Anthropometric Analysis of Selected Body Dimensions and Comparison with the Design Approach for Forestry and Agricultural Machine Operators

Abstract

The aim of the study was to conduct an analysis of selected anthropometric measurements of sitting posture of the adult male population and to compare the results to the workplace of earthmoving machine operators. Research into this problem is important in several respects, particularly the design approaches taken for the current and future machines, and their impact on the health and safety of operators. The anthropometric analysis was based on dimension measurements of the adult male population gathered in the years 2002–2019. The sample consisted of 1702 subjects aged 18 to 25. Thirteen body dimensions were selected and evaluated according to the European Standard of International Organization for Standardization (EN ISO) Nr. 3411. Anthropometric analysis of individual dimensions was evaluated using descriptive statistics and frequency histograms. The results of the analysis were compared to values recommended in the EN ISO 3411 standard. Results confirmed the growing trend of specific human dimensions within the adult population. In eight of the 13 analyzed body dimensions, descriptive statistics showed above-average values in the analyzed population compared to the values given in the standard. The long-term trend commonly observed in the adult population of developed countries was also confirmed.