Handgrip and Box Tilting Strategies in Handling: Effect on Stability and Trunk and Knee Efforts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of four handgrip/box tilting strategies (right, left, backward, and no tilt of the box) on trunk and knee efforts, body posture, and the stability of 14 participants with limited experience in handling. The tasks consisted of transferring a low-lying box placed in front of the participant to a shelf of the same height at the participant’s left. It was hypothesized that tilting the box could reduce trunk and knee efforts as well as body asymmetry and improve stability. A tridimensional dynamic rigid body model was used to estimate the triaxial net muscular moment magnitudes at the trunk (L5/SI) and at the knees. An approach to quantify the participants’ dynamic stability was also included. Finally, five angles were computed to characterize body asymmetries. The results showed that tilting the box affected specific trunk efforts, but did not succeed in reducing trunk asymmetric efforts. However, the tilts were executed in a single direction, and it may be possible that combined tilts of the box could help reduce trunk asymmetric efforts. Tilting the box had little effect on knee loadings, and the left tilt strategy reduced participants’ stability. This study showed the importance of considering the position of the box when assessing the risks encountered in asymmetrical handling.     

Predictive Models of Lumbar Loadings When Handling Boxes

Back problems resulting from the compression forces on the intervertebral disks during manual material-handling tasks are an important problem affecting workers in various industries. The quantification of these forces using intradiscal pressure or biomechanical modeling is complex, time consuming, and costly, and these methods cannot be readily used in the workplace to estimate loadings on the lower back. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model that would allow the estimation of lumbar loadings for lifting and lowering boxes using easily measured anthropometric variables and variables related to the task. A dynamic and planar segmental model and a model of internal forces at L5/S1 were used to determine the compression forces on the lower back. Two predictive models, a field model and a laboratory model, were developed to estimate the compression forces when lifting or lowering 3.3 kg to 22.0 kg boxes between heights of 15 cm and 185 cm. Both models were validated by an examination of the residuals. Their predictive performance was also compared, with the laboratory model offering a slightly better prediction than the field model. Thus, these equations represent a practical tool for a better planning of handling tasks in the working environment with the purpose of reducing the back injuries of workers.     

Reaction Moment at the L5/S1 Joint During Simulated Forward Slipping With a Handheld Load

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of load on the net moment response at the L5/S1 joint during simulated slip events. Six young individuals were instructed to take one step with a handheld load. Sudden floor movement was randomly introduced to simulate unexpected slips. Different loads conditions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% of body weight) were introduced at random. Three-dimensional net moments at the L5/S1 joint were computed via downward inverse dynamic model. Peak joint moment generated at 30% load level was found to be significantly higher compared to no-load condition. No peak moment differences were found among no-load, 10% or 20% load levels. Additionally, the findings from this study indicated a flexiondominant net L5/S1 joint moment pattern during motion phase associated with slip-induced falls.     

Three-Dimensional Lifting Model For Non-Homogeneous Loads

A 3-dimensional model and analysis methodology is suggested for treating lifting tasks when unbalanced loads are involved. The paper describes the biomechanical equations that are coupled with the worker’s posture geometry, to address a practical problem of non-symmetric lifting. The analysis has a dominant biomechanical modeling scope, as it contains a breakdown of the internal lifting forces resulting from posture and external loads acting on the body. The load model represents the acting forces due to unbalanced lifting, which is commonly found in industrial situations. The suggested model allows the user to simulate the influence of the practical load distribution, aiding safe design of a lifting job.     

Lifter,a Computerized Lifting Analysis Technique

A computer driven technique to analyze lifting forces, in non-homogeneous load situations, is described and tested. Analysis is based on a dynamic algorithm aimed to evaluate unconstrained lifting posture and non-homogeneous content of loads. For inputs we use actual geometrical body postures in the form of 3-dimensional co-ordinates obtained from pictures taken at a work site. The outputs show a good match between the findings and pre-study assumptions for balanced and non-balanced load lifting practice. The results of the experiments show a good degree of correlation with results reported by researchers for symmetrical lifting tasks and with National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOSH) lifting guidelines. It is believed that the technique can serve as the proper choice for industrial and safety analysts of lifting activities.     

