Abstract
Due to the epochal changes introduced by “Industry 4.0”, it is getting harder to apply the varying approaches for biomechanical risk assessment of manual handling tasks used to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) considered within the International Standards for ergonomics. In fact, the innovative human–robot collaboration (HRC) systems are widening the number of work motor tasks that cannot be assessed. On the other hand, new sensor-based tools for biomechanical risk assessment could be used for both quantitative “direct instrumental evaluations” and “rating of standard methods”, allowing certain improvements over traditional methods. In this light, this Letter aims at detecting the need for revising the standards for human ergonomics and biomechanical risk assessment by analyzing the WMDs prevalence and incidence; additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of traditional methods listed within the International Standards for manual handling activities and the next challenges needed for their revision are considered. As a representative example, the discussion is referred to the lifting of heavy loads where the revision should include the use of sensor-based tools for biomechanical risk assessment during lifting performed with the use of exoskeletons, by more than one person (team lifting) and when the traditional methods cannot be applied. The wearability of sensing and feedback sensors in addition to human augmentation technologies allows for increasing workers’ awareness about possible risks and enhance the effectiveness and safety during the execution of in many manual handling activities.
Highlights
This Letter intends to address a crucial issue of the occupational field concerning the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs)
Some implicit limitations of several traditional methods listed within the international ergonomics standards developed in an attempt to prevent and reduce the risk of WMDs, able to identify manual handling activities associated with a high risk of WMDs and to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions [1,2]; The new opportunities represented by innovative wearable devices for workers monitoring and feedback; The new “Industry 4.0” scenario which is making these methods increasingly difficult to apply
Underlining the huge problem linked to the onset of WMDs reporting a synthesis of their current incidence and prevalence in several world countries (Section 2); Assessing strengths and weaknesses of methods and international standards for manual handling activities, especially in view of the new technological opportunities offered by industry 4.0 (Section 3); Discussing contents and challenges needed for the revision of the international standards (Section 4)
Summary
The reliability and validity of the use of these sensors warrants further investigations This aim was achieved by: Underlining the huge problem linked to the onset of WMDs reporting a synthesis of their current incidence and prevalence in several world countries (Section 2); Assessing strengths and weaknesses of methods and international standards for manual handling activities, especially in view of the new technological opportunities (wearable sensors for monitoring and HRC systems) offered by industry 4.0 (Section 3); Discussing contents and challenges needed for the revision of the international standards (Section 4). Findings of the above cited studies were obtained mainly using interviews and validated questionnaires and video recordings and/or physical examinations
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