BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common reason
for health problems and sick leave in many professions. A work arena where
MSDs have not been sufficiently studied is stable work. Here many heavy and
repetitive work tasks are performed manually with old-fashioned working
tools.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use an analytical approach
to identify, evaluate and grade ergonomic problems in physical work
performed during daily activities in horse stables and relate these to MSDs
among the workers and to the design of the tools.
METHODS: Three common work tasks were studied to identify, evaluate
and grade ergonomic problems; mucking out, sweeping and bedding replacement.
Used methods were Hierarchical Task Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation and Rapid
Entire Body Assessment.
RESULTS: Several high-risk operations were found in mucking out
boxes and disposal of bedding material. The problems consisted of awkward
working postures such as a twisted and bent back, arms in an elevated
position, wrists in extreme joint positions and handling of heavy loads.
CONCLUSIONS: By using an analytical approach it is possible to
identify presumptive ergonomic problems without extensive empirical
research. In most high-risk operations, long-shafted tools or a wheelbarrow
were used, which emphasize a need to develop tools with better ergonomic
design to improve the working situation. The limitation is that the
ergonomics problems found are not finally validated. The results show where
deeper empirical research is needed, both regarding how MSDs occur and how
tools and environment contribute to physical problems.
