Impact of ergonomics on work performance in the manufacturing industry: A systematic review

May combine two claims.

Participatory ergonomic interventions optimize physical conditions and foster greater commitment and job satisfaction.

“Este enfoque participativo no solo optimiza las condiciones corporales, sino que igualmente fomenta un mayor compromiso y satisfacción laboral.”

• cites [1] 1. J. A. E. Eklund, "Ergonomics and Quality Managem ent -Humans in Interaction With Technology , Work Environment , and Organization Today , quality is regarded as a m anagement strategy . In particular , strategy with the purpose of satisfying the interest groups mentioned ," vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 143-160, 1999.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [12] 12. M. Brandt et al., "Participatory intervention with objectively measured physical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders," BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 16, no. 1, 2015, doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0758-0. sourcePartly supported

  The Background (page unavailable) reports reduced physical workload in a prior participatory intervention and says participatory approaches can increase employee ownership and support. It does not report greater job satisfaction. This paper is a study protocol, so it also does not establish that its proposed intervention improved physical conditions. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [16] 16. S. Eaves, D. E. Gyi, and A. G. F. Gibb, "Building healthy construction workers: Their views on health, wellbeing and better workplace design," Appl Ergon, vol. 54, pp. 10-18, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.11.004. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction describes benefits for workplace and equipment design and gives examples of participatory changes that improve posture, supporting the physical-conditions part. It also describes encouraging worker engagement, but neither the Introduction nor the Conclusions establishes that participatory interventions increase job satisfaction or sustained job commitment. The paper presents potential benefits rather than showing that interventions consistently optimize conditions. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Inadequate postures, repetitive activity, and use of weights are important risk factors in the industry.

“Estos estudios, que incluyen evaluaciones posturales con métodos como OWAS y REBA, demuestran que las posturas inadecuadas, de actividad repetitiva y el uso de pesos, son factores de riesgo importantes en la industria [3].”

• cites [3] 3. O. Wagdi and S. Sayed, "An analytical study of the work environment in industrial companies: Evidence from Arab countries," Cogent Soc Sci, vol. 9, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.1080/23311886.2023.2175489. sourcePartly supported

  Section 2.1, “Physical work environment” (page not supplied), links poor industrial ergonomics and manual handling to physical stress and possible musculoskeletal injury. It does not identify repetitive activity or the use of weights specifically as risk factors, and it does not report postural evaluations using OWAS or REBA. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Studies on ergonomics and work performance use surveys, technical records, and sampling to identify risks and design improvements.

“Los estudios sobre ergonomía y rendimiento laboral utilizan encuestas para captar la percepción de los trabajadores [12], [17], [23], [30], [35], fichas técnicas para registrar datos del entorno laboral [8], [12], [34] y muestreo para garantizar resultados representativos [28], [34].”

• cites [12] 12. M. Brandt et al., "Participatory intervention with objectively measured physical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders," BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 16, no. 1, 2015, doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0758-0. sourcePartly supported

  Methods > Data describes questionnaires about workplace conditions, and Methods > Phase 1 describes technical measurements used to identify excessive physical load and guide improvements. Methods > Study population and Sample size discuss recruitment and generalizability, but do not say sampling guarantees representative results. The paper describes instrument measurements, not technical record sheets for documenting the work environment. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [17] 17. M. Rostami, A. Choobineh, M. Shakerian, M. Faraji, and H. Modarresifar, "Assessing the effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention program with a participatory approach: ergonomics settlement in an Iranian steel industry," Int Arch Occup Environ Health, vol. 95, no. 5, pp. 953-964, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s00420-021-01811-x. sourceSupported
• cites [23] 23. N. A. S. M. Nizam and S. N. S. Ramlee, "Ergonomic Risk Factors and Job Performance of Electronic Employee in Malaysia," Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 112-118, 2024, doi: 10.47836/mjmhs.20.1.15. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

A deficient work environment adversely influences general well-being and work aptitude, increasing the risk of accidents and diseases.

“Los estudios señalan que un entorno de trabajo deficiente influir de manera adversa en el bienestar general y en la aptitud de trabajo, incrementando el riesgo de accidentes y enfermedades [3], [19].”

• cites [3] 3. O. Wagdi and S. Sayed, "An analytical study of the work environment in industrial companies: Evidence from Arab countries," Cogent Soc Sci, vol. 9, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.1080/23311886.2023.2175489. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) links a poor work environment to stress, declining health and reduced work performance. Section 2.1 (page unavailable) describes injuries and illnesses associated with poor ergonomics and harsh working conditions, but does not specifically say that a deficient work environment increases the risk of accidents. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [19] 19. L. Rios, A. O. Paggiaro, and R. A. Quintella Fernandes, "Quality of life, lifestyle, and working environment of women in the footwear industry," Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Trabalho, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 390-398, 2019, doi: 10.47626/1679-4435-2020-517. sourcePartly supported

  The Conclusions state that the work environment negatively affected the footwear workers’ quality of life, and the Discussion links unsafe environments to low productivity and chronic disease. The paper also reports reduced work capacity, but does not establish that a deficient work environment caused it. Its Discussion associates a possible increase in accidents with prolonged combined work and household workloads, rather than with the work environment specifically. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

MSDs are especially frequent in manufacturing industries and extend to various labor groups.

