The ergonomics approach in the study of the postures of the work: the case a jewel industry

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss the practice of Occupational Therapy on the assessment of postures adopted by workers in real situations. An ergonomic study was carried out in a jewel industry by means of open interviews between managers and workers, analyses of adopted postures, description of work cycle duration, and evaluation of informal and formal quality criteria applied to the final products. The results pointed out for the repetitive nature of the work in the positions studied. On the other hand, the components were heterogeneous, demanding attention and concentration. These cognitive functions, among other determinants, influenced the adopted postures. The myth of an ideal posture and the limitations of the practice of Occupational Therapy approach that do not take into account the significance of adopted postures in its evaluations are discussed.