Computer-Assisted Ergonomic Analysis of Working Postures Causing Strain

Abstract

Ergonomics, which is also known as Human Engineering or Human Factors Engineering, is a discipline allowing a working design in accordance with individuals’ anthropometric (bodily) size, physical strength, and personal characteristics by considering the relationships between individuals and other actors in the system. Specifically, one of the main principles of ergonomics is that individuals should be in harmony with and adaptable to the environment. In working environments where ergonomic principles are not applied, the equipment, machinery, and tools are generally designed without considering the different anthropometric characteristics of people. Hence, employees have to exhibit incorrect working postures in order to adapt to those conditions. It causes a decrease in productivity, loss of labor force, lack of motivation, and musculoskeletal system disorders. It is obvious that such negative outcomes would increase unless the necessary ergonomic arrangements are done. Carried out in 7 different workstations of a furniture manufacturing factory, the present study aims to analyze the postures of workers, determine the points they have difficulty and to what extent they have difficulty (the level of risk), and bring the workplace conditions in compliance with the workers’ necessities through improvement arrangements about how they can avoid the ergonomic risks and dangers they face. Within the scope of this study, the data consisting of the photos of workers were used. Contrary to the previous studies incorporating estimation-based risk analyses, the present study employs uMED Ergonomics software in analyzing the angles of body parts and clearly revealing the workers’ postures. Ergonomic risk analysis was performed using the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) method, one of the risk assessment methods. It was determined that the posture modifications and some ergonomic improvements significantly reduced the risk level.