Ergonomic risk assessment in medical-dental clinics

Abstract Background The ergonomic applied to Dental Medicine aims to develop an ergonomically planned environment, with equipment rationally distributed, to reduce physical and cognitive stress, prevent diseases related to professional exercise, increasing productivity, improving the quality of service provided and reducing fatigue in the working team. However, physical work usually imposes muscle tension on the musculoskeletal system that can culminate in work-related trauma, commonly called Musculoskeletal Disorder. Methods We proposed as an objective, to evaluate how the ergonomic risks in Medical-Dental Clinics, which can cause work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries, influence the quality of life and health of the workers. The checklist was applied based on the legislation in force and, at the same time, a questionnaire was applied for consultation with the workers; identification of the tasks of all workers and their associated risks has been carried out; ergonomic studies of the workstations concerned have been carried out and, in the light of the results obtained, preventive measures have been indicated to address the problems. Results Through the Rula Method, we evaluated the level of performance in relation to the tasks performed and found that most of these corresponded to level 3, which corresponded to values between 5 and 6 and indicated that changes should occur briefly. Conclusion It was concluded that the most outstanding area in need of rapid changes was the surgical area, since it requires more effort on the part of these professionals. It is therefore proposed to implement new measures to improve health and well-being and avoid ergonomically incorrect postures.