Ergonomics Postural Risk Assessment and Observational Techniques in the 21st Century

Abstract

Workers in various industries where materials are handled manually are at a higher risk of suffering musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and related body pains. These workers experience various occupational diseases due to the awkward working postures they take during tasks. Some of these work postures include sitting (for long period), lifting, body twisting, or bending. This review studied the various body postures and material handling tasks employed during daily work activities by workers. The occupational hazard in human tasks, general survey of postures in human tasks, body parts involved in human tasks, assessment of occupational risk factors and various approaches to modification have also been reviewed. The review concluded with suggestions on possible ergonomic intervention that could alleviate the risk factors caused by these awkward body postures.