Biomechanical Assessment and Ergonomic Interventions for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has highlighted the urgent need for effective approaches to preventing these problems. These disorders, often caused by repetitive efforts and inadequate postures, negatively impact workers' health and compromise productivity. Objectives: Identify and analyze the main biomechanical and ergonomic factors that contribute to the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Methodology: To obtain data, resources from the following repositories were used: Nursing Database (BDENF), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), PubMed and Latin American Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS). A variety of sources, including scientific articles, monographs and journals, were examined to extract pertinent information on the subject. Results and Discussions:  The biomechanical assessment revealed that the main risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders were inadequate postures and repetitive movements, frequently observed in specific activities. The analysis identified that the lack of regular breaks and the lack of adaptations in the work environment contributed significantly to the development of these disorders. The discussion highlights that, by integrating biomechanical assessments with ergonomic interventions, it was possible to mitigate the risk factors associated with WMSDs. The ergonomic approach proved to be effective in reducing symptoms and preventing new occurrences, highlighting the importance of a work environment adapted to the needs of workers to promote lasting occupational health. Conclusion: The study confirmed that the combination of biomechanical assessments and ergonomic interventions is effective in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The analyzes highlighted that adapting the work environment and implementing appropriate ergonomic practices resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms and improved workers' health. These findings reinforce the importance of adopting preventive and ergonomic strategies to promote a safer and healthier work environment, minimizing the impact of WMSDs and improving employees' quality of life.