Introduction In sterilization units, autoclaves are commonly used to guarantee equipment asepsis in sensitive environment. They should be loaded many times a day to guarantee the continuity of medical activity.

Objectives At the behest of the hygiene department boss, following autoclave health workers complaints about low back and upper limb pain, we carried out an analysis of the activity in order to identify the main occupational risk factors and propose consequent ergonomic recommendations.

Methods We proceeded to activity analysis based on observation method and operators’ interviews. We finally assessed the autoclave loading and unloading lumbar and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) risks respectively through NIOSH and Ergorom analyses.

Results For the autoclave loading station, carrying of weight loads ranged from 5 to 40 kg. The NIOSH recommended load limit ranged from 2.0 to 11.8 kg in the autoclave loading station, and from 1.4 to 11.4 kg in the unloading station with a risk of low back pain of 4% for men and 15% for women. As for upper limb MSD, Ergorom analyses proved a high risk of tendonitis of the rotator cuff (dominant shoulder in flexion or abduction> 60 ° in isometry or with heavy load bearing) and of elbow due to a 60 to 100° flexion/contraction over 73% of the working time. For the unloading station, there was an overall risk related to the hand grip. The risk of tendonitis of both elbows was related to a 60 to 100° prolonged flexion over 85% of the working time.

Conclusion In the light of the obtained results, in order to avoid MSDs and low back pain in healthcare technicians of the autoclave in the sterilization unit, we recommended the handling load of material to sterilize should be limited to 11 kg and the use of the trolleys preferably with adjustable height and with dynamic racks.