“Además, no se limitan únicamente a estos sectores corporales, ya que su incidencia se extiende a diversos grupos laborales, siendo especialmente frecuentes en industrias manufactureras [26], [27].”

• cites [26] 26. M. H. Nabi, P. Kongtip, S. Woskie, N. Nankongnab, D. Sujirarat, and S. Chantanakul, "Factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among female readymade garment workers in bangladesh: A comparative study between osh compliant and non-compliant factories," Risk Manag Healthc Policy, vol. 14, pp. 1119-1127, 2021, doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S297228. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion reports MSD prevalence among garment, steel, bank, and office workers, supporting the claim that MSDs affect diverse occupational groups. It reports high prevalence among garment and steel workers but does not establish that MSDs are especially frequent in manufacturing compared with other industries. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [27] 27. A. V. Bataller-Cervero, C. Cimarras-Otal, L. E. Roche-Seruendo, A. Alcázar-Crevillén, J. A. Villalba-Ruete, and C. Berzosa, "Static balance modification during the workday in assembly chain workers with and without current low back pain," Int J Environ Res Public Health, vol. 17, no. 20, pp. 1- 11, 2020, doi: 10.3390/ijerph17207385. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction says MSDs affect workers across all types of jobs and sectors, and reports a high prevalence of low back pain in metal-working and other employment sectors. It does not establish that MSDs as a whole are especially frequent in manufacturing compared with other industries. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

The adoption of ergonomic practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is usually reactive, limiting the scope of its benefits and perpetuating suboptimal working conditions.

“Sin embargo, la realidad en pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) revela que la adopción de prácticas ergonómicas suele ser reactiva, limitando el alcance de sus beneficios y perpetuando condiciones laborales subóptimas.”

• cites [6] 6. A. Y. Aragón-Vásquez, E. D. Silva-Lugo, J. A. Nájera-Luna, J. Méndez- González, F. J. Hernández, and R. de la Cruz-Carrera, "Postural analysis of the forestry worker in sawmills of El Salto, Durango, Mexico," Madera y Bosques, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 1-13, 2019, doi: 10.21829/myb.2019.2531904. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page not provided) says ergonomics tends to be used reactively, after injuries occur, rather than proactively to prevent them. It discusses sawmills, not SMEs generally, and does not establish that reactive adoption limits the benefits of ergonomics or perpetuates suboptimal working conditions. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

MSDs predominantly affect the lumbar zone, shoulders, and arms, but also impact other body areas such as neck, wrists, and lower extremities.

“Estas lesiones afectan predominantemente la zona lumbar, los hombros y los brazos [8], aunque también impactan otras áreas del cuerpo, como el cuello, las muñecas y las extremidades inferiores [8], [16], [27].”

• cites [8] 8. A. Ahmad, I. Javed, U. Abrar, A. Ahmad, N. R. Jaffri, and A. Hussain, "Investigation of ergonomic working conditions of sewing and cutting machine operators of clothing industry," Industria Textila, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 309-314, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.35530/IT.072.03.1723. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [16] 16. S. Eaves, D. E. Gyi, and A. G. F. Gibb, "Building healthy construction workers: Their views on health, wellbeing and better workplace design," Appl Ergon, vol. 54, pp. 10-18, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.11.004. sourcePartly supported

  Section 4.1.1 and Tables 3–5 report symptoms in the lower back, shoulders, elbows, neck, wrists/hands, knees and ankles/feet. They do not support the claimed predominance of the shoulders and arms: Section 4.1.2 identifies wrists/hands, lower back and knees as particularly prevalent among electricians, and the tables generally show higher prevalence in wrists/hands and knees than in shoulders or elbows. Page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [27] 27. A. V. Bataller-Cervero, C. Cimarras-Otal, L. E. Roche-Seruendo, A. Alcázar-Crevillén, J. A. Villalba-Ruete, and C. Berzosa, "Static balance modification during the workday in assembly chain workers with and without current low back pain," Int J Environ Res Public Health, vol. 17, no. 20, pp. 1- 11, 2020, doi: 10.3390/ijerph17207385. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction describes low back pain as a common recurrent MSD among workers and notes its high prevalence in metal-working environments. It mentions repetitive upper-limb movements, but does not say MSDs predominantly affect the shoulders or arms, or establish effects on the neck, wrists, or lower extremities. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Inadequate postures, repetitive movements, excessive physical load, and inappropriate workstation design contribute to musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and injuries, especially in back, shoulders, and extremities.

