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Ergonomic evaluation of risk level by exposure to forced postures in cattle slaughterhouse workers in Ecuador

Abstract:

Nowadays, worldwide work related musculoskeletal disorders are considered a serious public health problem because they affect a high proportion of the economically active population, incapacitating the affected individual temporarily or permanently for their professional activities. So, greater attention should be paid to the ergonomic risks in the working population. The objective of this study is to determine the risk level do to forced postures of workers in the slaughter area of a representative company of the Ecuadorian meat industry. The risk factors are analyzed through direct observation, videos and the application of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment methods. The results show a high-risk level caused by forced postures, highlighting the importance of prevention programs to improve the working conditions, that can minimize the damage and improve the life quality of workers and the productivity of small industries in developing countries.