Workers perception of the risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the roses production

Abstract

Behind the beauty of a rose there is hard work, which largely employs physical strength and dexterity of delicate female hands, making them callous by the "elements" of everyday work. This study assessed the workers’ perceptions regarding ergonomic risk factors (biomechanical) present in their work stations by integrating the researchers’ look to identify critical situations for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the information from workers. In the first phase, activities in the work stations since cultivation, and harvest, to the preparation for sale, were identified and observed. All work stations in the production process were observed, photographed and videotaped. In the second phase, the workers answered a semi structured questionnaire and reported their perceptions about the risks at work. The research, which aimed to establish an interface between the researchers’ and workers’ perceptions, stressed the importance of teamwork, job satisfaction, and autonomy as ways of protecting from sickness and decreasing the effects of biomechanical overload.