Ergonomic Design of Manual Assembly Workstation Using Digital Human Modeling

Ann Glob Health. 2021 Jun 25;87(1):55. doi: 10.5334/aogh.3256.

Abstract

Background: Manual assembly workers are exposed to risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. The most important risk factor among the workers is static and awkward posture. This study aimed to the ergonomic design of manual assembly workstation using Digital Human Modeling (DHM).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among manual assembly workers. Data was gathered via 1) demographic/occupational questionnaire, 2) The Persian version of the Nordic General Questionnaire (P-NMQ), 3) Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) using Kinect sensor, 4) Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), 5) Idea Rating Sheet (IRS), 6) Anthropometric data of the participants, 7) CATIA software and RULA technique.

Results: The results of the evaluations showed that in the design of most workstations of assemblers in Shiraz electronics industries, complete ergonomic principles were not observed, and the implementation of targeted ergonomic interventions in them is necessary.

Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms is high among manual assembly workers. The RULA technique showed that the designed manual assembly workstation using DHM effectively could improve the subjects' awkward postures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ergonomics / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Manufacturing Industry
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Posture / physiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research was part of a M.S. dissertation supported by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (grant no. IR.SUMS.REC.1398.1314).