Ergonomic Evaluation Research Articles

User perception and ergonomic display layout design of truck camera monitor system

A camera monitor system (CMS) provides side/rear views via in-vehicle displays by replacing the existing mirrors with miniature cameras. Two surveys were conducted to determine the overall perception of truck drivers toward CMS compared to the conventional mirrors and to identify the ergonomic CMS display layout. Thirty experienced truck drivers evaluated CMS compared to the existing mirror system using six evaluation measures (intention to use, safety, convenience, rapidity and accuracy, preference, and superiority). Each respondent also evaluated eight different layout design alternatives using seven ergonomic evaluation measures (rapidity, accuracy, safety, convenience, learnability, intuitiveness, and preference). The design alternatives were developed by combining the locations of two truck CMS displays – one is side display replacing the main and wide-angle exterior mirrors and the other one is front display replacing the front mirror. The study results revealed that truck drivers rated the CMS highly compared to the existing mirror system across all six measures, suggesting the need for further academic and industrial research/development and thereby wider introduction of truck CMS. Also, the layout wherein the side and front displays were positioned at the A-pillar and middle-top-of-windshield locations, respectively, was found to be the best and its design characteristics were: 1) spatial correspondence between the provided information and the in-vehicle location for both the side and front displays, 2) spatial compatibility with driver expectation for the side display, 3) reduction in the eye movement required for the front display, and 4) spatial compatibility by relative position between the side and front displays.

Balancing physical workload during workforce scheduling for fair task assignment in a manual warehouse

Warehousing tasks, such as order picking, involve extensive manual materials handling, which can lead to a high physical workload and associated health risks for workers. The goal of this paper is to develop a task assignment decision support model suitable for application in a manually operated warehouse. The model aims to balance the physical workload across the employed order pickers based on an ergonomic indicator, leading to fairer task allocations. The main contribution of this paper is the incorporation of a linearized ergonomic indicator into a typical warehousing task assignment problem that allocates batches to order pickers. The linearized indicator facilitates the ergonomic evaluation during the solution procedure using a commercial solver.

Ergonomic evaluation of different paddy threshing methods in Meghalaya

Ergonomic evaluation of different paddy threshing methods in Meghalaya

Investigating musculoskeletal risks in manual mushroom harvesting: An ergonomic field study in canadian farms

Canada's annual production of 132,000 metric tonnes of mushrooms relies on manual harvesting, posing risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study employs ergonomic evaluation techniques, including Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) index, along with a discomfort assessment questionnaire, to analyze workers' postural loads and self-reported discomfort. Results indicate that immediate alterations are needed in 85% of picking postures to reduce WMSD risks (RULA score: 6–7). The overall process shows a CTD index of 1.16, indicating potential repetitive strain injuries. Pickers report discomfort, particularly in the hand and shoulder. The study underscores the need for alternatives like redesigned growing beds to enhance worker safety in mushroom harvesting.

Innovations in Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Intervention in Material Handling

This review paper delves into the complex facets of ergonomic risk evaluation and reduction across various industrial sectors. The focus is on identifying the hazards linked to manual labor, especially those contributing to physical risks and musculoskeletal disorders among workers, and proposing inventive solutions to mitigate these threats. The review brings together insights from different studies, emphasizing the application of automation, virtual modeling, Kinect-based evaluations, and other innovative tools in repetitive tasks and material handling operations. It also explores the usage of back-support exoskeletons, observational checklists, and workspace redesigns to decrease risks in construction, manufacturing, vegetable transportation, clothing accessories, and other sectors. The development of risk assessment frameworks for specific roles such as container terminal operators and the examination of musculoskeletal disorders in diverse worker demographics, including older female farmers and factory workers, are also featured. The comprehensive approach of the journal sets the stage for future research, aiming to further reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders through continued innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

