Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have serious personal, social and economic consequences because they impact negatively on the quality of life of workers affected and on workplace productivity. Although the reduction of exposure to risk factors constitutes the best prevention, the most appropriate means and tools for intervening in this regard are not well known. The researchers will conduct a rigorous follow-up and produce a detailed description of the MSD prevention interventions in the context of implementing a continuous improvement program, do a comparison of 10 tools and means for evaluating risk factors, and test a method for economically evaluating the interventions performed. This study will determine whether such interventions produce a significant reduction of MSD risks and an economic advantage for companies. As a consequence, stakeholders can optimize their prevention strategies and integrate the aspects of productivity and quality into actions aimed at preserving occupational health and safety.