Working conditions in small healthcare provider institutions: A cross-sectional study from an ergonomics perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Working conditions in the healthcare sector have been extensively studied from an operational perspective. However, administrative activities demand a static physical load whose complexity and duration vary according to the type of task and the use of equipment by healthcare personnel in small institutions.

Objective: To analyze the ergonomic conditions of workstations in small-scale Healthcare Provider Institutions (HPIs) within a department in Colombia.

Methods: This is a descriptive analytical study involving workstation observations in five companies. The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method was applied to evaluate workstation conditions.

Results: Findings demonstrate that within the framework of small Healthcare Provider Institutions, workstations often do not fully satisfy appropriate ergonomic criteria. This increases staff exposure to biomechanical risks.

Conclusions: In small healthcare companies, ergonomic activities are not usually considered a priority within Occupational Health and Safety Management. A greater focus on and implementation of participatory ergonomics activities is required, integrating preventive elements for both clinical and administrative roles. Adequate workstation design is likely to contribute significantly to improving quality of life and work performance in these small healthcare organizations.