scholarly journals Equivalent Weight: Connecting Exoskeleton Effectiveness with Ergonomic Risk during Manual Material Handling

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2677
Author(s):  
Christian Di Natali ◽  
Giorgia Chini ◽  
Stefano Toxiri ◽  
Luigi Monica ◽  
Sara Anastasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Equivalent Weight ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Lower Load ◽  
Concrete Solution ◽  
Ergonomic Risk

Occupational exoskeletons are becoming a concrete solution to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual material handling activities. The rationale behind this study is to search for common ground for exoskeleton evaluators to engage in dialogue with corporate Health & Safety professionals while integrating exoskeletons with their workers. This study suggests an innovative interpretation of the effect of a lower-back assistive exoskeleton and related performances that are built on the benefit delivered through reduced activation of the erector spinae musculature. We introduce the concept of “equivalent weight” as the weight perceived by the wearer, and use this to explore the apparent reduced effort needed when assisted by the exoskeleton. Therefore, thanks to this assistance, the muscles experience a lower load. The results of the experimental testing on 12 subjects suggest a beneficial effect for the back that corresponds to an apparent reduction of the lifted weight by a factor of 37.5% (the perceived weight of the handled objects is reduced by over a third). Finally, this analytical method introduces an innovative approach to quantify the ergonomic benefit introduced by the exoskeletons’ assistance. This aims to assess the ergonomic risk to support the adoption of exoskeletons in the workplace.

scholarly journals System Dynamics Model Application for Ergonomic Assessment of Manual Material Handling Tasks

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Abaeian ◽  
Osama Moselhi ◽  
Mohamad Al-Hussein
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Compressive Loads ◽  
Levels Of Automation ◽  
Free Body

Despite increased levels of automation in manufacturing occupations in recent years, many activities are still performed through human intervention and involve Manual Material Handling (MMH), thus exposing workers to stress due to over-exertion and potential Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). An early ergonomic and physical demand assessment of work activities is critical to reducing exposure to risk and to maintaining desired levels of productivity. Biomechanics consists of applying concepts of static and dynamic equilibrium to different parts of the human musculoskeletal system using free-body diagrams to estimate muscle force and loads generated across the joints and tissues. System dynamics is a powerful tool applied in resolving complex problems with different influencing variables. This technique can help designers and managers to understand, evaluate and simulate the factors causing problems in the system. This paper presents the application of System Dynamics modeling to assess the biomechanical risks associated with manual material handling tasks. The case study presents predicted cumulative biomechanical compressive loads from material handling task and can assist project managers to understand and reduce exposure to ergonomic risks in the workplace.

scholarly journals Manual material handling in the supermarket sector. Part 1: Joint angles and muscle activity of trapezius descendens and erector spinae longissimus

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. 103340
Author(s):  
Sebastian Skals ◽  
Rúni Bláfoss ◽  
Michael Skipper Andersen ◽  
Mark de Zee ◽  
Lars Louis Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Sector Part

scholarly journals Biomechanical workload during manual lifting: A case study on seaport stevedores in Colombia

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 71-80
Author(s):  
Luis A. Saavedra-Robinson ◽  
VickyL. Mendoza F ◽  
Sady Pacheco-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Biomechanical Loading ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Compound Method ◽  
High Level ◽  
Niosh Lifting Equation

Workload related to material handling is one of main biomechanical risks that cause work related musculoskeletal disorderat work. The aim of this study wasto assess the risk factors for biomechanical loading present at carried out tasks by port stevedores. First, we made a diagnosis using the risk assessment matrix (RAM) then; we evaluated the biomechanical risk using the NIOSH lifting equation (Compound method). The results were a high level of unacceptable risk at the beginning and at the end of the task (scored 4.22 and 8.50 respectively). Subsequently, we made a correlation analysis between this scored and the musculoskeletal discomfort perceived by stevedores. From this analysis, it is evident that there is a direct relation between lifting vertical distance, trunk torsion, and the increase of musculoskeletal lesions suffered by the dockers. Finally, we proposed some methods to improve the activities of filling and emptying containers and minimize the manual material handling.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF LATERAL LIFTING TASKS ON HAND GRIP AND PINCH STRENGTH MEASUREMENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-282
Author(s):  
Joe Yee Tan ◽  
Azrul Azwan Bin Abdul Rahman ◽  
Nadiah Binti Ahmad ◽  
Arfauz Bin A.Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Upper Extremities ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

