Ergonomic risks in truck maintenance: task characterization and analysis with a normative and descriptive approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4321/s0465-546x2025000400005Keywords:
Ergonomics; Workplace; Biomechanical Risk, Occupational health, WorkloadAbstract
Introduction: Physical ergonomic risks in the automotive sector contribute significantly to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back pain. Evidence highlights high prevalence linked to manual load handling, awkward postures, and repetitive tasks. Research on heavy vehicle maintenance workers is scarce, underscoring the need to characterize risks and support preventive workplace interventions.
Method: This cross-sectional study in Santiago, Chile, assessed 256 male freight transport mechanics and cellar workers exposed to manual load handling. Evaluations included questionnaires, technical visits, and Chilean regulatory protocols: the MMH Guide and TS-WMSD Standard. These tools identified risks related to lifting, pushing, posture, repetition, and force, classifying them into levels requiring corrective measures. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, prevalence, and percentages to characterize occupational risks and compare international methodologies.
Results: This study identified ergonomic risks among mechanics and cellar workers engaged in manual load handling. Lifting, lowering, and carrying tasks involved 206 workers, while 114 performed pushing and pulling. Mechanics predominated in the highest-risk categories (>60%), whereas cellar workers were more frequent in low/moderate levels. Main risks included vertical lifting position (70%), grip zone (56%), and trunk asymmetry (52%). According to the TS-WMSD protocol, repetitive movements and non-neutral postures reached 100% prevalence.
Conclusions: This study confirms significant ergonomic risks among mechanics and cellar workers. Mechanics face higher risks in lifting due to vertical positions, heavy loads, and postural asymmetry, while cellar staff encounter pushing/pulling hazards from poor grip zones. Limitations of the TS-WMSD protocol suggest complementing evaluations with REBA and NIOSH to enhance risk detection.
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