Ergonomic risk and its association with musculoskeletal symptoms present in administrative assistants

Introduction: Musculoskeletal symptoms are frequent disorders in the different activities of people, the performance of work activities under ergonomic risk conditions can lead to occupational diseases, work absenteeism and economic losses. Objective: to determine which are the ergonomic risk factors in the performance of work activities and their relationship with musculoskeletal symptoms present in administrative assistants. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of fifty administrative assistants who allowed their participation by signing the informed consent form. The instruments used were the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and the Rose Method. Results: Hundred percent reported the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, with the neck as the most affected region. Seventy percent of the participants presented a medium to very high level of ergonomic risk, with forced postures related to the use of the chair presenting the highest average. There was a significant relationship between the specific ergonomic risk generated using the telephone and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the wrist and hand, as well as between the specific ergonomic risk generated by the armrest of the chair and the presence of symptoms in the dorsal spine, shoulders, arms, elbows and forearms. Conclusions: the evaluation of ergonomic risk factors is a tool that will allow the generation of specific proposals for prevention and intervention programs, so that the necessary changes can be made to reduce occupational injuries and diseases in work activities.