Introduction/framework/objectives

The interest in applying task rotation to mitigate some occupational risk factors has been mentioned for a long time but, in reality, most professionals working in Occupational Health teams do not have experience in the development of these schemes and, perhaps, may even not knowing that there are computer algorithms that could aim the whole process more scientifically.

Methodology

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in August 2021 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Contents

Rotation is an administrative technique used with the objective of preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries; however, designing a rotation protocol can be complex in some circumstances. It can be defined as the change of tasks in a cyclic and regular way, in a previously stipulated order, in a certain interval.

Advantages cover the Employee and/or Employer.

Rotation can be decided by the hierarchical superior or by the employees themselves (with autonomy); in the latter case the acceptability is higher.

Discussion and Conclusions

Job rotation seems to be a good option in general work situations, as long as it is well considered; for more complex situations, computer programs/algorithms may be used to assist in the process.

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