Abstracts Education

Estudo de caso das condições ergonómicas de um processo na indústria automóvel: Case study of ergonomic conditions of a process in automotive industry

by Elisa Regina de Lemos Salta Pinto da Silva

Work related Musculoskeletal disorders (WMSC) are increasingly prevalent in our societies. Approximately 1710 million people have musculoskeletal disorders worldwide (OMS, 2021). The costs caused by this problem are enormous for companies, and representing a very serious issue. This work was carried out in a company in the automotive industry, more precisely in the activity of steering wheels wrapping, an activity that is predominantly manual, for which the technology has not yet responded. The population studied is made up only of females, who are performing this activity for several years with the same process, plus 55% of the population performs this activity for more than 21 years. The objectives of this work were defined as the ergonomic analysis of some of the operations with the aim of defining a model to improve working conditions and indirectly improve productivity and quality rates. The diagnostic tools used were the EWA questionnaire, Corlett diagram and simple observational methods in order to respond through ergonomics to the problems detected. The operations that were analysed were; sewing, applying heat and rings assembly. The methods applied were RULA, KIM-MHO and RSI, having shown that all operations presented a risk of MSD. With all the data obtained and after its analysis, improvements were made, namely; changing the type of lighting, carrying out the operation at an adjustable station with compressed air, fixing the dryer, implementing an axle for rings assembly. After making the changes, their effectiveness was evaluated, repeating the use of the techniques and methods used in the diagnostic phase, having found that the measures were effective and therefore the proposed objectives achieved. It is recommended to continue this work with more operators, in order to continue identifying other potential improvements and replicating these to all workstations. It also suggested a strong awareness of operators, continuous monitoring, postural re-education and the implementation of a program of labour gymnastics.