Lifting technique and abdominal belt usage: a biomechanical, physiological and subjective investigation

Some 10 male subjects carried out a repetitive lifting task for 15 min under four conditions on separate days. Subjects used either a squat lifting or a stoop lifting technique with or without an abdominal belt on each day. Measurements of spinal shrinkage, heart rate, perceived exertion and regional body pain were made under each condition. Although there was a significant difference in spinal shrinkage under all lifting conditions compared with shrinkage during 15 min of quiet standing (4.36 ± 2.24 vs. 1.13 ± 1.18 mm), there were no significant differences in shrinkage between the conditions. The subjects' heart rates were higher during the squat lift than the stoop lift (123 vs. 97 beats/min; p < 0.001). While the squat lift was perceived to be the safest lift by 90% of the subjects, 60% regarded this lift as the least preferred method (with or without the belt). Although all 10 subjects perceived the safest lifting method to involve the use of the belt, 50% rated the belt as their least preferred lifting condition. The findings cast doubt on the efficacy and acceptability of both abdominal belts and the practice of training workers in ‘safe’ lifting techniques and indicate that individual characteristics and preferences need to be considered when attempting to improve the safety of manual handling operations in industry.     

悬索桥钢箱梁的吊装施工安全技术研究

黄埔大桥钢箱梁利用平驳船运送到吊装地点,采用跨缆机、卷扬机、滑轮组、拖轮、平驳船等设备设施进行吊装。为保障钢箱梁吊装的安全,通过制定完善的钢箱梁吊装施工工艺:钢箱梁总体架设顺序;钢箱梁吊装方案、跨缆吊机安装及试吊、钢箱梁的吊装工艺,同时配合钢箱梁吊装施工安全管理技术:钢箱梁吊装施工前、卷扬机操作安全、水上作业安全等管理,在台风多发、暴雨洪水季节进行了半年的吊装,在施工人员培训、安全交底、设备安装与吊装作业等方面,全面进行综合安全管理,顺利、安全地完成了钢箱梁吊装施工。     

Effects of carrying handles,postures, materials and distances on carrying capability

This study recruited 14 industrial workers to examine the effects of carrying handles, postures, materials and distances on maximum acceptable weights of carrying (MAWC), and resulting heart rate and body rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for a 20 min intensive carrying task. This study showed that MAWC of carrying with bar handles, carrying with hands-and-body posture, solid materials and 4?m distance were significantly higher than that of carrying with groove handles, carrying with hands posture, liquid materials and 8?m distance, respectively. The resulting heart rates while carrying MAWCs of groove handles, hands-and-body carrying posture, solid materials and 4?m distance were lower than the resulting heart rates while carrying MAWCs of bar handles, hands carrying posture, liquid materials and 8?m distance, respectively. Most pair levels of independent variables resulted in similar body's RPEs except for the pair levels of carrying distance.     

Prediction models for psychophysical lifting capabilities and the resulting physiological responses for work shifts of varied durations

This paper presents models for predicting estimates of maximum weights of lift acceptable to industrial workers for 8-hour work shifts. Prediction models are also presented for heart rate and oxygen uptake at the maximum acceptable weight of lift. Experimental data collected on 37 males and 37 females were used in developing and verifying these models. Each subject performed nine variations of a lifting task involving three heights, four frequencies, and three box sizes to determine estimates of acceptable lifts for 8-hour shifts. The final lifting capability prediction models explained 76 to 82% variance in the experimental data. A procedure is also described to determine, from these models, acceptable lifts for work periods of variable lengths. The physiological-response-prediction models, which provide estimates of heart rate and oxygen uptake at the maximum acceptable weight of lift, were, however, relatively inferior to other similar response models available in the literature. This is thought to be due to the differences between the psychophysical and physiological methodologies.     

An Evaluation of the NIOSH Lifting Equation: A Psychophysical and Biomechanical Investigation

Using the results of psychophysical and biomechanical experiments, NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Recommended Weight Limit (RWL), the Lifting Index (LI), the form of the asymmetry multiplier, and the criterion for compression force were investigated. Analysis of the results indicated a significant difference between the NIOSH RWL and the reported Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift (MAWL). Contrary to the NIOSH lifting equation, the form of the asymmetry multiplier was found to be non-linear. The overall average of peak compression force on the L5/S1 was 3685 N. Fifty-eight percent of all compression forces reported in the biomechanical experiment were found to exceed the suggested 3400 N set by NIOSH guidelines. These results support previous research findings on the validity of NIOSH guidelines.     

A Multilevel Approach to Manual Lifting in Manufacturing Industries

Musculoskeletal injuries are often the consequences of wrong postural configurations used during Manual Materials Handling (MMH). This eventually leads to a large payout of worker’s compensation and loss of production time. A simulated study of back injury risks has been carried out on seven selected manufacturing industries to identify and evaluate harmful working postures. For each MMH task, Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) codes have been identified with the help of motion study pictures. Also, Chaffin's biomechanical model was used to calculate L5/S1 load compression values on the spine during MMH activities. The multilevel approach adopted was a combination of OWAS and Chaffin’s biomechanical model. The application of a digitizer enabled us to identify the coordinates and it made a subsequent evaluation of the angles of each body link possible.     

