TY - JOUR T1 - Cuando el trabajo en oficinas se percibe pesado: casos en una universidad venezolana A1 - Escalona, Evelin PB - Instituto de Altos Estudios en Salud Pública "Dr. Arnaldo Gabaldón" YR - 2009 UL - http://biblioteca.ararteko.eus/Record/dialnet-ar-18-ART0000348696 AB - 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 . KW - Salud de la mujer KW - Condiciones de trabajo KW - Ingeniería humana KW - Trabajo KW - Universidades KW - Women's health KW - Working conditions KW - Human engineering KW - Work KW - Universities ER -