Resumen

RODRIGUEZ MARQUEZ, Eliana del Valle; MEDINA CHACON, Emily Rosío  y  MANERO ALFERT, Rogelio. EVALUATION OF THE RISK OF MUSCULAR-SKELETAL DISORDERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN VENEZUELA. uct [online]. 2008, vol.12, n.48, pp.147-156. ISSN 1316-4821.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the risk of muscular-skeletal disorders (MSD) in a group of workers from the automotive industry in Venezuela regarding bio-mechanical, physiological and psychological variables. The study includes evaluation of the physical fitness capacity using the step test and work demands with the REBA and MODSI methods. An analysis of environmental, physical demand and psychosocial factors was conducted applying the LEST method. Results show all workers perform their activities within a safety physiological zone. Noise was the most impacting physical environmental factor, and for the psychosocial components evaluated, initiative was observed highly injurious. Biomechanical evaluation indicates that activities in vehicle Body Shop Assembly are the higher risk for MSD. At the end, the disergonomical incompatibilities observed are highlighted and procedures proposed to adapt working conditions, including postural culture training, recommended implant of new technology process changes that favor biopsychosocial adaptation to work. Some considerations are made for future enhancement of MODSI.

Palabras clave : Ergonomics; Biomechanics; Muscular-Skeletal Disorders; Physical Fitness; Psycho-social Factors.