Redesign of workplaces in a cargo transportation company to reduce occupational risks

Abstract

The objective of the research was to reduce occupational risks by redesigning the work stations of a cargo transportation company”. The situation was diagnosed through physical, ergonomic and IPERC risk assessments, identifying a total of 30 risks, of which 50% were in the loading and unloading post and 16.67% in the administrative areas; reason for which, in an interval of seventeen months, costs of S/ 40,607.67 were generated. The improvements included the implementation of mechanical supports, the acquisition of personal protection equipment, the design of a storage space, the redesign of lighting, the roofing of the maneuvering yard, the development of procedures and safety plans, and the implementation of active breaks. These proposals reduced the degree of moderate and important risks by 100%, as well as the absenteeism rate and the frequency and severity indexes by 98%, 95%, and 79%, respectively, and the costs caused by labor risks by 85%, which translates into savings of S/. 36,340.93 in favor of the company. It was concluded that the improvements were economically viable, since a Net Present Value (NPV) of S/ S/3 905.36, and a Benefit/Cost (B/C) ratio of 1.40.