Ergonomic evaluation of complex work: a participative approach employing video-computer interaction, exemplified in a study of order picking

A method for ergonomic evaluation of complex manual work was developed, bas ed on interactive operator assessment of video recordings. The video film i s displayed on the computer terminal, and the filmed operator assesses the work by clicking on virtual controls on the screen, whenever a situation in ducing pain or discomfort appears. The operator marks body region and rates perceived exertion. In this way, a filmed sequence covering hours of work is condensed into a limited number of high-priority tasks. A library is for med in the computer, including task and operator identification data, ergon omic data, and pictorial information. The evaluation system, called VIDAR, was applied in an application study of manual materials handling in an auto motive workshop. Results showed that the subjects after a brief instruction were able to understand and provide input to the system. The assessments w ere reasonably consistent in the group of operators. It was concluded that VIDAR provides data that are highly useful in a participatory process of ch ange, and that it adds a new dimension to ergonomic evaluation of complex w ork. Cognitive aspects calling for further scientific study were identified . Relevance to industry Existing expert-based observation methods are sometimes difficult to apply in practice. The method described here is based on operator rather than exp ert assessment, which provides structured information that is relevant and useful, for instance in industrial interventions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.