THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

National background

Tracking some research from the national context, it has been found
how ergonomics plays a crucial role in the workplace environment
due to its significant impact on health, productivity, and satisfaction
workers:

In the research "Ergonomic analysis of the workstation and effects for the
health, in workers due to service provision under the so-called telecommuting
mandatory isolation framework in Bogotá" by Duque Duvan, presented in 2021, is
He exposed: In recent years, a significant change has occurred in the labor model.
in all organizations and companies. They have taken different approaches with the
objective of not only preserving its operations but also the well-being of its staff, which
it is essential for its functioning.

One of the most important findings in the research was the reduction of
risks that have been faced in the implementation of ergonomic strategies in workers.
It was essential to identify and address the ergonomic risks faced by the
workers in this new environment, as well as define the responsibilities of the
organizations, given that tasks are carried out in locations different from the
company facilities. It is also essential to implement preventive measures
to improve the quality of life of employees.

All of this leads us to the need to establish standards that can be applied to
permanent form in this work model. There must be shared responsibility
between both parties of the contract, with a clear focus on the preservation and improvement of the

health of workers.
 In the current year, the research "Ergonomic risk factors" was developed.
associated with the job position of administrative staff, a health issue
Occupational in Colombia", implemented by Jiménez Juan, it can be highlighted that:

Ergonomic risk in an unsafe work environment arises from a

inappropriate interaction between the employee and their work environment, which has
negative repercussions on physical health. Therefore, it was identified that the risk
ergonomic is fundamental as a starting point to establish strategies for
prevention, promotion, and correction of workers' health problems.

The purpose of the research was to present the ergonomic risk factors.
associated with jobs in office environments. To achieve this objective, they
employed a methodology based on a systematic review of documents that summarize
the conclusions of previously conducted and published studies in the scientific literature
related to this study topic.

Finally, in the research "Evaluation of ergonomic work risks

catering companies" The objective was to address the ergonomic risks present in the
job positions in companies in the food and beverage sector, specifically in the
catering field. The main purpose was to assess the ergonomic risks to which one is subjected.
workers are exposed while performing their tasks in different job positions
within this type of companies. This analysis was carried out in order to provide
support for the design of management systems that contribute to preventing accidents
labor or professional.

The main problem lay in the catering company 'Grisú,' which is the
The unit of analysis in this research does not have ergonomic management systems.
established. As a result of this lack, the company pays little attention to the
risks that their employees face, especially regarding the
musculoskeletal disorders. This analysis has been conducted using
ergonomic risk assessment matrices, including: Assessment matrix of
ergonomic risks RULA method, Ergonomic risk assessment matrix method
OWAS and Preventive Measures Matrix.
These methods and tools were used to identify, evaluate, and propose solutions.
to the ergonomic risks present in the workstations of the catering company
Grisú,
workers.

International Background

In the search for international background, one finds the reference to the
research work 'Guidelines for the prevention of health risks at work, such as
support in the remote activities of teachers at public educational institutions
of the San Antonio district" Huarochirí – Lima. The objective of the research focused on the
creation of a prevention plan aimed at reducing health risks in the environment
work. Detailed descriptions were made about the effects of the ergonomic system,
based on the considerations that every employer must adopt regarding
their employees. In addition, the importance of considering the work environment was highlighted.
provide training in ergonomics to the teaching staff, as these measures are
fundamentals to promote health in the workplace and prevent possible
occupational diseases.

Currently, it has been observed that ergonomic systems in institutions

educational measures have been implemented in response to previous incidents, such as the lack
of knowledge about ergonomics, the improper use of equipment, and the lack of training
of the staff. The most common risks identified in public institutions of
The district of San Antonio is characterized by psychological disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and visual problems.

la prevención ergonómica propuesta en esta investigación, se abordan aspectos recurrentes

like the environment, machines, and the human factor.

In the year 2022 in Lima - Peru, the research "ergonomic risks" was developed.
and its implications on the job performance of the administrative staff of a company.
"electric sector" where the following is highlighted:

The research showed the results of the ergonomic risk assessment.

which was carried out using the REBA method, along with the performance assessment
workplace, which was conducted through surveys and an assessment of ergonomic risks
present in the company.

