Cuando el trabajo en oficinas se percibe pesado: casos en una universidad venezolana

An ergonomic evaluation of working conditions was conducted in the offices of a Venezuelan university in order to identify dangerous processes and to propose changes. Methods: A triangulated qualitative-quantitative approach that combined the Deparis Method and Observation of Working Positions; indi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Escalona, Evelin, Castillo Guerrero, Víctor Daniel
Format: Article
Language:Spanish
Published: Instituto de Altos Estudios en Salud Pública "Dr. Arnaldo Gabaldón" 2009
Subjects:
Salud de la mujer
Condiciones de trabajo
Ingeniería humana
Trabajo
Universidades
Women's health
Working conditions
Human engineering
Work
Universities
Online Access:https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/oaiart?codigo=3194598
Source:Salud de los Trabajadores, ISSN 1315-0138, Vol. 17, Nº. 2, 2009, pags. 107-120
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Cuando el trabajo en oficinas se percibe pesado: casos en una universidad venezolana
Summary: An ergonomic evaluation of working conditions was conducted in the offices of a Venezuelan university in order to identify dangerous processes and to propose changes. Methods: A triangulated qualitative-quantitative approach that combined the Deparis Method and Observation of Working Positions; individual and group interviews; and homogeneous and heterogeneous groups was used. The target workforce was 120 (80 women, 40 men). The study sample consisted of 8 women employed as secretaries, according to inclusion criteria. Results: Study participants reported visual fatigue, shoulder and low back discomfort, anxiety and fatigue. Organizational changes led to feelings of insecurity and fear of job loss. The work environment was inadequate, characterized by poor equipment maintenance and an absence of organizational policies and procedures. Work cycles varied from two to seven cycles per day, each cycle lasting on average 1 hour and 7 minutes. Poor work organization, awkward postures and frequent work interruptions were perceived as heavy work demands by the participants. Conclusions: From a physicial, emotional and psychological standpoint, poor working conditions and work organization led to high work demands in this population. Comprehenisve health protection policies, that take gender into account, are needed .

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