Ergonomic risk factors associated with the maintenance position at the ENATREL Electric Substation, Bonanza Municipality, North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region 2023

Abstract

The existence of risks within the work area increases the possibility of affecting the health and physical well-being of workers, and the quality of the work is reflected in the safety it provides to its workers. The objective of this research was to analyze the maintenance activity of low and high voltage de-energized lines in workers of the substation of Empresa Nacional Eléctrica ENATREL, in the municipality of Bonanza, Región Autónoma Costa Caribe Norte RACCN of Nicaragua. A quantitative, correlational approach was applied. The study population consisted of 10 maintenance workers. For each case, an informed consent form was applied. During the activity, a postural review was performed and photographic support was taken for the Ergonomic Evaluation (REBA). Likewise, the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (Ibarache, 2019) and the Initial Risk Questionnaire (Garcia & Villar, 2003) referring to Musculoskeletal Symptoms were applied. The information collected, was processed in data matrix Software SPPSv.25 and the measurement of angles was performed in web Ergonautas de Valencia (Diego-Mas, 2015). As for the results, the Thermal condition: all workers (100%) indicated that temperature is inadequate for heat. It forces 70% of the workers to reach tools that are away from the body. In addition, 80% of the workers handle manual loads of more than 3kg. REBA risk level: 12 points, very high, which warrants immediate revision. According to the ergonomic evaluation scale, the risk level is very high. The main areas of pain are: neck, dorsolumbar area, shoulders and wrists. Most of the workers are overweight and obese, grade I, and have a high school education. The ailments are mostly classified as minimal and are associated with working in forced positions, repetitive tasks and high load handling. In addition, there is a high association between ergonomic risk level and musculoskeletal ailments in workers.