ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are work-related problems that most commonly affect workers nationwide. These alterations are produced mainly by problems of physical load in occupational settings, including postures, movements and other exposures related to working conditions. Participatory ergonomics is based on the identification and prevention of ergonomic risk in the workplace on the basis of tools and protocols that provide for the direct participation of entrepreneurs, technicians and workers for preventive action. The objective of this thesis is to develop an action protocol to implement participatory ergonomics programs by providing companies with a guide to methodologies, tools and strategies necessary to carry out such interventions. This involves an exhaustive search of scientific literature on the principles and experiences in participatory ergonomics. Basing ourselves on this search, the necessary tools and methodologies have been designed so as to implement participatory ergonomics programs in companies in our area. In the next phase of the study, these tools have been tested  in selected companies to assess their feasibility and effectiveness in the prevention of ergonomic risk at the workplace.