Integration of Ergonomics in the Study of Catenary Execution Projects

The railway industry is exposed to high levels of risk, work under pressure and a large margin to the unpredictable when remodelling works are carried out. The aim of this study is to analyse and evaluate the railway activity, specifically those that uses catenary technology, from an ergonomic point of view during the excavation, concreting and pole raising phases. In order to do this, a workplace during the catenary assembly procedure was analysed using the OWAS method. The application of this method to the mentioned procedure showed that the most outstanding ergonomic risks are those related to load handling, repetitive movements, application of force. In addition, this procedure involves important forced and continuous posture of trunk flexion. These results indicated that with feasible ergonomic changes, the design of the equipment or the tasks and/or its planning, they could considerably improve the working conditions. Therefore, musculoskeletal disorders could reduce by implementing measures from the early engineering phase.