Criterios ergonómicos constructivos para un desarrollo sustentable orientado a mejorar la calidad de vida laboral

This contribution is based on several studies made in Chilean mines (600 work situations) throughout the last ten years. The methodology includes: an evaluation of the workers anthropometric characteristics; field observations guided by a checklist predefined by the team; physiologic workload measurements gathered from continuous heart rate monitoring, estimated according to temporal distribution. The importance of integrating ergonomics into capital investment systems is discussed, as multiple problems were detected regarding the design of human workplace environments. A systemic approach that overtakes the notions of workplace and work situation is proposed and exemplified by two studies developed in different activity sectors. The need for programs that maintain the elements that influence the comfort of the teams is stressed. Finally, reference is made to programs that develop the attention that workers pay to their own state of health. The conclusion points out that it is fundamental to create spaces of ergonomic development which demand an increase of knowledge at every hierarchical level within companies.