As a result of the literature review and in line with the issues

identified, the importance of following an evaluation procedure is highlighted
ergonomic. In this study, in addition to the REBA method, other factors will be taken into account.

ergonomic factors, such as brightness and space in the work environment, since they
complement each other and allow the company to meet the basic requirements of
ergonomics and procedures for assessing ergonomics-related risks.

In the year 2021, the research "Analysis of the

ergonomic conditions and their impact on the job satisfaction level of the staff
the administrative management at the Bank of Costa Rica (BCR) in the branches of Heredia,
Santo Domingo and San Isidro de Heredia, where the following is detailed:

The study is based on ergonomics and has focused for years on

promote its correct implementation in organizations of this type. This topic involves
physical, cognitive, environmental, and organizational aspects that impact in a way
direct impact on employee health.

These motivations driven the current research and analysis.

of variables such as ergonomics, furniture, and the perception of the group of collaborators of
Bank of Costa Rica in the branches under study. To carry out the research, we
planned a series of visits with the aim of applying the necessary tools. It
they raised the following specific objectives: compare the criteria on ergonomics
existing in the Bank of Costa Rica in relation to the current national regulations,
identify the perception of the group of collaborators regarding the conditions of
ergonomics offered by the bank and, at the same time, determine the level of satisfaction of
personnel in administrative management in relation to ergonomic conditions
provided by the banking entity. This allowed us to conclude that the bank took measures
para cumplir con la normativa nacional vigente, aunque es necesario abordar algunas
regulatory provisions that directly affect employee satisfaction.
 Theoretical framework

Ergonomics is defined as the discipline that investigates the adaptation of the

tools, furniture, and the items regularly used by people with the
purpose of improving their comfort and efficiency in their activities. Despite the multiple
evolutions that the definition of ergonomics has undergone over time and in the
society as a whole, its philosophical foundations remain unchanged (Espinosa,
2019).

In this context, an intrinsic connection between the work environment and

the workforce, which largely depends on the adaptation of working conditions
to the needs of employees, as long as preventive measures are taken to
improve the work environment. The main mission of ergonomics is to adjust work to the
individual capabilities, which in turn allows for the prevention of occupational diseases
related to exposure to various physical factors through the implementation of
procedures that ensure the safety of employees (Department of
Ergonomics, 2018.

This research mainly focuses on the study of risks

occupational factors associated with ergonomics, such as prolonged postures and activities
Repetitive. Ergonomic risk factors can lead to injuries or accidents.
work-related. Repetitive movements are characterized by continuous actions over
the workday, which subjects various parts of the body to stress and increases the risk of
muscle fatigue, as well as injuries in body areas exposed to greater tension
(Wolfgang, 2019).

Forced postures refer to situations in which the body is compelled to

adopt extreme positions that involve excessive rotations or flexions. These postures
they can induce musculoskeletal imbalances in various parts of the body, and their
gravity depends on the frequency and duration of these postures. These problems can
manifest itself gradually and insidiously, and although most people tend to
ignore them at first, over time they can reach a critical and permanent state that
increases people's sensitivity (Wolfgang, 2019).
 Singleton (1982) provides a detailed description of the development of the
research in this area and its applications. Some organizations of the Nations
United, like the ILO and the WHO, began their involvement in this field in the decade of
1960. The implementation of ergonomics in an organization is characterized by its
integral and preventive approach. This involves designing work methods, machinery and
tools in a way that benefits both the worker and the employer. This
starts by establishing safe and adequate working conditions, which in turn
leads to a reduction in absenteeism, the creation of a quality work environment
and the improvement of productivity. The organization is dedicated to identifying, analyzing and

minimize occupational risks, in addition to contributing to the development of conditions

work through the introduction of new technologies. This, in turn, implies the
training and continuous education of workers.

