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

Abstract

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.