Biomechanical risks in sawmill worker postures

Abstract

Workers in sawmills are exposed to biomechanical risks due to the postures adopted during their activities. The purpose here was to assess postures adopted by these workers by using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA), in order to detect and classify possible biomechanical risks. Fifteen male workers from the production section of a sawmill in João Pessoa, PB (mean age 44±10.9 years old) were assessed as to the postures adopted at work. A semi-structured questionnaire collected demographic and environmental data as well as functions in the workplace. Musculoskeletal symptoms were identified using Corlett's body map. Four postures were evaluated: anterior trunk flexion with weight lifting, deep crouching, anterior trunk flexion with lateral inclination and extended body to move a press. The REBA method showed a very high risk level for the anterior trunk flexion; the other postures - deep crouching, anterior trunk flexion with lateral inclination, and extended body to move a press - were shown to bear a high risk level. Accordingly, 73.3% of the workers complained of back pain or discomfort and 26.8% of pain in the shoulder area. Considering the risk levels assessed, there is a need for ergonomic and preventive interventions in the workplace so that workers adopt postures that best suit their work activities with lesser risk to their health.