Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Cuba, an industrially developing country

Objectives: This paper briefly describes the history of ergonomics in Cuba and also presents some ergonomic interventions carried out in major economic sectors, focused on reducing musculoskeletal risk factors. Methods: Five studies concerning musculoskeletal risk factors were reviewed comparing the results of various ergonomic tools. Cuban legislation related to occupational health as well as statistics available on musculoskeletal disorders were examined. Results: The reviewed studies were carried out using such universally recognized assessment tools as RULA, Strain Index, OWAS and NIOSH equations as well as human movement analysis software. The interventions presented are examples of a proactive approach to the improvement of workers' health. Musculoskeletal disorders are responsible for the second highest rate of total permanent disability in the Cuban work force. Conclusions: The prevailing approach to workers' health in terms of musculoskeletal disorders is basically reactive rather than proactive despite the commitment of the Cuban Government to the subject and a set of rules established to accomplish this goal. Simple tools for conducting a systematic evaluation of working conditions are needed in our context.