“Entre los principales problemas ergonómicos se encuentran las posturas inadecuadas, los movimientos repetitivos, la carga física excesiva y el diseño inapropiado de los puestos de trabajo, que contribuyen a dolores musculoesqueléticos, fatiga y lesiones, especialmente en áreas como la espalda, los hombros y las extremidades [9], [30], [31].”

• cites [9] 9. J. Brosche, H. Wackerle, P. Augat, and H. Lödding, "Individualized workplace ergonomics using motion capture," Appl Ergon, vol. 114, p. 104140, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104140. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [30] 30. H. Ge, X. Sun, J. Liu, and C. Zhang, "The status of musculoskeletal disorders and its influence on the working ability of Oilworkers in Xinjiang, China," Int J Environ Res Public Health, vol. 15, no. 5, 2018, doi: 10.3390/ijerph15050842. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) links repetitive work, incorrect postures and heavy lifting to musculoskeletal disorders; the Discussion links sustained load and poor posture to pain, fatigue and tissue damage. The Results report symptoms in the back, shoulders and extremities. The paper refers broadly to unergonomic working conditions but does not specifically identify inappropriate workstation design as a contributing factor. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [31] 31. J. Bodin, R. Garlantézec, N. Costet, A. Descatha, J.-F. Viel, and Y. Roquelaure, "Shoulder pain among male industrial workers: Validation of a conceptual model in two independent French working populations," Appl Ergon, vol. 85, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103075. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page not provided in our copy) associates repetitive work, forceful exertion, and awkward arm postures with shoulder pain. It does not support the broader claims about inappropriate workstation design or pain, fatigue, and injuries in the back and extremities. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Ergonomics plays a determining role in reducing musculoskeletal injuries and improving work performance.

“Los resultados de esta revisión confirman que la ergonomía desempeña un papel determinante en la reducción de lesiones musculoesqueléticas y en la mejora del rendimiento laboral [1], [36].”

• cites [1] 1. J. A. E. Eklund, "Ergonomics and Quality Managem ent -Humans in Interaction With Technology , Work Environment , and Organization Today , quality is regarded as a m anagement strategy . In particular , strategy with the purpose of satisfying the interest groups mentioned ," vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 143-160, 1999.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [36] 36. O. K. Ornek and M. N. Esin, "Effects of a work-related stress model based mental health promotion program on job stress, stress reactions and coping profiles of women workers: a control groups study," BMC Public Health, vol. 20, no. 1, 2020, doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09769-0. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion (page not available) reports that a stress-management programme improved job performance and reduced physical stress reactions among women textile workers. The Methods describe stress-management training and relaxation exercises, not an ergonomics intervention; the paper does not report a reduction in musculoskeletal injuries. It therefore supports the work-performance part, but not the claim about ergonomics preventing those injuries. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Most research focuses on large manufacturing industries, where lumbar and upper limb injuries are prevalent.

“Most research focuses on large manufacturing industries, where lumbar and upper limb injuries are prevalent.”

May combine two claims.

Inadequate application of ergonomic principles may lead to health issues, including muscular discomfort and elevated stress levels, which adversely affect work productivity.

“Findings reveal that inadequate application of ergonomic principles may lead to health issues, including muscular discomfort and elevated stress levels, which adversely affect work productivity.”

May combine two claims.

More than 18 studies were conducted in manufacturing plants, 11 in construction, 4 in electrical, and 3 in footwear and textile industries.

“más de 18 trabajos se llevaron a cabo en diferentes plantas manufactureras, mientras que en el sector de la construcción se concretaron un total de 11 análisis, en tanto que en el ámbito eléctrico se efectuaron 4 evaluaciones y los restantes 3 estudios correspondieron a las industrias de calzado y textil.”

May combine two claims.

Questionnaires and performance records are the most commonly used instruments to assess workplace performance, and they have proven effective in identifying ergonomic risks.

“To assess workplace performance, the most commonly used instruments were questionnaire s and performance records, which have proven effective in identifying ergonomic risks.”

May combine two claims.

Environmental factors such as noise, vibrations, and high temperatures, along with organizational conditions such as work stress, lack of adequate breaks, and intense work rhythms, exacerbate these risks.

“Asimismo, factores ambientales como ruido, vibraciones y altas temperaturas, junto con condiciones organizacionales como el estrés laboral, la falta de pausas adecuadas y ritmos de trabajo intensos, exacerban estos riesgos [32], [33], [34].”

