ISSN:
DOI:
3091-1796
Vol. 4 No. 10 PP. 72-92
Agosto 2026
ABSTRACT: This paper describes the design and construction of a manual flat-rung industrial
safety ladder, developed for the Housing Reconstruction Department of the EcoSur - Ecuador
Foundation, headquartered in Riobamba, within the framework of the "Project for Improving
the Quality of Life of the Most Vulnerable Sectors." The design was based on the KENDO TOOLS
model, following the requirements of European standard EN 131, and incorporated ergonomic
principles aimed at minimizing physical stress on the legs and back. Priority was given to the
use of long-lasting, lightweight materials, optimizing mobility, transportation, and versatility in
construction environments, while meeting the highest quality standards in accordance with 6
Sigma Statistical Process Control. The research sought to determine how the design and
construction of this ladder affects the reduction of physical fatigue and the improvement of
occupational safety within the construction sector. The alternative hypothesis proposed that
the use of the ladder significantly reduces physical fatigue among workers compared to a
conventional ladder. To verify this, three specific objectives were established: to design the
ladder using CAD software in order to determine the most suitable geometric parameters; to
build the prototype based on the CAD design and a stress-strain simulation; and to validate the
product through a multivariate statistical analysis and 6 Sigma quality control, along with the
development of a technical manual for use and maintenance. The implementation of the ladder
at EcoSur Foundation intervention sites yielded highly favorable results, evidencing
improvements in workers' overall well-being, reduced absenteeism due to fatigue, increased
productivity, and a decrease in occupational accidents and incidents, both in Riobamba and in
the other localities where ongoing projects are being carried out.
Keywords: ergonomics, industrial safety, flat rungs, construction, well-being
INTRODUCCIÓN
La seguridad industrial constituye una disciplina técnica orientada a identificar, evaluar y
controlar los riesgos laborales con el propósito de prevenir accidentes y enfermedades
profesionales. Su evolución histórica ha transitado desde enfoques correctivos hacia modelos de
prevención sistemática, respaldados por organismos internacionales de referencia como la
Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), la Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) y la Organización Internacional de Normalización (ISO). A pesar de estos avances, cada
año se documentan cientos de miles de muertes por accidentes laborales a escala mundial, cifra
que pone de manifiesto la persistente necesidad de disponer de sistemas sólidos de gestión en
seguridad y salud en el trabajo, particularmente en sectores de alto riesgo como la construcción
y la reconstrucción de vivienda.
En el contexto ecuatoriano, la seguridad y salud en el trabajo se encuentra regulada por el Decreto
Ejecutivo N.º 255 del 2 de mayo de 2024, el cual fortalece el marco normativo vigente junto con
el Código del Trabajo, la Decisión 584 del Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo,
y las resoluciones del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS). Este marco normativo
clasifica los riesgos laborales en seis categorías: físicos, químicos, biológicos, de seguridad,
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