POSTURAL STRESS-ANALYSIS IN INDUSTRY

Both observational and instrumentation-based techniques have been used to conduct postural stress analysis in industry. As observational met hods are more widespread than instrumentation-based techniques and can be used as a practical tool in the workplace, this study reviews and assesses the scientific literature on observational techniques. Techni ques are classified into macropostural, micropostural and postural-wor k activity. The basis for each classification is outlined and evaluate d. Postural recording is performed either continuously or intermittent ly. Intermittent postural recording procedures lack the criteria for d etermining the optimum number of observations for low and high repetit ive jobs. Research is warranted to examine the sources and magnitudes of errors associated with postural classification. Such information is required to train job analysts in the ergonomics of working postures.