Evaluation of Working Postures in Mexican Rural Workers and Their Effect on Musculoskeletal Discomfort

Abstract

The study population consisted of workers who live in areas considered rural (less than 2, 500 people and have no regular water service, electric light, street paving, according to INEGI, 2010), distributed in the municipalities of Poncitlán and Ocotlan, Jalisco. Its economy depends to be workers or peasants in small family plots. Objective: To relate the positions taken and musculoskeletal discomfort in workers of a furniture industry in Ciénega region of Mexico, in 2011. Methods: Cross-sectional prospective analytical component. 258 workers participated. The instruments used were socio-demographic survey, Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (CNE) and OWAS method. The data were analyzed using basic statistics and correlation, organizing data in tables and graphs. Results: The greatest inconvenience positions were presented in sewing, upholstery, assembly and shipping. Variables in the correlation of the anatomical region of the back and expressed seniority factor had the highest risk, followed by positions with action category 3 and 4 OWAS and age. Conclusions: These are the positions derived from the task which causes musculoskeletal discomfort and not the activity itself. Reengineering posts, ergonomic education intervention, and automation of high-risk areas is proposed.

Keywords: rural workers, musculoskeletal, OWAS, odds ratio.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100324