Ergonomic evaluation of work sites in an aerospace maquiladora company

Ergonomics is a discipline that contributes to the quality of life of people, through the study and understanding of interactions between humans, the environment that surrounds them and the profession. The practice of ergonomics in manmachine-environment systems is essential to eliminate risk factors associated with the presentation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), the reduction of occupational diseases and comply with current regulations, this being the objective of the present study. During the investigation, an exhaustive analysis of the different jobs was carried out and the ergonomic risk factors present in each of them were identified (inadequate postures, repetitive movements, excessive forces and unfavorable environmental conditions) and their level at through a specific evaluation method. Finally, specific intervention measures were proposed and applied to eliminate or reduce the level of risk. These measures included the redesign of work stations, the modification of equipment, tools, the implementation of active breaks and the training of staff in ergonomic practices. In conclusion, the results support the importance of incorporating ergonomics as an integral practice in work environments, in order to protect the health and well-being of workers, as well as improve the efficiency and productivity of organizations.

Online Ergonomic Evaluation in Realistic Manual Material Handling Task: Proof of Concept.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are globally one of the leading causes of work-related injuries. They significantly impact worker health and business costs. Work task ergonomic risk indices have been developed that use observational assessments to identify potential injuries, and allow safety managers to promptly intervene to mitigate the risks. However, these assessments are very subjective and difficult to perform in real time. This work provides a technique that can digitalize this process by developing an online algorithm to calculate the NIOSH index and provide additional data for ergonomic risk assessment. The method is based on the use of inertial sensors, which are easily found commercially and can be integrated into the industrial environment without any other sensing technology. This preliminary study demonstrates the effectiveness of the first version of the Online Lifting Index (On-LI) algorithm on a common industrial logistic task. The effectiveness is compared to the standard ergonomic assessment method. The results report an average error of 3.6% compared to the NIOSH parameters used to calculate the ergonomic risk and a relative error of the Lifting Index of 2.8% when compared to observational methods.

Ergonomic evaluation of upper extremities muscle activity pattern during 60-min smartphone texting.

Smartphone usage has increased rapidly in the last decade due to rapid technological advancements. This extensive usage of smartphones led to physiological problems and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to inappropriate postures. Past studies have reported the effects/discomfort of smartphone usage for short periods, ranging from 3-20 min, which does not represent the current era of smartphone dependency (approximately 7-hr/day). This study was performed on fifty-four participants aged 20-28 with 1-hr smartphone texting in a sitting posture. Flexion angles, both sides (dominant and non-dominant) muscle activity (maximum voluntary contraction %) at sternocleidomastoid (SCM), upper-trapezius (TRP), extensor digitorum (EDM) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscles, and subjective discomfort were analyzed. After 1-hr smartphone texting, the muscle activity at eight upper extremities: SCM (24.80%), TRP (29.45%), EDM (14.44%) and APB (19.87%) significantly (p < 0.001) increased by 1.5-1.9 times with 27.4±3.18° and 82.94±7.03° head and lower-arm flexion angles, respectively. The mechanical loads on the cervical spine increased by 4.6 times, and subjective discomfort by 3 times. Maintaining the same posture for a long duration causes postural stress, muscular imbalances, and discomfort, leading to MSD with increased cervical intervertebral disc pressure.

Optimizing Manual Assembly Operations: Ergonomics Analysis and Human-Robot Collaboration

Abstract This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field of ergonomics, with a specific focus on the application of virtual simulation in the context of manual assembly stations assisted by collaborative robots. The theoretical part of this paper presents a concise introduction to the origins and key figures in the field of ergonomics, highlighting the importance and relevance of this discipline. It also discusses the current methods of ergonomic evaluation and the necessary steps involved in conducting such assessments. Furthermore, it delves into the existing standards, associations, and organizations related to ergonomics, as well as the software solutions available for ergonomic analysis. A case study is presented which demonstrates how to perform an ergonomic analysis using the Ergonomics Evaluation module within the 3D Experience platform. The methodology follows a systematic approach, starting with a physical environment simulation to identify key positions for virtual evaluation. These positions are then simulated using a representative 3D model of the assembly station and selected manikins. The chosen ergonomic analysis method is tailored to the specific movements involved in the assembly activity.

