Medidas de intervención para la disminución de desórdenes musculoesqueléticos en los conductores de la empresa de reciclaje Reciclamas Gestores Ambientales S.A.S

Abstract

The work of transporting waste in recycling companies is an occupation that requires performing tasks that, by their nature, expose workers to biomechanical risk factors, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. The operation of vehicles in recycling companies, such as Reciclamas Gestores Ambientales S.A.S., demands prolonged postures, lifting, and manual handling of loads, which cause muscle fatigue among employees. This work addresses the issue of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the drivers of Reciclamas Gestores Ambientales S.A.S., who are exposed to significant biomechanical risks due to tasks such as driving, loading, and unloading waste. The application of the Nordic questionnaire by Kuorinka revealed that workers have experienced some discomfort in recent months in various body parts, including the lower back or lumbar region, neck, and shoulders; 100% of workers report pain in the lower back, 71% report discomfort in the neck, and 57% report pain in the shoulders. The phase within the daily tasks of the drivers that generates the highest exposure to musculoskeletal injuries is phase three, which corresponds to unloading the material; phase two (loading) poses type two risks, while phase one (driving) is associated with the least probability of injury among most drivers. The integration of the results obtained through the applied tools shows that drivers who report back pain in the Kuorinka questionnaire are associated with postures identified as type 2, type 3, and type 4 risks according to the OWAS method analysis. These postures, with adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system, indicate a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This highlights the importance of addressing ergonomic conditions in the work environment of drivers.