Occupational Biomechanical Risk Assessment Among Workers of a Municipal Government Office in Santander(2025)

Abstract

Occupational exposure to biomechanical risk factors is associated with the development of musculoskeletal discomfort and may affect work performance, particularly in administrative and operational positions in the public sector.The aim of this paper is to assess occupational exposure to biomechanical risk among workers in a municipal government office.It usesquantitative, descriptive study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Twenty-eight administrative workers participated. Self-report questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic information, health and working conditions, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Postural load was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. In addition, a 24-item ergonomic checklist (workstation design, environmental, behavioral, and equipment-related conditions) was applied to 10 workstations.The resultsshows thatmost participants were women (64,29%), and the predominant age range was 26-35 years (42,86%). Symptoms were mainly reported in the neck (50,00%), followed by the wrist (14,28%) and shoulder (10,71%). RULA classified 75,00% of job roles at levels 3 and 4 (changes needed or needed immediately), 17,86% at level 2 (further investigation required), and 7,14% at level 1 (acceptable posture). The checklist showed workstation-level variability, with substandard conditions more frequent in some workstations, informing the prioritization of improvements and standardization efforts.The findings suggest relevant exposure to biomechanical risk, indicating the need for targeted interventions. Recommended actions include workstation adjustments, task redistribution, training in postural hygiene, and active breaks, aligned with the occupational health and safety management system.