Ergonomic diagnosis on the operation of suspended scaffolds

Abstract

Although work on scaffolds is usually associated with traumatic type injuries, the operation of that equipment can also lead to overexertion injuries. In this context, an ergonomic diagnosis of the operation of two types of suspended scaffolds was conducted. They were referred to in this study as light scaffold and heavy scaffold – the difference lies in their dimensions and the number of gears. The assessment was based on five main criteria: workers´ perceptions; body posture assessment; measures of heart rate elevations; estimative of scaffolds´ speed; and the repetitiveness of movement in the operation of scaffolds´ levers. Even though workers have pointed out that they prefer the light scaffold, because it moves up to seven times faster than the heavy scaffold, the results indicated that the operation of both types is physically too demanding. Failures in the scaffolds´ design and the lack of attention directed towards ergonomics in regulations were regarded as relevant root causes for the poor working conditions detected in the types of scaffolds that were investigation.