Static and dynamic validation of kinect for ergonomic postural analysis using electro-goniometers as a gold standard:A preliminary study.

Evaluation of the working postures and development of new techniques are paramount in reducing the awkward postures and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The Kinect sensor, a portable and cost-effective device, appears to be a promising alternative to study work postures. The current study aimed to evaluate the validity of Kinect against the gold-standard instrument (electro-goniometers) for body joint angle measurements. A unique software application was developed to measure the critical body joint angles for postural evaluation by using the Kinect's skeletal tracking feature. The body joint angle data of ten volunteers were measured simultaneously by both Kinect and electro-goniometers. The validation analysis was conducted in both static and dynamic domains of application. Minimal variation was observed between the two techniques, and the Kinect correlated well for upper-arm joint angles of 45∘, 60∘ and 90∘; lower-arm joint angles of 30∘, 45∘, 60∘, and 90∘; straight neck position, neck joint angle at maximum possible flexion; straight trunk position, trunk bend angle at full flexion. In dynamic analysis, four out of five ICC values were > 0.75 except for the upper arm. Discrepancies in the results indicated the disapproval of Kinect for only wrist measurements. The results of the static and dynamic studies gave a sufficient basis to consider the Kinect tool as an alternative to contemporary posture-based ergonomic evaluation methods.

Evaluation of teachers' ergonomic work conditions: an analysis from an Ecuadorian Technological Institute

The preservation of workers' health has generated the incorporation of concepts such as ergonomics that have provided organizations with excellent results. In this sense, this study is oriented to the ergonomic evaluation of the teachers' lounge block 1 of the Instituto Superior Tecnológico Luis Tello, Esmeraldas, Ecuador. For this purpose, a quantitative methodological approach was followed, with a field design, non-experimental and descriptive level, supported by a documentary inquiry. The study sample consisted of 23 teachers working at the aforementioned headquarters. The technique used for data collection was direct observation and the instrument used was the ROSA (Rapid Office Strain Assessment) Field Sheet. Data processing was carried out using the Excel program. The results found under the ROSA methodology, are in the range of 6-7-8 respectively, which denotes a very high ergonomic risk, level 3, which is an indication that action is needed as soon as possible. Based on the findings it is concluded that: there is an urgent need to address the situation through the optimal design of workstations under the principles provided by ergonomics adapted to the individual requirements of each of the teachers who provide their services teaching room block 1 of the Instituto Superior Tecnológico Luis Tello, Esmeraldas, Ecuador, as a way of preventing ergonomic risks through adjuvant spaces for the improvement of proper postural habits of each of these professionals, which will result in the long-term preservation of health, as established in international and national regulations.

K9 자주포 설계의 인간공학적 평가 및 개선 사례

K9 자주포 설계의 인간공학적 평가 및 개선 사례

A Wearable Monitoring Device for COVID-19 Biometric Symptoms Detection

BackgroundMonitoring COVID-19 symptoms has become a critical task in controlling the spread of the virus and preventing hospitalizations. Aiming to contribute to efficient monitoring solutions, this article presents the development and testing of a wearable device capable of continuous monitoring biometric signals associated with the presence of COVID-19, such as the heart rate, the blood oxygen saturation, and the body temperature. MethodsTo ensure continuous monitoring the device is designed to be worn in the ear. Here, the temperature is measured through a non-contact infrared temperature sensor placed inside the ear canal while the heart rate and the pulse oximetry signals are monitored through a photoplethysmography reflective sensor positioned at the earlobe.The proposed device's performance was evaluated by comparing it against a medical certified station. Usability and ergonomics were assessed through users' questionnaires. Additionally, experiments were performed to evaluate the hearing loss when the proposed device is in use. Data was acquired from 30 individuals of different sex, aged between 20 and 43 years old. In relation to usability and ergonomics the variation in ear dimensions was accessed and related to the device's comfort limitations. ResultsThe temperature measurement produced a moderate correlation (R=0.42), despite a higher standard deviation was found in the proposed solution. This is due to the limited variability in temperature data, creating a short measuring range, as only healthy people were tested. The heart rate measurement also showed good correlation (R=0.96), with the proposed solution showing good repeatability with a standard deviation of 6.06 BPM, however, the SpO2 measurement was suboptimal (R=0.14).The ergonomic evaluation revealed that most participants found the device shape comfortable, but some found the dimensions not adequate.Additionally, the device was found to be user-friendly, with most participants reporting that they found it to be intuitive, and none reported a major loss in hearing in a normal conversation, however, there's a negligible loss of approximately 0.56 dB. ConclusionsDuring this study, it was possible to develop and evaluate a wearable device that was suggested for monitoring biometric signals. The device demonstrated great reliability in temperature and heart rate measurement but showed limitations in the accuracy of pulse oximetry. The main contribution of this work is the evaluation of a continuous non-invasive monitoring concept for COVID-19 related biometric signals, which indicates good applicability in the case study.

