Participatory Ergonomics in a bed manufacturing industry in Guatemala

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal injuries are disorders affecting anatomical structures such as nerves, ligaments, tendons, and others. Their development depends on multiple risks that can be addressed through various methodologies. Participatory ergonomics proposes improving working conditions and reducing the incidence of health problems caused by these injuries.
Objective: To identify health damage and ergonomic risk factors among workers in two areas of a bed manufacturing workplace in Guatemala City.
Method: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among workers in the sewing and logistics areas of a bed manufacturing workplace using participatory ergonomics. The sample consisted of 83 randomly selected workers. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The Ergopar software application, version 2.1.0.0 (free-use), was used for data processing.
Results: The health problems identified by the workers were in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, hands and/or wrists, and feet. The ergonomic risk factors identified as priorities were: walking, bending the head and neck forward, bending the trunk forward, exerting pressure with one foot, and working on vibrating surfaces.
Conclusions: Participatory ergonomics makes it possible to establish a baseline diagnosis of workers’ health problems, especially musculoskeletal injuries. It also fosters the voluntary commitment of different stakeholders within a workplace to optimize working conditions.