Evaluación de riesgos ergonómicos y diseño de un prototipo para la cosecha y carga de la mazorca de cacao, reduciendo la exposición a lesiones músculo esqueléticas en Productores de la Asociación Agroartesanal WIÑAK.

Abstract

The objective of this research is to evaluate the ergonomic risks and design of a prototype for the harvesting and transport of the cocoa cob, reducing the exposure to muscle-skeletal injuries in farmers of Agro Art Wiñak Association in Archidona Canton, Napo Province. Initially, the current situation is identified applying a survey with the help of the Ministry of Labor Relations Matrix and ergonomic methodologies such as REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and G-INSHT (Guide for Manual Handling of INSHT), resulting in a lack of knowledge about the proper work, the muscle - skeletal injuries and the ergonomic risks such as stress, awkward postures and the manual manipulation of loads which farmers are exposed. Taking these results as a reference; modeling of prototypes are done with the help of Solidworks Educational Software, which allows 3D design and static force simulation. After designing the prototypes were called extensor harvester and backpack specifying design characteristics and materials used to improve working conditions. Finally, training is given to exposed people on correct work positions, maximum recommended loads and the use of prototypes. A new ergonomic evaluation of the posts are carried out verifying with effectively that the improvements implemented comply with the objective of reducing the exposure to muscle - skeletal injuries, inviting to maintain an adequate training to the new members who join to the association.