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  • Evaluating the effectiveness of a task rotation system: A case study in an LPG cylinder storage and filling plant in Portugal
    Publication . Silva, Miguel Ângelo Martins Soares da; Santos, Joana Carvalho dos
    Work-related musculoskeletal disorders remain a significant risk in industrial settings, with personal, social, and economic impacts. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an existing task rotation plan in a gas cylinder filling facility, using handgrip strength variation (maximum voluntary contraction in kg) and perceived exertion as indicators of fatigue. A total of 43 production workers completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and underwent handgrip strength measurements with a digital dynamometer. Musculoskeletal complaints were most frequent in the lower back (58.1%) and neck (53.5%), which also showed the highest activity limitations (lower back 30.9%, neck 27.9%). Handgrip strength differed significantly between genders (p < 0.001), whereas the correlation between perceived exertion and strength variation was very weak (r = 0.04; p = 0.593), highlighting the need for objective fatigue measures. Comparison of mean perceived exertion between shifts revealed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), indicating broadly similar exertion profiles for tasks involving the same cylinder types. The rotation plan effectively maintained strength across all cylinder types, particularly in tasks with lower manual handling intensity, but was less effective for repetitive or sedentary tasks. Afternoon shift workers exhibited higher average handgrip strength, possibly due to greater pre-shift muscular activation. Recommendations include extending rotation to static roles, introducing active pauses and pre-shift warm-ups, automation of processes, improving auxiliary equipment, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices. Overall, the study supports the rotation strategy while identifying opportunities for ergonomic and organizational improvements, providing guidance for managing fatigue and musculoskeletal risk in similar industrial settings.
    2025-11-18Dissertação de mestrado Desconhecido Ver mais