• cites [32] 32. L. Han et al., "Quality of life and influencing factors of coal miners in Xuzhou, China," J Thorac Dis, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 835-844, 2018, doi: 10.21037/jtd.2018.01.14. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [33] 33. K. O. Roper and D. C. Yeh, "Ergonomic solutions for an aging workforce," Jul. 17, 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. doi: 10.1108/14725960710775054. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [34] 34. M. L. C. Comper, P. R. da Silva, A. W. de Negreiros, C. C. Villas Bôas, and R. S. Padula, "Influence of adherence to autonomous job rotation on musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposure, and work ability," Int J Ind Ergon, vol. 84, no. April 2020, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ergon.2021.103165. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Most included studies focus on large manufacturing plants, while SMEs are underrepresented.

“la mayoría de los estudios incluidos se centran en grandes plantas manufactureras, mientras que las PYMES, a pesar de su peso en la economía, están subrepresentadas.”

May combine two claims.

China has 15 publications, the United States has 8 publications, and other nations contribute with lower frequency.

“China sobresale con un total de 15 publicaciones, reflejado en la tonalidad más intensa del gráfico.”

• Also stated in: § III. RESULTADOS · plain

  “Estados Unidos continúa con un registro de 8 publicaciones, señalado mediante un matiz azul más tenue.”

• Also stated in: § III. RESULTADOS · plain

  “Otras naciones también contribuyen a la producción académica, aunque con una frecuencia menor que no se detalla de forma individual en el mapa.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

36 pertinent studies published between 2014 and 2024 were selected from Scopus for the review.

“Through an in-depth review of sources such as Scopus, 36 pertinent studies published between 2014 and 2024 were selected”

May combine two claims.

Proper implementation of ergonomics prevents musculoskeletal injuries, enhances efficiency, elevates work quality, and promotes employee well-being.

“its proper implementation not only prevents musculoskeletal injuries but also enhances efficiency, elevates work quality, and promotes employee well-being.”

May combine two claims.

Effective ergonomics management benefits workers' health and enhances profitability and sustainability for manufacturing enterprises.

“Ultimately, effective ergo nomics management not only benefits workers' health but also enhances profitability and sustainability for manufacturing enterprises.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

This gap limits the generalization of results and suggests the need to broaden the analysis to other productive and cultural contexts.

“Esta brecha limita la generalización de los resultados y sugiere la necesidad de ampliar el espectro de análisis hacia otros contextos productivos y culturales.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Ergonomics is an essential pillar for guaranteeing safe and productive working conditions.

“La ergonomía es un pilar esencial para garantizar condiciones laborales seguras y productivas.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A registry was carried out in the scientific database Scopus, considering research disseminated between 2014 and 2024, in English or Spanish.

“se llevó a cabo un registro en la base científica Scopus, considerando investigaciones difundidas entre 2014 y 2024, en idioma inglés o español.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The review was restricted to publications in English and Spanish, which could have left out relevant evidence available in other languages.

“la revisión se restringió a publicaciones en inglés y español, lo que podría haber dejado fuera evidencia relevante disponible en otros idiomas”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The PRISMA technique was used for the collection of studies.

“Se empleo la técnica PRISMA para la recopilación de estudios.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Its application not only reduces the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries but also contributes to improving employee well-being and the profitability of companies.

“Su aplicación no solo reduce la incidencia de lesiones musculoesqueléticas, sino que también contribuye a mejorar el bienestar de los empleados y la rentabilidad de dichas empresas.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The discarded writings were classified as 42 by exclusion criterion 1, 1 by criterion 2, 14 by criterion 3, and 10 by criterion 4.

“Los escritos descartados se clasificaron de la manera siguiente: 42 por el criterio de exclusión 1 (CE1), 1 por el criterio de exclusión 2 (CE2), 14 por el criterio de exclusión 3 (CE3) y 10 por el criterio de exclusión 4 (CE4).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The search strategy was designed following the PICO framework.

“La estrategia de búsqueda se diseñó siguiendo el marco PICO”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The integration of complementary methodologies, such as motion capture systems, can provide more complete and personalized evaluations.

“La integración de metodologías complementarias, como sistemas de captura de movimiento, puede proporcionar evaluaciones más completas y personalizadas [23], [35].”

• cites [23] 23. N. A. S. M. Nizam and S. N. S. Ramlee, "Ergonomic Risk Factors and Job Performance of Electronic Employee in Malaysia," Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 112-118, 2024, doi: 10.47836/mjmhs.20.1.15. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] 35. N. Gupta, C. D. Wåhlin-Jacobsen, J. S. Abildgaard, L. N. Henriksen, K. Nielsen, and A. Holtermann, "Effectiveness of a participatory physical and psychosocial intervention to balance the demands and resources of industrial workers: A cluster-randomized controlled trial," Scand J Work Environ Health, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 58-68, 2018, doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3689. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source