Workspace design for crane cabins applying a combined traditional approach and the Taguchi method for design of experiments

Abstract

Procedures in the development process of crane cabins are arbitrary and subjective. Since approximately 42% of incidents in the construction industry are linked to them, there is a need to collect fresh anthropometric data and provide additional recommendations for design. In this paper, dimensioning of the crane cabin interior space was carried out using a sample of 64 crane operators' anthropometric measurements, in the Republic of Serbia, by measuring workspace with 10 parameters using nine measured anthropometric data from each crane operator. This paper applies experiments run via full factorial designs using a combined traditional and Taguchi approach. The experiments indicated which design parameters are influenced by which anthropometric measurements and to what degree. The results are expected to be of use for crane cabin designers and should assist them to design a cabin that may lead to less strenuous sitting postures and fatigue for operators, thus improving safety and accident prevention.

Improving the Interior Design of an Overhead Cane Cabin: A Steel Industry Case

“…Full factorial design and Taguchi method was used in design of experiments and based on the detailed questionnaire from 27 crane operators, the anthropometric data of 50 percentile Indian male, ergonomic assessment, redesign and evaluation of crane cabin was made by use of rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) for the existing and the proposed crane cabin [10]. Nordic questionnaire among 120 crane operators was utilized and then postures and movements of operators were measured by using inclinometers for an 8 h shift [11].…”

Differences in anthropometric measurements between Libyan and Serbian passenger car drivers and crane operators

“…Anthropometric measurements also change over time, causing a constant need for their updating in order to achieve comfortable and safe vehicles or cabins interior design [2], [4], [5], [6], [7]. In surveys [8], [9], [10] [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18] the importance of the ergonomics issues solution in the crane cabin design has been considered with aim to increase crane operators safety and improve their working conditions, safety and effi ciency. Occupational fatalities, injuries and risks caused by the operation of cranes pose a serious public problem that till today has not been solved although it produces also huge cost implications [8], [19], [20], [21], [22].…”

Crane Cabins Development - Are there Innovations Needed?

“…The use of load lifting/handling equipment makes workplaces dangerous given the high potential for injury, loss of life and material damage. Cranes are extremely important component in many different industrial operations and are involved in a large number of injuries, deaths or damages [1], [2], [3], [4]. In fact, estimates suggest that cranes contribute to as many as one-third of all fatalities associated with on-site operations [5].…”