Abstract

LEON DUARTE, Jaime Alfonso; MARTINEZ SIERRA, Paulina  and  PRECIADO RODRIGUEZ, Juan Martín. Development of an Ergonomically Designed Sequencing Workstation for Automotive Manufacturing. Vértice univ. [online]. 2025, vol.27, n.96, e494.  Epub Sep 29, 2025. ISSN 2683-2623.  https://doi.org/10.36792/rvu.v27i96.494.

Ergonomics has gained increasing relevance in modern industry as a key tool for optimizing workplace well-being and productivity. This study presents an ergonomic redesign of a workstation in an automotive manufacturing plant, conducted in accordance with the Mexican standard NOM-036-STPS-2018, which addresses manual load handling. Analytical tools such as RULA, REBA, Sue Rodgers’ method, and the NIOSH equation were employed to identify critical postures and physical loads associated with material handling (specifically, fuel tanks), taking into account factors such as applied force, frequency, and task duration.

The intervention had a positive impact on reducing ergonomic risks and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers. The findings highlighted the necessity of implementing specific ergonomic solutions and assistive devices at the workstation to reduce or eliminate direct manual load handling. Furthermore, caloric expenditure assessments and the RAPP Tool confirmed that the tasks can be performed within acceptable physical safety thresholds. The redesign of the work sequence not only ensures compliance with current regulations but also fosters a safer working environment by minimizing the risk of injury and enhancing operational efficiency.

Keywords : ergonomics; Manufacturing; Workstation design; Manual load handling.

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