Workstation design for manufacture of steel rope slings

Abstract

Introduction: Slings fabrication requires optimal fitness, specific postures adoption and long working shifts among workers. Musculoeskletical disordes related with work are common, potentially disabling and avoidable. Objective: To propose a workstation design that facilitates iron wired-slings fabrication based on ergonomic condition for workers. Besides, to stablish workers’ health condition, anthropometrical sizes of workers and workstation and the real ergonomic risk. Methods: Descriptivecross-sectional quali-quantitative study with two slings fabrication exclusive workers who have been working in that area for at least a year. Data collection was performed with videos, interviews and pictures. For the evaluation of the biomechanical risk, the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) method was applied; and for the anthropometric evaluation it was used an instrument called Working Station Sizes. Those were validated by experts. Afterwards the proposal of working station design was made in Autocad®. Results: Total scores of REBA assessment for group A and B, were nine with a final score of 11. Conclusion: Handling of iron wires is a mechanical risk factor. For the implementation of the working station, it is need: test model definition, productive process documentation, workers’ training, constant following and process adjustments.