Ergonomics in the work environment and its financial and worker’s health impacts

Abstract

 Ergonomics as a science applied to health and safety at work officially began with the first publication of Regulatory Standard 17 (NR-17), by Ordinance MTb no. 3,214, of June 8, 1978. Over the years the standard was updated in attempt to adapt to the organizational characteristics of the most diverse and heterogeneous types of work activities. With the increase in the number of new entrants into the job market at the end of the 1970s, the need to identify ergonomic risks and mitigate them was an important point in adopting a safe work environment, as increasingly There were also diseases of musculoskeletal origin that could be related to work activities. Therefore, the appropriate study of ergonomics in the work environment and risk mitigation not only aims to increase productivity and reduce direct and indirect costs inherent to manufacturing or providing services, but also ensures a healthy work environment under the point of view of the musculoskeletal and psychophysiological systems to workers.