Ergonomics evaluation of a soil mixing machine for the production of bricks in San Nicolás, Tequisquiapan, Querétaro

Abstract

In Mexico, brick production is present in approximately 512 municipalities. The production is carried out in a non-mechanized way [7], which implies a significant physical effort for the producers. Workers who perform tasks that involve repetitive efforts are more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. The brick producers’ cooperative “Por un Nuevo Rumbo”, from the town of San Nicolás, Tequisquiapan, got in contact with the Autonomous University of Queretaro (UAQ), in order to work on the development of a soil mixer machine that allows the mechanization of the process. The present study focuses on reducing the physical effort of the activity, by reducing the height in the design of the machine. The ergonomics evaluations were made using the OWAS, INSHT methods and a questionnaire based on the ergopar v2.0 method. The OWAS and INSHT evaluations delivered a general ergonomics evaluation. The most significant results were obtained from the questionnaires applied to the producers, which show a decrease in the perceived discomfort in elbows, shoulders, back and wrists.