From Tradition to Ergonomics: Assessing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risk in Pizza Makers

Abstract

Manual load handling and upper limbs overloading is unavoidable in the pizza maker profession, and it is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MDs) in this kind of worker can significantly reduce worker productivity. This study was conducted to assess the postures and ergonomic risks of professional pizza maker with the aim of identifying the main causes of fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. Investigations were carried out by selecting a sample of pizza makers (25 people) whose anthropometric data were recorded and videos and pictures were acquired during the working process for postural analysis; subjective (dis)comfort perceptions and efforts are investigated through an ad-hoc questionnaire. Digital Human Modelling software (DELMIA® by Dassault Systèmes) was used for the postural analysis and for Ergonomics analysis by RULA method. Dealing with pain and MSD, questionnaires revealed that back-muscles, neck and hands are the most frequently mentioned. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS©, in order to correlate the investigated factors with the anthropometric variables and the (dis)comfort perception. The results emphasize the importance of targeted ergonomic interventions with the goal of reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and improving the working conditions of pizza makers.

Keywords: MSD, Discomfort, Food Maker, RULA, Human Centred Design, Comfort Driven Redesign

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007946