Ergonomic help to attenuate osteomyoarticular disorders by manual lifting of loads in the dispatch of peeled chickens

Abstract

Introduction, the execution of handicraft activities where prevention management is not considered and fewer ergonomic aids expose workers to severe working conditions for lifting loads of different weights all day can cause osteomyoarticular disorders and even work accidents. Objective. The effect of an ergonomic aid was investigated to reduce the weight of the loads lifted by the Incubandina company's chicken drawer dispenser by half and to attenuate the composite lifting index of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Methodology. First, it began by identifying: time of execution of the lifts, weight of the load, vertical position (V), horizontal position (H), height of the lift (D), angle of rotation (A), frequency of the lifts (F) and grip. Then the calculation of the individual index of each load and in the end the composite lifting index for multiple tasks was carried out, making the adjustments of the NIOSH factors using the NTP 477. This was done in initial conditions and then with the ergonomic help to see the percentage of improvement. Results. The lifting of four different loads was identified: 20 kg, 25 kg, 18 kg, 20 kg; of which the indices of individual lifts were calculated determining: 1.15; 1.51; 1.24 and 1.28 respectively and a composite lift index of 2.42. When locating a mirror post and sharing the loads, an individual lifting index of: 0.49 was found; 0.62; 0.46; and 0.52 respectively and a compound lifting index of 0.6 Decreasing the composite lifting index by 182%. Conclusion. With the use of a person who helps with the manual lifting of the loads, the compound lifting index can be lowered by 182%, guaranteeing the execution of the activity within the limits recommended by Ecuadorian legislation in DE 23 93 Art. 128 Lit. Four.