Introduction:

The presence of musculoskeletal disorders are important public health problems among farmers. Few studies have examined the ergonomic risks and working conditions associated with the presence of these disorders. The objective of this study is to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, social security, working conditions, ergonomic risk and musculoskeletal disorders in a group of coffee collectors in the municipality of Andes.

Materials and methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of 70 coffee collectors in the municipality of Andes, Antioquia, applying an assisted instrument and an assessment using the OWAS method for the identification of postural risk factors, and the Nordic questionnaire for the identification of musculoskeletal disorders that could be associated with the postural risks and other labour and socio-demographic factors.

Results:

The study showed a higher prevalence of low back pain and neck pain in female workers compared with male workers. There was a trend towards a higher rate of cervicalgia and low back pain in workers who reported having had work-related accidents and occupational diseases, but the association was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

It was found that 64.3% of the municipal coffee collectors surveyed presented medium risk associated with inadequate and / or maintained postures, and when related to musculoskeletal disorders, 30% of the respondents reported low back pain. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and working conditions.

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