GDO Ergonomics Guidelines - COOP

The project focused on the application of ergonomic principles to work organization within the Great Organised Distribution (GDO) sector, with the aim of preventing musculoskeletal disorders, which are among the most common occupational health issues for retail workers today.

The initiative led to the development of a Guideline document, promoted by the National Commission on Health and Safety at Work of the National Association of Consumer Cooperatives (ANCC). The document was conceived as a shared framework addressing the complexity of ergonomic factors and the variety of existing approaches to workplace safety and prevention.

The first section of the document provides an overview of scientific literature concerning musculoskeletal disorders in GDO workers, analysing both risk factors and prevention strategies. The following sections focus on the ergonomic principles related to typical retail activities, including load handling, workplace organization, posture, and force exertion, highlighting the conditions that can improve workers’ performance and well-being.

A dedicated section presents detailed tables describing the different activities carried out within the retail sector, the related ergonomic risk factors, and the preventive or corrective measures that can be implemented. The final part of the document gathers a set of ergonomic recommendations and practical measures — including organizational strategies, procedures, and support tools — aimed at reducing injuries and improving occupational health in the GDO environment.