ERGONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE URGENT AND EMERGENCY UNIT OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

AN APPROACH BASED ON THE SYSTEM ANALYSIS TOOL METHODOLOGY

Abstract

The healthcare and safety of workers in Urgency and Emergency Units (UUE) are affected by various factors, including time pressure, high cognitive load, and exposure to physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic risks. Studies in the field of Ergonomics contribute to improving working conditions, enhancing both professional safety and the quality of patient care. This study aimed to apply the System Analysis Tool (SAT) methodology in the UUE of a university hospital to identify ergonomic issues and propose solutions to improve the work environment. To characterize ergonomic problems, an Ergonomic Checklist, based on Regulatory Standard NR-17, and the Self-Assessment Tool for Ergonomics/Human Factors (SATEH) questionnaire were utilized. The SAT methodology was then applied to prioritize ergonomic issues and develop targeted solutions. These solutions were based on guidelines from the International Labor Organization to enhance workplace safety, healthcare, and overall working conditions. The analysis identified ergonomic challenges across physical, cognitive, and organizational domains, including excessive physical workload, an inadequate work environment, high mental workload, and communication failures. As a result, 19 improvement strategies were proposed, categorized into eight key actions: organizing work routines, ensuring an adequate workforce, expanding and redesigning the workspace, maintaining furniture and equipment, implementing alternating breaks, optimizing task distribution, ensuring environmental comfort, and improving communication channels. The application of the SAT methodology proved to be an effective approach for identifying and addressing ergonomic challenges, enabling structured planning for workplace improvements in the hospital environment.