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

Abstract

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.