Characteristics of ergonomics

Ergonomics allows recognizing the interactions between humans and their

environment, focuses on the design and adaptation of products, systems, and workspaces
to fit as well as possible to the capabilities, limitations and
needs of people. Some of the fundamental characteristics are:

User focus: Ergonomics places the human at the center of its

attention. It seeks to understand the physical, cognitive, and emotional characteristics
from users to design products and environments that are comfortable and efficient for them.

Multidisciplinary: Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary discipline that combines

knowledge of psychology, physiology, anthropology, biomechanics, engineering,
among other fields. This is necessary to comprehensively address the needs of
the users.

Adaptation to the environment: Ergonomics seeks to adapt the environment to abilities and
limitations of people, instead of forcing people to adapt to the environment. This
it translates into the creation of safer, more comfortable workplaces, products, and systems
and efficient.
 Improvement of performance and well-being: One of the main objectives of the
Ergonomics is about improving both the performance of individuals in their tasks and their well-being.

This can be achieved by reducing fatigue, preventing injuries, and the

promotion of a healthier work environment.

User-centered design: Ergonomics is based on user-centered design

user. This means that user feedback is taken into account throughout the
design process and products or environments are adjusted based on that
feedback.

Injury and illness prevention: Ergonomics focuses on prevention

injuries and disorders related to work, such as carpal tunnel syndrome,
back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. This can save costs in
medical attention and downtime.

Application in various areas: Ergonomics is applied in a wide variety of

fields such as work ergonomics, product ergonomics, ergonomics of
human-machine interaction, the ergonomics of interior design and the ergonomics of
transportation, among others.

Norms and standards: There are international norms and standards that
regulate and guide the application of ergonomics in different sectors. These documents
proporcionan directrices para el diseño y la evaluación ergonómica.

In the words of Keyser (1986), he states: "On one hand, technological advancements, with their..."

swift march, and the tremendous changes brought about by technologies of the
information, have revolutionized many jobs. On the other hand, the uncertainty of
the economic market has demanded greater flexibility in personnel management and the
organización del trabajo.” (p. 29.6). En este escenario, la tecnología, el sector económico, el
type of production, size, and geographical location are unique conditions that must
to consider when conducting an analysis. Additionally, the structure of the staff also plays
a fundamental role, as it involves factors such as age, experience, the field
training and the individual limitations of each person.
 Types of ergonomics

Ergonomics plays an essential role in improving both safety and

the performance of workers, while also improving the quality of life of the
employees and boosts their productivity. To achieve these goals, ergonomics relies on
from various disciplines, such as medicine, anatomy, psychology, engineering, the
design and more. As a result, it becomes an extremely complex field with
multiple areas of application. Thus, there are different types of ergonomics, given the
understanding its fundamental characteristics, it is important to identify the categories
main

Physical Ergonomics: It focuses on the adaptation of the physical environment to the

the needs of people, which encompasses both materials and products

employees in the execution of tasks. An example would be the adjustment of chairs and tables
for work to maintain a proper posture or the arrangement of the monitor screen.

Cognitive Ergonomics: It focuses on adjusting the environment to the capabilities and

psychological needs of people or users: include stress management through

devices designed to reduce it, the fair distribution of the workload, the
management of emotions in particularly demanding positions, the scheduling of breaks and
the adaptation of tools to the cognitive capacities of those who use them.

Organizational Ergonomics: It focuses on the relationship between the individual and the

organization instead of the specific job position. It is concerned with activities

individuals, human resource management, work culture, and policies of
communication, among other aspects.

Environmental Ergonomics: It focuses on the physical environment, evaluating aspects such as

lighting, noise level, temperature, ventilation and other factors that can
affect people.

In the words of Tortosa (1999), "ergonomics aims to adapt the

products, tasks, tools, spaces and in general, the environment to the capabilities
and the needs of the people, thereby improving the efficiency of the workers, the
security and well-being.
 Methods of ergonomics

According to Miranda (2018):

Ergonomic methods include regulations and procedures whose

the main objective is the identification and evaluation of risk factors in the
work environments. The results obtained through these methods provide
the basis for proposing redesigns that reduce those risks. (p. 76).

