[Cardiovascular diseases: a challenge in occupational health].

Abstract

Objective: We conducted a comparative ergonomic study of a new workplace station (MSILT) and a standard wooden industrial workbench. Methods: First, we used the OWAS method to evaluate the highest risk tasks. Next, we used human digital simulation in a virtual environment to evaluate stress on low back and joint load. We also performed a comparative analysis using the Siemens Jack software. Results: There was an overall reduction in exposure to physical loads. Awkward postures decreased from a category 4 (harmful) to category 1 (neutral) risk level. There was also a reduction in static loads on the joints and intradiscal loading to below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended level of 3400 N. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of the new MSILIT and that it can be implemented in the hydrocarbons industry.