title: Ergonomic assessment for the task of repairing computers in a manufacturing company: A case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Manufacturing industry workers who repair computers may be exposed to ergonomic risk factors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This project analyzes the tasks involved in the computer repair process to (1) find the risk level for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and (2) propose ergonomic interventions to address any ergonomic issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Work procedures and main body postures were video recorded and analyzed using task analysis, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) postural method, and biomechanical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High risk for MSDs was found on every subtask using REBA. Although biomechanical analysis found an acceptable mass center displacement during tasks, a hazardous level of compression on the lower back during computer's transportation was detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This assessment found ergonomic risks mainly in the trunk, arm/forearm, and legs; the neck and hand/wrist were also compromised. Opportunities for ergonomic analyses and interventions in the design and execution of computer repair tasks are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Ciudad Juarez Autonomous University, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.|Graduate Studies and Research Division, Ciudad Juarez Institute of Technology, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
authors.forename: Aidé
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maldonado-Macías
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Ciudad Juarez Autonomous University, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Realyvásquez
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Ciudad Juarez Autonomous University, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
authors.forename: Juan Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Ciudad Juarez Autonomous University, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: García-Alcaraz
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003201:Computers; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008283:Maintenance; D008297:Male; D066192:Manufacturing Industry; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: REBA; Task analysis; biomechanical analysis; postural analysis