HEAD POSTURE MEASUREMENTS AMONG WORK VEHICLE DRIVERS AND IMPLICATIONSFOR WORK AND WORKPLACE DESIGN

Citation
J. Eklund et al., HEAD POSTURE MEASUREMENTS AMONG WORK VEHICLE DRIVERS AND IMPLICATIONSFOR WORK AND WORKPLACE DESIGN, Ergonomics, 37(4), 1994, pp. 623-639
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Ergonomics,Ergonomics
Journal title
ISSN journal
00140139
Volume
37
Issue
4
Year of publication
1994
Pages
623 - 639
Database
ISI
SICI code
0014-0139(1994)37:4<623:HPMAWV>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
An increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, e.g. from the neck reg ion, has been found among professional drivers of work vehicles. The p urpose of this study was to identify causes of postural load and impli cations for vehicle design and work tasks. A second purpose was to dev elop the methods for measurement and analysis of head postures. Field measurements of head postures for drivers of fork lift trucks, forestr y machines, and cranes were carried out. The equipment used was an ele ctric goniometer measurement system, containing a mechanical transmiss ion, between the head and the upper trunk. Methods for data presentati on and quantification were developed. The results showed that rotatabl e and movable driver cabins improved head postures and viewing angles substantially. Narrow window frame structures and large, optimally-pla ced windows were also advantageous. The steering wheel, controls, and a high backrest restricted shoulder rotation, which increased head rot ation in unfavourable viewing angles. Improved workspace layouts and w ork organization factors such as job enlargement decreased the influen ce of strenuous postures. The results also showed that head postures s hould be analysed in two or three dimensions simultaneously, otherwise the postures taken will be underestimated in relation to the maximal voluntary movement.