Manual load handling and inadequate postures in private security workers in Ecuador.

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occur due to the exposure of workers to ergonomic risk factors such as manual handling of loads, forced postures, repetitive movements, among others, when these are not controlled and are not developed in adequate conditions. favorable conditions of work, generating professional illnesses over time. Objective: To identify the level of risk represented by cargo handling and inadequate postures in MSDs in workers of a private security company in Ecuador. Methodology: The research is based on a quantitative design, descriptive of relationship and probability of occurrence. We worked with 105 workers, all men, with an average age of 30 years. Results: 50 people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. 38.1% suffer from low back pain, 28.6% tendinitis and 9.5% hernia and carpal tunnel syndrome. The degree of association between manual handling of loads and MSDs is moderate (V= .663), while between inadequate postures and Musculoskeletal Disorders it is high (V= .908). Those with excessive load manual handling are 3.75 times more likely to suffer from Musculoskeletal Disorders; while those with inadequate posture are 12 times more likely. Conclusions: In the activities of the workers of the security company under study, the presence of Musculoskeletal Disorders is confirmed. These are due to the manual handling of loads and inadequate postures, so the risk of these aspects is high.