Musculoskeletal risks in different departments of a footwear manufacturing company

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) may be caused by repetitive exertions and inadequate ergonomic conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare occupational activities of workers in different departments of a footware company. Fifty workers were analyzed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), the Strain Index (SI), and the Ergonomic Census Questionnaire methods. According to the RULA, 96% of the workers (n=48) were classified in action levels 3 or 4 and only 4% of the workers (n=2) were classified in action level 2. In relation to the SI, the multipliers indicated high risk of WMSD (SI=13.5) for the departments of cutting, stitching and finishing; whereas in the assembly department the index value was even higher: 40.5 (p=0.001). In relation to the questionnaire, it was found that workers from the cutting (n=9), preparation (n=9), stitching (n=8), assembly (n=5), and finishing (n=9) departments feel musculoskeletal pain. In conclusion, all departments evaluated present postural risks, the assembly department presents the highest risk due to high repetitions, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 80%.