Factores de riesgo ergonómico de desórdenes de trauma acumulativo en miembro superior en trabajadores de una empresa maquiladora

Abstract

At work, there are several ergonomic risk factors which are the cause of different Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD). This investigation is intended for the identification of ergonomic risk factors which are the origin of CTD in the upper limb in workers of a toll manufacturer (maquila company). This is a descriptive study which has started with a Modified Situational Diagnosis, in order to identify the job position with the highest risk. Afterwards, two methods for assessing ergonomic risk factors were used: a) the graphic method, and b) the OCRA Check List index method. Then, a survey was applied to workers in order to know their clinical osteo-muscular discomfort in the upper limb. The collected data were confirmed by physical exploration with the indicated maneuvers. Results: The job position identified as the one with the highest risk was the “product arranger" job; this position is held by 60 workers at the study site. From the studied sample, 66% showed discomfort at the shoulder, 17% at the elbow, and 83% at the wrist. During physical exploration, they showed one or more positive signs: 50% at the shoulder, 33% at the elbow, and 83% at the wrist. As for the graphic method results, it showed that there is a high risk level for movements performed with the wrist, and a medium risk level for movements performed with elbow and shoulder. Last, the OCRA Check List Index indicated that there is a high risk level for the wrist, and a medium risk level for the elbow and shoulder. Based on the aforementioned considerations, it is concluded that: 1) The ergonomic characteristics of the evaluated job position pose a risk for workers' health; 2) The repetitive movements which are performed and which produce a Cumulative Trauma Disorder are four: two at the wrist, one at the shoulder, and one at the elbow; 3) Both ergonomic assessment methods used demonstrated that there is a high risk level for the occurrence of CTD at the wrist, and a medium risk level for the occurrence of CTD at the shoulder and elbow; 4) Clinical evaluation shows that there are more workers with wrist injuries; and 5) Prevention and control measures intended to decrease CTD risk at the upper limb are proposed.