OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use an analytical approach to identify,
evaluate and grade ergonomic problems in physical work performed during daily
activities in horse stables and relate these to MSDs among the workers and to the
design of the tools.
METHODS: Three common work tasks were studied to identify, evaluate and grade
ergonomic problems; mucking out, sweeping and bedding replacement. Used methods
were Hierarchical Task Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation and Rapid Entire Body
Assessment.
RESULTS: Several high-risk operations were found in mucking out boxes and
disposal of bedding material. The problems consisted of awkward working postures
such as a twisted and bent back, arms in an elevated position, wrists in extreme
joint positions and handling of heavy loads.
CONCLUSIONS: By using an analytical approach it is possible to identify
presumptive ergonomic problems without extensive empirical research. In most
high-risk operations, long-shafted tools or a wheelbarrow were used, which
emphasize a need to develop tools with better ergonomic design to improve the
working situation. The limitation is that the ergonomics problems found are not
finally validated. The results show where deeper empirical research is needed,
both regarding how MSDs occur and how tools and environment contribute to
physical problems.