Nicolas Virgin, Markus Miezal, Gabriele, Bleser Katharina Mura, & Dominic Gorecky, ‘Innovative system for real-time ergonomic feedback in industrial manufacturing’ Applied ergonomics, 44.4, (2013): 566-574. Print.
This work gives an article that allows a real-time ergonomic assessment of manual tasks in an industrial setting. The authors state that a biomedical model of the upper body has been created by use of inertia sensors, which are located at different areas on the upper body. Based on this model, a computerized Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) ergonomic assessment of real-time musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, local scores were calculated on the basis segment; for instance, the neck region and gave information on the local risks for disorders of the musculoskeletal. The visual information was fed to the user by use of a transparent display. Extra visual highlighting and auditory warnings were given after the exceeding of some predefined thresholds. The participants in the study were 12. In the user study, a group containing the RULA feedback was weighed against the control group. The obtained results indicated that the real-time ergonomic feedback considerably decreased the outcome of both worldwide and locally dangerous RULA values that are linked increased risk for disorder in the musculoskeletal. In the experiment, time for task execution did not vary between groups (Nicolas et al 567). The real-time ergonomic tools, which were introduced in the study has the capacity of reducing the musculoskeletal disorders in industrial environments. The repercussions for ergonomics in manufacturing and user feedback modalities are also discussed in the essay.
A human worker has a crucial role to play as an operator and troubleshooter in the contemporary and convoluted systems of manufacturing. The majority of the aspects in the industrial work of physical in nature, particularly manual tasks for instance when an individual is tasked with picking up a component for when rearranging it in the position of assembly. Additionally, the different forms of physical activity like manipulating, moving, carrying, pulling, pushing, lifting, holding or restraining objects is perceived as being a manual task. Nonetheless, musculoskeletal disorders which manual works cause are represented by a large part of all musculoskeletal disorders related to work and are crucial concerns in the public health. Specialists in ergonomics may identify conditions under which musculoskeletal disorders related to work is rampant and come up with sufficient interventions. Additionally, these professionals play significant roles in industry as they can as well have impact on the productivity, operational safety and motion efficiency. Therefore, coming up with supportive tools for identifying and evaluating motor tasks, which are potentially and postures would be of significant essence to researchers in ergonomics.
There are various tools and methods for manual tasks ergonomic assessment. Some of these include OCRA, LUBA, OWAS, HAL-TLV, REBA, RULA, mantra, QEC and SNOOK tables among others (Waters 275). Self-reports can be used and they entail questionnaires, interviews, worker and dairies. The self-reports have some limitations like the perception of unreality exposure and interpretation and comprehension according to the literacy of the worker. The observational methods are aimed at assessing workplace exposure through evaluation of the behavior of the worker on pro-forma sheets either as they observe in the replaying videos or in the field. RULA is commonly cited and it is based on posture observation during a given task and gives an output of postural and biomechanical load. The article presents very useful knowledge on safety measures, which need to be taken on industrial environments. The article was presented by professionals hence it has credibility. Ergonomic professionals can use this researcher as basis for further research.
Works Cited
Virgin Nicolas, Miezal Markus, Gabriele Bleser, Katharina Mura, & Dominic Gorecky, ‘Innovative system for real-time ergonomic feedback in industrial manufacturing’ Applied ergonomics, 44.4, (2013): 566-574. Print.
Waters, T.R. ‘Ergonomics in design: Interventions for youth working in the agricultural industry’ Theoretical Issues in Ergonometric Science, 13 (2012): 270-285. Online.
