undergo an annual visual examination to allow the eye care professional to monitor changes in vision and provide personalized solutions.

CHAIR ERGONOMICS AS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR DESIGN

Ivan Jeldes-Yañez — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Design as a discipline is increasingly linked to the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, therefore, collaborative dialogue with other areas of knowledge and doing is of utmost importance. The interdisciplinary dialogue that exists today between Ergonomics and Design tends to be mere technical approaches based on data that simply quantify a preconceived project. This document seeks to account for some significant experiences in learning environments, applied in the Ergonomics course of the Design degree during its last 4 versions. Involving Ergonomics within the “project process” of design, through disciplinary content such as Biomechanics and Anthropometry as a significant learning experience, becomes a primary objective for us. In the first instance, a study is carried out associated with the biomechanics of the human being, where postural hygiene allows us to visualize the joint capabilities and restrictions of the human body faced with a complex postural sequence. In a second instance, and having understood the postural problem, we introduce ourselves to dimensional relationships, understood as the dimensional relationship between the human body and its built environment. To do this, we carry out individual and group anthropometric surveys, which translate into the construction of a series of Dimensional Avatars: personalized avatar, minimum avatar, maximum avatar and universal course group avatar. Ultimately, the qualitative and quantitative data obtained by the study allows us to redesign a desk chair, adapting it to the dimensional requirements of the four Avatars.

INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS ON HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORKING REMOTELY

Simon Hermosilla-Parischewsky — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a reconfiguration of work practices across numerous sectors. Within the healthcare field, telemedicine emerged as a crucial strategy for maintaining continuity of care while minimizing exposure to the virus. This review aims to examine the impact of various psychosocial risk factors on healthcare professionals engaged in telework and to propose evidence-based recommendations to mitigate potential negative outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using platforms such as the University of Concepción Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The review initially included 13 publications, and an additional 8 articles were incorporated through reference tracing, thereby enhancing the analytical depth and scope of the study. The analysis is structured around five key areas: psychosocial factors associated with teleworking, mental health risks, other relevant considerations, telework among healthcare personnel, and a set of practical recommendations addressing the identified risks. The findings indicate that healthcare workers are susceptible to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to repetitive tasks, as well as mood disorders linked to diminished social interaction. To reduce the impact of psychosocial risk factors, the following strategies are recommended: the establishment of realistic work schedules, the maintenance of clear and effective communication, negotiation of household responsibilities with family members, and the implementation of structured communication regarding availability and work-related obligations within the home environment.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN MEXICO

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Psychosocial risks at work places can occur at any time if the conditions for it exist, which makes them difficult to identify. In this sense, a literature review was carried out in various digital databases with the intention of analyzing what level of psychosocial risk Mexican workers are in as stipulated in the Mexican Official Standard 035 of the Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare 2018 (NOM-035-STPS-2018). It was possible to identify that, of the workers belonging to various work places registered in 36 investigations, the largest proportion of them (36%) was located at the medium level and additionally the analysis is shown by domains and categories that are part of the results applying the aforementioned standard. It is concluded that the identification of this kind of risks helps to enrich knowledge, since what cannot be measured is impossible to improve.

Editorial

Sergio Valdes-Valenzuela — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Editorial of the first issue of the seventh volume of our journal EID, which deals with Ergonomics and Forestry Work, highlightning thew importance of protecting the health and safety of forestry workers.