Musculoskeletal disorders and work activities in a recycle company: focusing on the physical aspects

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders still common at work and still a worry related to health promotion at work. The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in activities of production operator workers of a recycle company. The methods of this study consisted in selection of the tasks perceived as a big physical effort from workers, application of a questionnaire containing: demographic data, questions related to work, questions from the Musculoskeletal Nordic Questionnaire, validated in Brazil (Pinheiro et al, 2002); investigation about the tasks and systematic activities observations, based on Ergonomics (Guérin et al, 1997). Participated in the study six workers, male, and age between 18 and 33 years. The tasks selected for the observations were: empty the trucks (3 types) and putting the packs in the pallets. To complement the observations were used the following instruments: video and digital camera (for registering postures), metric band (measures of the packs), chronometer (time/ velocity, pauses/times). In the results were found next to workers musculoskeletal pain in shoulders, elbows, and vertebral spine (lumbar region). Presence of organizational aspects: intense rhythm of work, time pressure, insufficient pause's time, poor relationship with the supervisor; which supports the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders; also found general "insatisfaction" of work. The conclusion is that is important to give attention to organizational and psychosocial aspects of work for prevention.