Prediction of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in a Pick and Place Task (A pilot study)

A pilot study was conducted regarding the effects of working posture, handling frequency, and task duration on musculoskeletal discomfort. Participants rated their discomfort perceived while performing a repetitive task at 8 different combinations of manipulations. Pauses between the work periods lasted 15 min. Discomfort was rated according to Borg’s category-ratio scale CR-10 and postures were recorded by an optoelectronic movement registration system. From linear multiple regression analysis equations for predicting discomfort at various body regions were obtained. Coefficients of determination especially point to trunk inclination and handling frequency as major determinants of musculoskeletal discomfort.     

Computational modeling and analysis of thoracolumbar spine fractures in frontal crash reconstruction

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to reconstruct 11 motor vehicle crashes (6 with thoracolumbar fractures and 5 without thoracolumbar fractures) and analyze the fracture mechanism, fracture predictors, and associated parameters affecting thoracolumbar spine response.

Methods: Eleven frontal crashes were reconstructed with a finite element simplified vehicle model (SVM). The SVM was tuned to each case vehicle and the Total HUman Model for Safety (THUMS) Ver. 4.01 was scaled and positioned in a baseline configuration to mimic the documented precrash driver posture. The event data recorder crash pulse was applied as a boundary condition. For the 6 thoracolumbar fracture cases, 120 simulations to quantify uncertainty and response variation were performed using a Latin hypercube design of experiments (DOE) to vary seat track position, seatback angle, steering column angle, steering column position, and D-ring height. Vertebral loads and bending moments were analyzed, and lumbar spine indices (unadjusted and age-adjusted) were developed to quantify the combined loading effect. Maximum principal strain and stress data were collected in the vertebral cortical and trabecular bone. DOE data were fit to regression models to examine occupant positioning and thoracolumbar response correlations.

Results: Of the 11 cases, both the vertebral compression force and bending moment progressively increased from superior to inferior vertebrae. Two thoracic spine fracture cases had higher average compression force and bending moment across all thoracic vertebral levels, compared to 9 cases without thoracic spine fractures (force: 1,200.6 vs. 640.8 N; moment: 13.7 vs. 9.2?Nm). Though there was no apparent difference in bending moment at the L1–L2 vertebrae, lumbar fracture cases exhibited higher vertebral bending moments in L3–L4 (fracture/nonfracture: 45.7 vs. 33.8?Nm). The unadjusted lumbar spine index correctly predicted thoracolumbar fracture occurrence for 9 of the 11 cases (sensitivity?=?1.0; specificity?=?0.6). The age-adjusted lumbar spine index correctly predicted thoracolumbar fracture occurrence for 10 of the 11 cases (sensitivity?=?1.0; specificity?=?0.8). The age-adjusted principal stress in the trabecular bone was an excellent indicator of fracture occurrence (sensitivity?=?1.0; specificity?=?1.0). A rearward seat track position and reclined seatback increased the thoracic spine bending moment by 111–329%. A more reclined seatback increased the lumbar force and bending moment by 16–165% and 67–172%, respectively.

Conclusions: This study provided a computational framework for assessing thoracolumbar fractures and also quantified the effect of precrash driver posture on thoracolumbar response. Results aid in the evaluation of motor vehicle crash–induced vertebral fractures and the understanding of factors contributing to fracture risk.     

Ergonomic assessment of airport shuttle driver tasks using an ergonomic analysis toolset

This study aimed to (a) evaluate strength requirements and lower back stresses during lifting and baggage handling tasks with the 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP) and (b) provide additional analyses using rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and the NASA task load index (TLX) to assess the risks associated with the tasks. Four healthy female shuttle drivers of good health aged between 55 and 60 years were observed and interviewed in an effort to determine the tasks required of their occupations. The results indicated that lifting bags and placing them in a shuttle were high risk for injury and possible changes should be further investigated. The study concluded there was a potential for injury associated with baggage storing and retrieval tasks of a shuttle driver.     