Ergonomic and Anthropometric Evaluation of Locally Manufactured Vehicle Seats.

Most of the cars are imported as cargo vehicles and then converted into commercial passenger vehicles in Ethiopia. Seats are locally manufactured and installed as part of the conversion to passenger cars, with little regard permitted for the standard specifications required. A descriptive survey, an ergonomics assessment of passenger seats was conducted, and subjective evaluations of seat comfort were collected. For long journeys, there are problems of discomfort, back pain, and human fatigue. Anthropometric measurements of respondents and locally manufactured seats were used to conduct an objective evaluation of seat attributes. The findings revealed that the passengers' body proportions and the seat dimensions differ significantly and are not given any preference during design and fabrication of the seat. This study recommends the anthropometric dimensions of the Ethiopian passengers for the design and manufacturing of the vehicle seats.

An ergonomic focus evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst operators in the UAE network control centres

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have rapidly increased during the last decade, but only a few descriptive surveys have been conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study investigated the prevalence of WMSDs and analysed their ergonomic risks amongst operators in the network control rooms across two government organisations, X and Y, in the UAE. Essential data were collected by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) from online surveys and direct observations based on the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) form and ergonomic measurements for the working environments, respectively. Fifty-three and eighteen operators participated from Organisations X and Y. This study found a high presence of WMSDs in both organisations over the past 12 months. In Organisation X, individual, work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors of high BMI, educational level, morning work shift, high job duration, lack of exercise habit, awkward body posture, high job demand, low job control, and low work social support were associated with WMSDs in different body areas (p < 0.05). In Organisation Y, older age, high BMI, high job duration, lack of exercise habits, unergonomic workstations, awkward body posture, low break time, high job demand, and stress level were associated with WMSDs in different body areas (p < 0.05). The control room operators' most affected body areas were the back, eyes, and neck. Several efficient ergonomic intervention ideas were explored to lessen the detrimental effects of WMSDs and preclude the development of WMSDs amongst the control centre operators.

Gender equity in surgical instruments: ergonomics of ring-handled forceps

Introduction Female surgeons have ergonomic issues with commercialized instruments tailored for male surgeons. The purpose of this study was to identify satisfaction levels and ergonomic problems of female surgeons while using laparoscopic forceps with ring-handles and suggest improvement measures. Material and methods A questionnaire was sent to 19,405 members of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery via email between 1 August 2022 and 30 September 2022. It included demographic information and specific questions regarding the use of laparoscopic forceps with ring- handles (ergonomic evaluation, influence of the negative aspects of laparoscopic forceps during surgery, physical discomfort in the hands and fingers, degree of satisfaction, and handle size). Results Valid responses were received from 1,030 respondents (131 female and 899 male surgeons). The ergonomics of the laparoscopic forceps with ring-handles were rated lower by female surgeons in all ten categories (all p value < 0.05). They also reported a negative impact on surgical manipulation and discomfort to their hands and fingers. Conclusions Female surgeons had a wide variety of ergonomic problems when using laparoscopic forceps with ring-handles, and showed lower levels of satisfaction. Developing a different model tailored to female surgeons with smaller hands and a weaker grip could be a viable solution.