The most commonly used methods to assess postural load are as follows:

OWAS Method: This procedure evaluates the various postures that the
workers adopt in the performance of their work tasks. Classifies 252 positions in
function of the combinations of arms, back, legs, and strength involved in each
posture. However, its general analysis does not always provide accurate information in
comparison with later methods.

RULA Method:

The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) focuses on evaluating and assigning values to
the risks related to the upper limbs of workers. They
pay special attention to activities that require postural efforts. To carry out
this method begins with the observation and selection of activities and positions that
indicate notable postural efforts.

REBA Method:

The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) is a more comprehensive procedure and
meticulous that evaluates the positions of the upper limbs of the body and the neck. A
the difference between the RULA method, REBA allows for a more detailed identification of the degree of

inclination of different parts of the human body. The results of this method are
valuable for the early identification of risks affecting the system
musculoskeletal, thus contributing to the health of the company's workers.
Figure 1. Considerations for the scoring scheme of the REBA method. Adapted from 'Postural Assessment'
using the REBA method, by Mas, D., 2015.

According to the above, it has been identified that maintaining an inadequate posture and
lack of physical activity can decrease blood flow, which increases the risk of
suffering from circulatory problems, such as varicose veins and thrombosis. In addition, exposure

Constant exposure to uncomfortable and unsafe working conditions can elevate stress levels.
and anxiety among workers, which in turn can negatively affect their health
mental and emotional. These are examples of long-term effects that have been discussed in
a study conducted by Guevara (2020).

Ergonomics in the office.

Figure 2. Creating Healthy Work Environments: A Model for Action: for Employers,
workers, regulatory authorities, and professionals. World Health Organization, year 2010.
 Workplace environments must be designated spaces according to the
needs and tasks of companies or institutions, which allows for the execution of tasks
administrative or technical. Usually, a workplace consists of a desk, a
chair, furniture for document storage, as well as equipment for
telecommunications and IT, such as computers, screens, keyboards, phones and
other devices related to management. The configuration of a workspace
It depends on the available space and can be an individual or shared space, according to the
needs of the organization.

In the workplace, the arrangement of workspaces may vary depending on the

task and relationships with different hierarchical levels, internal and external. In addition,
Due to the evolution of organizational models, new forms have been introduced.
of work, such as 'call centers', 'telecommuting' from unregulated places (like the
home) and "coworking", where a common space is shared for different
purposes and various contractual agreements.

Frequent injuries due to exposure to ergonomic risks.

The most common consequences that affect workers who perform

in poorly designed or unsuitable work positions for their needs are the following:

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): They refer to physical injuries that are

desarrollan gradualmente debido a esfuerzos repetidos en una parte específica del sistema
skeletal muscle. These disorders have a multifactorial etiology and can be
classify into four risk groups: individual factors, working conditions, factors
organizational and environmental conditions.

The evidence suggests that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) may manifest in office workers and

computer users experiencing painful symptoms in the neck, limbs

upper body, lower back and lower limbs, which affects their performance.
 Fatigue: Fatigue is the temporary decrease in capacity that a person experiences.
person after performing a job for an extended period, whether physical or mental,
emotional or sensory. In office work and the use of computers, physical fatigue is
is mainly associated with postural overload and monotonous tasks. Fatigue can lead
a decrease in responsiveness and action, affecting both the physical aspect
like the mental.

The prevention of physical and mental fatigue in the office environment and the use of
computers involve the implementation of regular breaks, the diversification of tasks,
the avoidance of prolonged periods of computer use without breaks, the adaptation of
designing the workplace to the user's needs and managing risk factors
psychosocial.

Work stress: It is a reaction to the demands and pressures of work that can
to put a person's ability to cope with the situation to the test. Often, the
stress worsens when workers feel that they do not receive adequate support from their
superiors and colleagues or when they have limited control over their work. The causes of
work-related stress includes workload, lack of breaks, monotonous work,
underutilization of skills and unfavorable environmental conditions at the place of
work.