In lateral material handling tasks, which is very common in industries, warehouse systems, and other sectors, the workers can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) because of the task and work designs, especially in upper extremities. WMSDs in hand, wrist, and fingers cause workers to have health problems, in pain and uncomfortable, hence decrease their working productivity and efficiency. The workstations distances are one of the factors that might affect workers when they perform manual material handling laterally, which can lead to WMSDs in hands. Hence, there is a need to study the relationship between transfer distances with the hand grip and pinch strengths. An experiment was carried out with 30 male participants to identify the relationship of lateral transfer distances with the hand grip and pinch strengths. The results obtained from the experiment were further investigated and analysed by using repeated measure one-way MANOVA and graphs. The results had proved that in the distances of 1.0 m, 1.25 m and 1.5 m did not affect one’s hand grip and pinch strengths. But, the postures and movements were varied based on distances. ABSTRAK: Pengangkutan barang atau bahan secara lateral amat biasa dalam industri, gudang dan sektor-sektor lain, dan kerja ini akan menyebabkan pekerja menghadapi penyakit gangguan muskuloskeletal berkaitan kerja (WMSDs) terutamanya di bahagian tangan. WMSDs yang melibatkan tangan dan jari menyebabkan pekerja mempunyai masalah kesihatan secara kekal dan mengalami kesakitan serta tidak-keselesaan. Secara tidak langsung, masalah ini telah mengurangkan prestasi mereka ketika bekerja. Syarikat terpaksa memberi bayaran yang tinggi kepada pekerja untuk kos perubatan and mengalami kerugian besar kerana pekerja yang tidak datang bekerja disebabkan penyakit tersebut. Jarak antara dua stesen kerja adalah faktor yang menyebabkan penyakit ini dihadapi oleh pekerja. Oleh itu, kajian diperlukan untuk mengkaji hubungan antara jarak dan kekuatan genggaman tangan serta jari. Satu esperimen yang melibatkan 30 orang lelaki responden telah dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti hubungan antara jarak dan ganggaman tangan serta jari. Hasil daripada esperimen telah dikaji dan dianalisiskan dengan menggunakan MANOVA dan grafs. Hasil kajian telah membuktikan bahawa jarak dalam 1.0m, 1.25m dan 1.5m tidak membawa apa-apa kesan terhadap genggaman tangan dan jari. Cara dan pergerakan responden adalah berbeza dan disebabkan oleh jarak, walaubagaimanapun, cara dan pergerakan responden tidak membawa sebarang kesan terhadap kekuatan genggaman tangan dan jari mereka.

Evaluation of postural-assist exoskeleton for manual material handling

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omobolanle Ogunseiju ◽  
Johnson Olayiwola ◽  
Abiola Akanmu ◽  
Oluwole Alfred Olatunji
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
New Order ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Manual Material Handling

PurposeWork-related musculoskeletal disorders constitute a severe problem in the construction industry. Workers' lower backs are often affected by heavy or repetitive lifting and prolonged awkward postures. Exoskeletal interventions are effective for tasks involving manual lifting and repetitive movements. This study aims to examine the potential of a postural-assist exoskeleton (a passive exoskeleton) for manual material handling tasks.Design/methodology/approachFrom an experimental observation of participants, the effects of postural-assist exoskeleton on tasks and workers were measured. Associated benefits of the exoskeleton were assessed through task performance, range of motion and discomfort.FindingsFindings suggest that the exoskeleton influenced discomfort significantly, however range of motion decreased with lifting tasks. The reduced back flexion and increased hip flexion were also indicatives of the participants' responsiveness to the feedback from the exoskeleton. In addition, task completion time increased by 20%, and participants' back pain did not reduce.Research limitations/implicationsThe work tasks were performed in a controlled laboratory environment and only wearable inertia measurement units (IMUs) were used to assess the risk exposures of the body parts.Practical implicationsThis study opens a practical pathway to human-exoskeleton integration, artificial regeneration or enablement of impaired workforce and a window toward a new order of productivity scaling. Results from this study provide preliminary insights to designers and innovators on the influence of postural assist exoskeleton on construction work. Project stakeholders can be informed of the suitability of the postural assist exoskeletons for manual material handling tasks.Originality/valueLittle has been reported on the benefits and impact of exoskeletons on tasks' physical demands and construction workers' performance. This study adds value to the existing literature, in particular by providing insights into the effectiveness and consequences of the postural-assist exoskeleton for manual material handling tasks.

scholarly journals Ergonomic risk assessment of manual material handling at an automotive manufacturing company

Pressacademia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 317-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baba Md Deros ◽  
Dian Darina Indah Daruis ◽  
Athirah Liyana Rosly ◽  
Ilhami Abd Aziz ◽  
Nor Syazwani Hishamuddin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Automotive Manufacturing ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
Ergonomic Risk Assessment ◽  
Ergonomic Risk
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