Ergonomic evaluation of a multipurpose shovel-cum-hoe for manual material handling
TL;DR: It was observed that with the new, ergonomically designed prototype both the purposes of the shovel and the hoe could be attained and the new design is well accepted by the workers.
About: This article is published in International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.The article was published on 1996-01-01. It has received 14 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Shovel.
Citations
More filters
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of the labour economics and sociology laboratory of France (LEST) method was used to analyse work posts among greenhouse workers in the Almeria region of South-Eastern Spain.
Abstract: This study investigates the use of the Labour Economics and Sociology Laboratory of France (LEST) method to analyse work posts among greenhouse workers in the Almeria region of South-Eastern Spain. The aim is to improve the health of the labourers. Data were gathered from 110 greenhouses, 73 of the Almeria parral plano type and 37 raspa and amagado. Crops studied were 63 greenhouses of tomatoes, 31 of watermelons, and 16 of courgette, examining the physical environment, physical load, psycho-social aspects, and time worked by the labourers. The main conclusion was that this type of crop protective structure, typical in South-Eastern Spain, does not guarantee a comfortable working environment, as defined by the norm UNE-EN 13031-1 reference. The results also associate the different types of greenhouses and their crops with the ergonomic and psycho-sociological conditions of the workers. Improvements are proposed.
26 citations
TL;DR: This paper analyze trowel firstly designing in CATIA and then its Finite Element Analysis has been carried out by ABAQUS, with main emphasis on finding stresses by using this software, then removing them by suitable mechanical working on tool & ergonomic change in the design of handle to make it more comfortable.
Abstract: Hand tool mechanisms designed to reduce the risk factors have rarely been studied. In this paper it is analyze trowel firstly designing in CATIA and then its Finite Element Analysis has been carried out by ABAQUS. The main emphasis is on finding stresses by using this software, then removing them by suitable mechanical working on tool & ergonomic change in the design of handle to make it more comfortable. Body part discomfort score and overall discomfort rating experienced by the subjects had also been estimated. During the muscular ac- tivity workers physiological responses i.e. energy expenditure rate, oxygen consumption rate and heart rate in- creases. This increase in physiological responses is related to the type, intensity and duration of work and thus sets limits to the performance of heavy work. In this paper oxygen consumption rate and heart rate was used for physi- ological cost estimation. These parameters were measured by Computerized Ambulatory Metabolic Measurement System K4b2.
14 citations
TL;DR: It is revealed how the workers climb the trunk of the date palm to get to the crown, and the amount of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in date palm trees work, and how to combat it.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Despite the call for the application of ergonomics in developing countries, the African share of ergonomic studies is modest. Date palm farming is considered one of the most important economic resources in hot and dry areas. In African countries, including Algeria, there exist millions of date palms. Date palm work can be precarious and associated with higher rates of work related musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to:1.Reveal how the workers climb the trunk of the date palm to get to the crown.2.Detect the amount of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in date palm trees work, and how to combat it. METHOD The descriptive method was used. RESULTS Objective 1, Majority of date palm workers are still using the traditional methods, i.e. free climbing, and belt aided climbing. However, a minority of workers have started using modern methods i.e. ladders, climbing devices, and modern technology (e.g. hydraulic lifts). Objective 2, the workers complained about WRMSDs presence in the shoulders, hands, wrists, lower back, hips knees, and feet. Efforts to combat these WRMSDs are personal, educational and scientific efforts. CONCLUSION Regarding climbing, the traditional methods are still dominant, and the use of technology is very limited. As regards WRMSDs, date palm workers complain about their presence in many parts of the body.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a Macro-ergonomic Compatibility Questionnaire (MCQ) was developed, which focuses on collecting data about the implementation of macroergonomic principles which are related to human capital factors, organization, tasks, tools, technology as well as environmental conditions in manufac-turing systems.
9 citations
TL;DR: This study focused on the incense stick manufacturers of Ahmedabad in the Gujarat state of India with an eye to improving productivity and facilitating the occupational health and safety of the workers involved in this profession.
Abstract: This study focused on the incense stick (known as agarbatti locally) manufacturers of Ahmedabad in the Gujarat state of India, with an eye to improving productivity and facilitating the occupational health and safety of the workers involved in this profession. There were incidences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst the workers – 33 per cent of the study's respondents complained of pain in the lumbosacral segment of the spinal cord and 30 per cent reported pain in the upper arm at the end of the day's work. Based on the observations, four workstation prototypes were fabricated. Each was tested in the field by actual workers, as well as in the laboratory. Only after a prototype was accepted in principle by the users was the next prototype fabricated. Based on user feedback, the final prototype was produced which was capable of increasing productivity by approximately 15 per cent and reducing pain in different parts of the body; this was only after 15 days of user testing.
8 citations
References
More filters
TL;DR: Results showed that perceived pedal resistance followed a positively accelerating function with an exponent of 1.6, and a model for inter-individunl comparisons using subjective range as a frame is proposed.
Abstract: Early studies of subjective force estimates for short-time work on a bicycle ergometer are reviewed. Results showed that perceived pedal resistance followed a positively accelerating function with an exponent of 1.6. A model for inter-individunl comparisons using subjective range as a frame
1,232 citations
TL;DR: A technique is described which enables the distribution of discomfort in the body, and its change during the work poriod, to be recorded to indicate points of inadequate man-machine compatibility as well as permitting the evaluation of the effectiveness of machine designs.
Abstract: A technique is described which enables the distribution of discomfort in the body, and its change during the work poriod, to he recorded. The recorded data indicate points of inadequate man-machine compatibility as well as permitting the evaluation of the effectiveness of machine designs. When used in conjunction with moasures of production performance the technique provides direct evidence of the benefits of orgonomic changes. Its use is illustrated in relation to a study of spot welders.
946 citations
02 Jun 1992
TL;DR: In this article, industrial ergonomics, risk, accidents and accident prevention, safety and surveillance, posture perception, cognitive ergonomicics, telerobotics, military occupational ergonomic, and international ergonomic design are discussed.
Abstract: Topics Include: industrial ergonomics, risk, accidents and accident prevention, safety and surveillance, posture perception, cognitive ergonomics, telerobotics, military occupational ergonomics, and international ergonomics
379 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1992
TL;DR: The authors describes the basic techniques of work study as practiced in many parts of the world and has been widely recognized as the best available introduction to the subject for work study practitioners, teachers and students.
Abstract: This highly successful book, which describes the basic techniques of work study as practiced in many parts of the world, has been widely recognized as the best available introduction to the subject for work study practitioners, teachers and students. It provides training in method study and work measurement and covers not only "machine shops" but also process industries, the services sector and office work. Reference is made throughout to the use of information systems and computerization to solve work study problems. It also covers production management approaches and their relation to work study. Numerous illustrations and examples of work study practice are included as well.
195 citations
54 citations