The symptoms of workplace stress can manifest as distress, physical pain,

difficulties in relaxing, concentrating, or sleeping, difficulties in decision-making
job dissatisfaction, fatigue, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Visual Problems: Computer users often experience

visual discomfort. Symptoms include sore, red, watery, dry eyes, vision
blurred vision and headaches. Eye strain can be caused by constant exposure.
from the eye to the computer screen at a fixed distance. Furthermore, the improper position of
the screen and the work environment (temperature and humidity) can worsen these
symptoms.
 Conceptual framework.

The following will explain different concepts and elements, which will
focus on understanding this work and recognizing the pillars of the
ergonomics, in its practical application and its influence on everyday life:

Ergonomic risks: These are those that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
skeletal disorders (MSD) in the worker and are derived from forced postures, application
continues with forces, repetitive movements and manual handling of loads at the position
of work. They can be present in different occupations where they are carried out
repetitive movements or those that require greater strength.

Ergonomic factors are incorporated into the overall risk assessment of the workplace.
of work. In the evaluation of these factors, it is possible to carry out on-site measurements,
for example, to determine distances and heights, or to calculate the available space
for employee at their workplace.

RULA Method: The RULA method (from English 'Rapid Upper Limb Assessment')
developed in 1993 by Lynn McAtamney and Nigel Corlett, it is an analysis approach
postural designed to assess the risks faced by workers in the industry.
This method is recommended for two specific situations:

-Evaluar de manera rápida los riesgos de trastornos en los miembros superiores

caused by work.
Evaluate the impact of the interventions by comparing the positions before and
after implementing corrective measures.

RULA is used to identify risk factors that can lead to disorders in

the upper body when analyzing work postures. This analysis considers the
following aspects:

Positions of arms, forearms, wrists, neck, torso, and legs.

The type of activity associated with the posture (occasional, static, or repetitive).
The force required in the task.
 One of the main applications of RULA is to provide a hierarchy of
priority for jobs that require a more detailed assessment using
other methods. To apply the RULA method in detail, it is important to have
account:

Observe the worker during several work cycles to determine the

movement patterns.
Select the positions that will be subject to evaluation.
For each selected position, decide whether to evaluate the left side or
right of the body.
If both sides of the body are evaluated, assign a score for each one.
they.
Calculate the final score of the method and determine the level of risk.
-Analyze the specific scores for different parts of the body in order to
identify areas that require correction.
If necessary, make adjustments to the design of the workstation or
implement changes to improve the stances.
-Si se han realizado modificaciones, aplicar nuevamente el método RULA para
evaluate the effectiveness of the improvements made.

Rosa Method: Developed in Canada in 2012 by Michael Sonne, Dino L.

Villalta and David M. Andrews, is based on ergonomic recommendations for environments.
ofice provided in the CSA Z412 guide, developed by the Canadian Centre for
Health and Occupational Safety (CCOHS). It also incorporates technical criteria from the literature.

ergonomic. These recommendations and criteria focus on the workers' posture

when interacting with common elements in office workstations.

Methodology: To determine the valuation of a position, an evaluation is carried out.

contribution of five elements of the work environment:

 The chair, with a detailed assessment of the seat's features,
including the height and depth, as well as the dorsal support and the
armrest.
The phone.
The screen.
The mouse.
The keyboard.

The worker's posture is evaluated in relation to the deviation from the neutral posture or
ideal, which results from the interaction with the teams and elements of the workplace with
screens. The reference posture (neutral posture) is presented in the first column of the
tables and it is always assigned a minimum score of "1". The other positions are scored
based on its deviation from the reference position, with increasing values;
situations are included whose score, if present, is added to the
determined in the section 'Deviation from the reference posture'.

Figure 3. Levels of Action Rosa Method. Source:

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Nordic Methodology:

It is used for workers exposed to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.

Upper limb skeletal conditions related to work, an instrument is used.
as part of the health evaluation process. This questionnaire, along with others
questionnaires related to functionality and health perception.