Design and ergonomic evaluation of a new adapted endoscope holder to reduce muscle pressure and discomfort during endoscopy.

Laparoscopic surgeons who regularly perform endoscopy are more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders than other internal medicine specialists, a difference that attributed to repetitive movements, poor postures, and sub-optimal equipment design. This study aimed to design, build, and evaluate an endoscope holder for reducing the static load applied by the weight of the endoscope, in order to reduce musculoskeletal disorders risk factors in the surgeon's hand, shoulder and back issues regions. A new endoscope holder was designed according to ergonomic design principles. The designed holder was evaluated by surface electromyography (sEMG) and discomfort assessment including 15 laparoscopic surgeons. The results were analyzed with centrality statistics and compared with the independent t-test using SPSS version 22. The evaluation of the new endoscope holder shows a statistical significant decrease in the average electrical activity of biceps brachii, triceps brachii, lateral deltoid, T9 Thoracic erector spinae, L4 Lumbar erector spinae, and external oblique after using the holder (p < 0.05). The results shows that using the new endoscope holder is associated with a lower level of discomfort, as well as a lower induced muscle activity. The results also highlight the need to upgrade the holder to offer rotability in all directions (perpendicular to the ground) which will be included in the next design.

Development of an ergonomics management model in the workplace: Introduction of the TUGA ergonomics management and analysis model (TEMA).

Conducting practical studies in ergonomics requires attention to all aspects of ergonomics with a comprehensive approach and focus on continuous improvement cycles. This study aimed to develop and present an ergonomics management model in the workplace. This study was performed using a three-stage Delphi study with 30 experts and a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. According to the literature review and experts' opinions, the general cycle of the ergonomics management system with eight steps was developed. New methods were formed in two of these eight steps: the 3rd step (developing an ergonomic evaluation method) and the 5th step (creating a cost-benefit evaluation method). The eight implementation steps of the TEMA were determined as follows: 1) Performing task analysis (TTA), 2) Ergonomic hazard identification, 3) Estimating the ergonomic index, 4) Determining control measures, 5) Evaluating cost-benefit parameter, 6) Implementing control measures, 7) Continuous monitoring, and 8) Evaluating the effectiveness of control measures. The Delphi study revealed that the number of deleted parameters includes one item (burnout), and the remaining parameters were 16 items. The mean CVI and CVR values were 0.92 and 0.80, respectively. Cronbach's alpha values for each of the physical, environmental, and cognitive components and the entire model were 0.91, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.89, respectively. Using the mentioned management model can be a practical step towards properly evaluating the most critical dimensions of ergonomics in the workplace and optimal planning to implement control measures to establish a dynamic management system to reduce ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.

S1C6-04 Ergonomic use-related evaluation of aluminum pouch drug package which store PTP

S1C6-04 Ergonomic use-related evaluation of aluminum pouch drug package which store PTP

Human Factors Design and Evaluation of China’s Space Manipulator Teleoperation System

Space manipulators are important for the assembly, construction, operation, and maintenance of space stations. To ensure that the manipulator system on the China Space Station (CSS) is user-friendly, the human factors engineering team has carried out extensive studies on the human factors design and evaluation of the space manipulator teleoperation system from three aspects: the technical process, research on ergonomic requirements, and ergonomic evaluation. This article systematically combs the technical process and index system of the human factors design and requirements research on CSS manipulator teleoperation system, which has guided the optimization of space manipulator engineering. This article expounds the research work on ergonomic requirements and suggestions related to manipulator teleoperation through experimental research on cognitive characteristics and human factors in display and control interfaces. We focus on human factors experimental research for camera type and handle polarity, and a recommended scheme for camera display and handle polarity has been screened out accordingly. Finally, the human-in-the-loop ergonomic evaluation method is demonstrated with a cooperative manual control task. The research results have facilitated the human factors design and optimization improvement of the space manipulator manipulator system, and have contributed significantly to the safe and smooth completion of astronaut extravehicular activities on the CSS.