Evaluación del nivel de exposición a factores de riesgo ergonómico y psicosocial de conductores de la unión de taxistas del Azuay de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The work of professional drivers requires maintaining forced postures during long shifts, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Factors such as long working hours, ergonomic issues, a hostile work environment, and intermittent income affect their quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic and psychosocial risks among drivers of the Unión de Taxistas del Azuay in Cuenca. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, utilizing the Reba, Cornell, and Burnout questionnaires to collect data between September and December 2023. The sample included 195 drivers from eight cooperatives. The results showed that although 72,20 % of the evaluated postures presented a low ergonomic risk, some postures require attention, especially in cooperatives like "pacífico" and "1 de enero," where higher levels of discomfort were observed. The Burnout questionnaire revealed considerable psychosocial risk, with 41,86 % of drivers aged 50 to 59 showing high levels of emotional exhaustion and 38,46 % high depersonalization, with the "30 - 20" cooperative being the most affected. In response, a control manual was developed, proposing preventive and corrective measures, including posture optimization, load handling, active breaks, and stress management techniques. This manual includes monitoring tools to ensure continuous effectiveness, significantly contributing to the improvement of working conditions and the quality of life of the drivers.