Development

The Nordic Questionnaire focuses on identifying the most common symptoms in

workers facing physical demands, particularly of a biomechanical nature.
Its use should consider the following purposes for which it was designed:

a) Detection of musculoskeletal disorders in an intervention context

ergonomic

The early identification of musculoskeletal symptoms can serve as

a diagnostic tool to analyze the risk factors that individuals are exposed to
workers. The location of symptoms can be a direct indication of imbalances or
incompatibilities in task execution, the design of the work environment or the use of
tools, among others.

b) Support in occupational health services or risk prevention:

The questionnaire can provide means to evaluate the results of studies.

epidemiological studies on musculoskeletal disorders. The professionals of these
services can use the questionnaire for various purposes, such as load analysis
labor, the monitoring of the effects of improvements implemented in the workplaces and
even to help determine the evolution of the health of a worker with a disorder
skeletal muscle.

Structure of the questionnaire

The questionnaire consists of multiple-choice questions and can be administered from

two ways:

Self-completed by the respondent, without the presence of an interviewer.

Applied by an interviewer in the context of an interview.

La versión original del cuestionario incluye una sección general y tres cuestionarios
specifics that focus on the lower back, neck, and shoulders. The
The purpose of the general section is to identify, through the respondent's perception, the
presence of pain, discomfort or unease and its functional impact, while the
specific questionnaires allow for a more detailed analysis of the labor impact of these
inconveniences. This general questionnaire consists of two sections:

a) The first section requires general information about the date of the survey, the
sex, year of birth, weight, height, time spent on the activity, and hours
average weekly work

At this stage, the main question is: "At any point during the last 12
months, have you experienced problems (pain, discomfort, unease)?". Then, it includes
a group of mandatory questions that identify the areas of the body where
they have experienced the symptoms. This section includes a body map that identifies
nine anatomical areas where symptoms can manifest: neck, shoulders, part
upper back, elbows, lower back, wrist and hands, hips,
thighs, knees, and finally, ankles and feet.

b) The second section addresses issues related to the functional effect of the
previously mentioned symptoms, to which access must be granted.

Musculoskeletal disorders: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are

they are characterized by physical injuries that develop gradually due to accumulation
from trauma over time, as a result of repeated efforts in one area
specific to the musculoskeletal system. They can also originate from a
localized effort that exceeds the physiological resistance of the tissues that compose it
system.

These disorders range from mild and temporary discomforts to injuries.

irreversibles. Its manifestation is the result of a combination of various factors of
risk, being more common in activities that involve significant physical efforts,
like the application of force, the adoption of forced postures for periods
prolonged or the performance of highly repetitive tasks. In addition to these factors, others
important elements to consider include organizational aspects, factors
psychosocial and individual characteristics such as age, gender, and physical constitution.

Occupational health: Refers to the situation or conditions of safety

physical, mental, and social conditions in which employees find themselves in their workplaces, with
el propósito de anticipar medidas de control destinadas a promover el bienestar y reducir o
eliminate the risks of diseases or accidents. The International Organization of
The International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes and applies a culture of prevention of safety and health in the

work environment. In 2003, the ILO designated April 28 as World Day for...
Safety and Health at Work, in order to highlight the importance of prevention
diseases and accidents at work, based on social dialogue as a tool
fundamental.

The Pan American Health Organization (2000) considers that the workplace
it is a priority environment for promoting health in the 21st century and argues that health
In the workplace, healthy work environments are invaluable assets for individuals.
communities and nations.

Working conditions: According to Prieto (2000), they refer to all the

elements that surround the work environment from the perspective of their impact on people.
Therefore, working conditions are not limited solely to hygiene, safety, and
the physical aspects, but also encompass the psychological aspects. According to what
established by the World Health Organization (2019): “are defined as the
characteristics of work and its organization that influence health and well-being
of individuals." (p. 34).

The objective is to safeguard workers and serve as mechanisms of

supervision to comply with the standards and guidelines, in order to ensure sufficient
physical and health safety measures for employees, ensuring an adequate level
in accordance (Trujillo, 2017).

