A New Approach to Ergonomic Physical Risk Evaluation in Multi-Purpose Workplaces

Abstract

The profile of human factors and ergonomics is rising. To provide an ergonomic work environment, it is necessary to pay special attention to the design and evaluation of the workplace. Traditional production work practices do not sufficiently take into account task variability in job design and assessment. Variations in task content, organizational work performance are seen due to the effective use of equipment, which enables higher levels of productivity to be reached. However, this variation has an impact on physical ergonomics risk factors and, consequently, on the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Variations can cause difficulties in assessing workers' exposure to ergonomic risk. This study aims to develop a framework for the evaluation of physical ergonomic risk in multipurpose workplaces. The presented framework integrates the concepts of well-known observation techniques used in the assessment of physical ergonomic risk factors in the multipurpose workplace. The research framework highlights a worker's exposure to the ergonomic risk and illustrates how these results can be used to find solutions in future ergonomic interventions. The framework's application is presented by illustrative case studies. Theoretical, managerial and practical features of the framework are discussed.

Mapping of Ergonomic Assessment Tools

“…Based on pen and paper the observational OWAS method with a sampling interval, 25 seconds, is easy to use and allows a quick assessment. The OWAS method is based on a classification of different postures for the back (neutral, leaning forward, twisted, bent and twisted), arms (both arms below the shoulders, one arm above the shoulders, both arms above the shoulders), legs (sitting, standing with both legs extended, standing with one leg extended, standing with one knee bent, standing with both knees bent, kneeling, walking) and the force/load (less than 10 kg, between 10 and 20 kg, more than 20 kg) present during the task (Lasota, 2020).…”

“…The proposed framework is easy to understand as well as apply and can fully meet the expectations of professionals. Furthermore, to ensure a certain ergonomic quality in the design phase, digital human modelling, and methods such as OWAS or RULA can be used in the virtual environment (Lasota, 2020).…”

A Preliminary Experimental Study on the Workers’ Workload Assessment to Design Industrial Products and Processes

“…Physical effort assessment mainly refers to the study of the postures assumed by the operators during the work shift and the efforts in handling of loads, tools, and equipment, depending on the features of the operating spaces and the workstation layout. Postural risk generally considers manual handling of loads and repetitive movements, favoring the onset of muscle-skeletal disorders and pathologies, the so-called work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) [20]. For these reasons, many methods have been developed to assess the factors related to physical risk exposure.…”

Workstation Ergonomic Risk Factors and its associations with Common Musculoskeletal Complaints among Academic Staff of a Ghanaian Higher Institution: A survey

“…A well-planned ergonomic working environment does not only implies health bene ts for the individuals and organization but could also lead to increased quality of life and high service productivity gains (Battinia, Facciob, Personaa, Sgarbossaa, 2011) [3]. Complaints among workers are largely dependent on the nature of works (including the workstation arrangements), which justify adequate evaluation of potential ergonomic risk factors on population basis (Lasota, 2020) [4]. Faculty members in the universities spend long hours using computers for lecture presentations, e-learning activities, research proposals, publications (including administrative tasks) which can predisposes them to MSCs (Tai et al, 2019) [5].…”