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

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND CASE STUDIES

Abstract

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.