Effects of work surface and task difficulty on neck–shoulder posture and trapezius activity during a simulated mouse task

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the work surface and task difficulty on the head, upper back and upper arm postures and activity of the descending trapezius during a simulated mouse task. Methods. Healthy female university students (N?=?15) were evaluated. The work surface was positioned at elbow height (EH) and above elbow height (AEH) and the task difficulty was set at low (LD) and high (HD) levels. The postures were recorded by inclinometers. Trapezius activity was normalized by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Results. Significantly higher head flexion was found at EH compared to the AEH condition, with an average difference of 2°–5° at the same difficulty level. The HD task significantly increased head (3°–6°) and upper back flexion (6°–7°) at the same table height. For upper arm elevation and trapezius activation, the AEH condition presented higher upper arm elevation (about 6°–8°) and trapezius activity (0.8–1.4% of MVIC), regardless of the difficulty level of the task. Conclusions. Head posture was influenced by the table height and task difficulty; the upper back posture by high difficulty; and upper arm posture and trapezius activity were only influenced by table height.     

Box Handling in the Loading and Unloading of Vans

The handling of 2,306 boxes being loaded or unloaded from vans onto or from 4-wheeled trolleys by 31 handlers in a warehouse were characterized. Handling was videotaped and characterized through an analysis grid completed by three trained observers. The following execution parameters were observed: nature of the exertion applied by the upper limbs, plane and direction of the exertion, resulting displacement of the box, grip, use of the lower limbs and the back. Results show that execution parameters used by handlers vary considerably from those usually recommended or studied. For example, symmetric grips were rarely used (4%). The grip was modified during the handling of half the boxes. Significant knee flexion was rarely observed (3% of exertions). Each box was moved by applying an average of . 3.5 different exertions. Exertions were mostly applied in a plane parallel to the shoulders; they were rarely executed in a strict sagittal plane (11%). The implication of these observations are discussed.     

应急封井装置与深水井喷喷流井口对接模拟研究*

为研究井喷高速喷流对应急封井装置与井口对接时的冲击影响规律,应用CFD数值模拟方法研究应急封井装置下放距离、对接偏距、井喷喷速对流场分布、冲击力的影响规律。结果表明:装置下放对接过程中短轴方向所受冲击力增加幅度较大;水平方向对接时,随着偏距的减小,装置所受冲击力降低,且降低速率增加;应急封井装置处于相同高度时井喷流体的喷速越小海底压力的压缩作用越明显,封井装置所受的冲击力越小。研究结果对应急封井装置的下放对接具有指导意义。     

Overhead drilling: Comparing three bases for aligning a drilling jig to vertical

Problem

Drilling overhead into concrete or metal ceilings is a strenuous task done by construction workers to hang ductwork, piping, and electrical equipment. The task is associated with upper body pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Previously, we described a field usability evaluation of a foot lever and inverted drill press intervention devices that were compared to the usual method for overhead drilling. Both interventions were rated as inferior to the usual method based on poor setup time and mobility.

Method

Three new interventions, which differed on the design used for aligning the drilling column to vertical, were compared to the usual method for overhead drilling by commercial construction workers (n = 16).

Results

The usual method was associated with the highest levels of regional body fatigue and the poorest usability ratings when compared to the three interventions.

Conclusion

Overall, the 'Collar Base' intervention design received the best usability ratings.

Impact on Industry

Intervention designs developed for overhead drilling may reduce shoulder fatigue and prevent subsequent musculoskeletal disorders. These designs may also be useful for other overhead work such as lifting and supporting materials (e.g., piping, ducts) that are installed near the ceiling. Workplace health and safety interventions may require multiple rounds of field-testing prior to achieving acceptable usability ratings by the end users.     

基于AlphaPose与REBA的手工搬运作业姿势风险评估方法*

为有效预防职业性肌肉骨骼疾患(WMSDs),提出基于计算机视觉技术与快速全身评估(REBA)结合的作业姿势评估方法,以手工搬运作业为例,通过人体姿态识别AlphaPose模型检测作业姿势,利用提取的各关节点空间位置信息计算身体各部位关节角度;利用SG滤波法处理身体遮挡、光线等对数据的影响,有效保留数据变化信息的同时消除数据突变;根据身体关节角度范围与危害程度对应关系自动评判作业姿势的风险大小。研究结果表明:作业姿势评估方法可通过采集的视频数据自动评估搬运作业的姿势危险性,降低WMSDs风险,通过分析不同下蹲取物姿势风险,可论证作业姿势评估方法的可行性,为及时改善搬运作业中的不安全动作提供参考。     

简易升降类机械式停车设备安全隐患探析

随着人们生活水平的提高,单个家庭购买多部汽车的情况在逐年增加,停车位一位难求的矛盾比较突出。住宅小区家庭用户购买的单个平面停车位向立体2个停车位拓展情况成为趋势。本文从防载车板坠落装置设置、同步检测装置、载车板升降过程中视线盲区三个方面分析其安全隐患,并有针对性地提出一些建议,旨在减少简易升降类机械式停车设备的安全隐患提供有益帮助。