Workplace analysis: Job analysis is defined as the

procedure for examining a job position in order to identify its tasks and
specific obligations. It also implies establishing the relevance of this position in
comparison with other positions and, in addition, determine the requirements and qualifications
essential qualities that a candidate must possess to carry out the associated functions. The
job analysis is divided into two lines:

1- Descripción del puesto de trabajo: Fines, cometidos, normas, funciones.

2- Job requirements specification: Knowledge, skills, abilities.

The comprehensive collection of this information is fundamental and essential for

support decision-making by verifying the effectiveness of methods and techniques
used. This mainly applies in the field of human resources, with
the purpose of aspects such as hiring personnel, internal development
and the performance evaluation.

Work environment: The work setting is related to the perception of the

employees regarding the elements that influence the quality of their experience
labor. These elements can be classified as tangible and intangible.

In the category of tangible elements, aspects such as increases are included.

salary, bonuses, and recognition on special occasions. In addition, it is found
the adaptation of the work facilities to make the routine of the
employees, providing coffee machines, ergonomic chairs, and creating spaces
of rest. With the growing adoption of telecommuting, these elements can be
adapted to meet the needs of people in this new work dynamic.

On the other hand, intangible elements play a crucial role in the

building a favorable work environment. This category includes the perception of
the relationship of individuals with their work, the quality of interactions between the
collaborators and how they feel about these connections.

Injury prevention: Injury prevention includes activities,

exercises or tools used to reduce health-related risks
and physical well-being. In this context, various treatments or measures can be applied.
personalized to individual needs. It is important to understand the two main
prevention categories. On one hand, there is primary prevention, aimed at avoiding
that people who have never suffered an injury before get injured. On the other hand, it
Find secondary prevention, which focuses on preventing the recurrence of injuries in
people who have already experienced previous injuries. The following are presented
main practices in injury prevention:

Stretching and warming up: Stretching and warming up are

fundamentals, especially for those who practice sports regularly. Start
any physical activity without a prior warm-up is not advisable. Additionally, it is
It is advisable to do a warm-up before stretching. In the same way, it is the same
It is important to stretch and cool down after finishing the activity.

For sedentary people or those who wish to start exercising, it is

it is essential to incorporate warming up, stretching, and cooling down as part
an integral part of your routine. This will help prevent muscle overload and injuries.

Physical preparation: It is crucial to be aware of our own limits, without

import our current physical condition. Most sports injuries occur at the end
from exercise sessions. This situation could be avoided through physical preparation.
adequate or, failing that, regulating the intensity of our training.

Legal framework

The current Colombian legislation that supports ergonomics is composed of several

laws, decrees and resolutions. Here are the most significant regulations:

Law 9 of 1979, Article 84: This law establishes that all employers have the
responsibility to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. They must
implement work methods that minimize health risks for workers
during the production processes.

Labor Code, Article 348: According to this article, all

employers and companies must provide facilities and work equipment that
ensure the safety and health of their employees.
 Resolution Number 02400 of 1979: This resolution, in its Title X, addresses the
management and transport of materials and establishes the permissible limits for lifting and
freight transport.

Resolution 2413 of 1979: This resolution establishes hygiene regulations.

specific safety for the construction industry.

Decree 614 of 1984: Article 30, paragraphs 2 and 3, of this decree establishes that
The Occupational Medicine subprogram must carry out surveillance activities.
epidemiological of occupational diseases and work-related pathologies.
It should also undertake activities for the prevention of occupational diseases and accidents.
labor and health education for both employers and workers.

Resolution 1016 of 1989: Article 10 of this resolution establishes that the

the conduct of occupational medical evaluations is one of the main tasks of the
subprograms of preventive medicine and occupational medicine. In addition, they must carry out

epidemiological surveillance activities in collaboration with hygiene subprograms

and industrial safety, including work accidents, occupational diseases and
risk assessment.

Law 100 of 1993: Through article 208, this law delegates to the Entities
Health Promoters (EPS) are responsible for organizing the provision of services.
health related to occupational diseases and occupational accidents.

