Assessments of Ergonomic Risks in Banana Cultivation and Production

Abstract

In banana cultivation, there are tasks that involve exposure to ergonomic hazards by the adoption of awkward postures, performing cyclical tasks and handling loads with a weight greater than 3 kg.

We evaluated 44 work positions with medium and high risk levels; the most affected body segments are trunk, neck, arms and wrists.

In the repetitive tasks was determined a medium risk, the factors that influence are the lack of pauses, high frequency of work and excessive muscular overload of wrists. The most critical risk is in lifting and transporting the fruit with an unacceptable level in all tasks evaluated. The results demonstrate an unacceptable ergonomic load in banana activities in the country, so that short-term safety and health programs should be integrated in the personnel involved to improve their work environments and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.