The effect of different supermarket checkout workstations on trunk kinematics of checkout operators

Abstract

Objectives: This study analyzed the effect of a standard and a modified checkout workstation during a simulated task on trunk postures of a supermarket checkout operator. Methods: Eight participants performed a task involving grasping, scanning and depositing products, while 3D images of the trunk were collected. Results: A number of kinematic changes were observed in trunk posture. A greater anterior flexion (3.0±1.2 o ) and lateral bending during grasping (7.1±1.4 o ) were found in the standard checkout workstation when compared to the modified model (p<0.05). Other variables did not show significant differences (p>0.05). Discussion: The modified checkout workstation provided less lateral bending of the trunk to grasp products (8.1 o ± 2.8; p<0.05), which was considered an advantage with respect to the standard model. Changes in the sagittal and transversal planes were not observed (p>0.05), irrespective of the checkout workstations (p>0.05). The modified checkout workstation successfully reduced risk of injury in some aspects, particularly the problems associated with lateral bending of the trunk. Other studies are required to test whether such potential benefits are obtained on a daily basis. Conclusions: Supermarket checkout operators may be at high risk of occupational injury due to different workstation demands.Modifications to checkout workstation design are an attractive possibility to reduce postural stress and fatigue in checkout operators.Longitudinal studies are required to test whether changes observed in the present study are sustained in the long term.Key words: supermarket checkout operators; supermarket checkout workstation; checkout workstation design; posture. ResumoObjetivos: Analisar o efeito de um modelo padrão e de um modificado de checkout durante uma tarefa simulada de um operador de caixa de supermercado. Métodos: Oito participantes desempenharam uma tarefa envolvendo apanhar, ler e depositar produtos, enquanto imagens 3D do tronco foram coletadas. Resultados: Um número de mudanças cinemáticas foram observadas na postura do tronco. Uma maior flexão anterior (3.0±1.2 o ) e uma inclinação lateral durante o apanhar (7.1±1.4 o ) foram encontradas no checkout padrão quando comparadas ao modelo modificado (p<0.05). Outras variáveis não apresentaram mudanças significativas (p>0.05).Discussão: O checkout modificado causou menor inclinação lateral do tronco para apanhar produtos (8.1 o ± 2.8; p<0.05), o que foi considerado como uma vantagem em relação ao modelo padrão. Mudanças nos planos sagital transverso não foram observadas (p>0.05), independente do modelo do checkout (p>0.05). O modelo modificado se mostrou eficaz paras prover reduções de risco de lesão em alguns aspectos. Especificamente, problemas associados com as inclinações laterais do tronco podem ser reduzidos quando o checkout modificado é empregado. Outros estudos são necessários para testar se tais benefícios potenciais são obtidos em uso de base diária. Conclusões: Operadores de supermercado podem ter elevado risco de le...

State of the art of user packaging interaction (UPI)

“…[110][111][112][113][114][115] Uncomfortable workstation design is one problem experienced by cashiers that needs to be evaluated and improved. 107,114,[116][117][118] To perform the checking out task it is necessary to scan the UPC printed on items to automatically identify them. While advancements in scanning technology would be expected to have a fruitful impact on scanning performance and behavior, this impact can be limited by package design, and quality and proper placement of the UPC.…”

“…Rodacki and Vieira, 107 Shinnar et al, 114 Carrasco et al, 116 Spielholz et al, 117 and Draicchio et al 118 Workstation design may not be comfortable; design interventions were approved to improve the checking out process. UPC location and scanning Kihlstedt and Hägg, 111 Madigan and Lehman, 115 Hoffman, 119,121 and Madigan 120 Packaging design and UPC placement can limit the usability of scanning technologies.…”

Análise ergonômica dos movimentos e posturas dos operadores de checkout em um supermercado localizado na cidade de Cataguases, Minas Gerais

“…Rodacki & Vieira (2010) found that the average time experience as a checkout operator is 10.1 ± 2.6 months. Liedke (2001) reports that trade is not as demanding in a matter of past experience, which proves the fact that research presented years of low experience.…”

Does the presence of a vertical barrier influence sagittal spinal curvature or range of motion in young females?

“…Investigators have previously reported the consequence of repeated movements [17] and lifting on checkout operators [18]. The risk of injury through manoeuvring a shopping trolley has also been explored, with shoppers susceptible to pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, the upper and lower extremities as well as the lumbar spine [19].…”