Decree Law 1295 of 1994: This decree aims to establish

promotion and prevention activities to improve working conditions that may
affect the health of workers. It also focuses on identifying the causes of
work accidents and occupational diseases and control the occupational risk factors.

Resolution 156 of 2005 and Resolution 1570 of 2005: These resolutions of

Ministry of Social Protection establishes formats and mechanisms for collecting
information about occupational health and labor risks.

Decree 3518 of 2006: This decree regulates the Health Surveillance System.
Public in Colombia, in order to provide timely information about events that
can affect public health and guide health planning.
 Resolution 2844 of 2007 and 1013 of 2008: These resolutions adopt guidelines for
occupational health attention based on evidence, including musculoskeletal disorders
skeletal disorders related to repetitive movements of the upper limbs, shoulder
painful related to occupational hazards and other work-related conditions.

Decree 1477 of 2014: This decree adopts a new table of diseases

work-related factors that include occupational risk factors, such as chemical, physical, biological,
psychosocial and ergonomic.

Decree 1072 of 2015: This decree establishes the unique legal framework for the sector.
labor in Colombia.

Resolution 1111 of 2017: This resolution defines the minimum standards of

Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

Decennial Public Health Plan 2011-2021: This plan, along with Law 1438 of
2011 and Resolution 1841 of 2013 aim to improve the health of the population.
Colombian, prevent diseases, and reduce health inequalities.

Geographical scheme and characteristics of the company.

The SOCIOMÉDICOS S.A.S clinic is located in the city of Pereira.

Risaralda is a private institution that guarantees clinical services,
health and care through its IPS San Rafael, has two other locations in the cities
from Armenia and Manizales.

Its mission is to safeguard the health of individuals through the provision of

servicios médicos centrados en el trato humano y la seguridad del paciente. Nos esforzamos
constantly improving, fostering staff development, promoting the
research and progress; and their vision is that by the year 2023, they aspire to consolidate as
a high-complexity reference center in the country. They stand out for offering services
integral, secure, committed, relevant and efficient to its users. They seek the
recognition as an accredited and socially responsible institution, which, through
research and education seek innovation and generate a positive impact on the
community. Below are the commitments of the integrated management system
from the clinic:

To offer prompt, reliable, safe, and welcoming attention in the delivery of

services.
Ensure the availability of physical, financial, and technological resources
necessary supplies for the health care of users.
Maintain a high level of satisfaction regarding the requirements and
expectations of our users and stakeholders, through improvement
constant in the Integrated Management System.
Continuously identify and control the environmental aspects generated in the
institution, taking preventive and corrective measures to ensure the use
responsible for resources.
Prevent and effectively manage the negative environmental impact associated
with the use of resources and the generation of waste in healthcare.
Foster a culture of respect and responsibility towards the environment in
all levels of the organization.
Care for and promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of employees and others
stakeholders, providing safe and suitable work environments.
Ensure safe and healthy working conditions to prevent injuries and
work-related health problems.
Identify the risks, evaluate them, and establish appropriate controls.
Facilitate consultation and participation mechanisms for collaborators of the
institution.
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Madrid, Spain: Editorial Elearning S.L.

Pinheiro FA, Tróccoli BT, Carvalho CV de. Validation of the Nordic Questionnaire
Musculoskeletal Symptoms as a Measure of Morbidity. Public Health Review. 2002, vol.36,
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Acosta F, Aldrete R, Alvarado H, Aranda B, Arellano P, Bermúdez T, Carrión G, Franco C,

Franco R, González J, González S, Milano S, Pando M, Pérez C, Preciado S, Reynaldos Q,
Salazar E, Saraz S, Torres T, Varillas W. Psychosocial factors and mental health in the
work. University of Guadalajara. Mexico. 2006.
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Prieto, D. (2000). The impact of working conditions on Job Satisfaction.

Inter-American Journal of Occupational Psychology, 34(1), 57-65. Available at:
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WHO Information. Retrieved from:
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Trujillo, M. (2017). Satisfacción laboral en los entornos de trabajo. Una exploración

qualitative for its study. Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo. Scientia et
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