A collaborative effort to apply ergonomics to electric utility workers at generating stations

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Ergonomics
• Industrial engineering

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose significant risks to workers in fossil-fueled generating stations.
• A collaborative approach involving industry, academia, and research was needed to address these risks.
• Existing ergonomic assessments may not fully capture the complexities of utility work environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify tasks with risk factors for MSDs among electricians, plant operators, and mechanics in generating stations.
• To propose and evaluate ergonomic interventions for identified high-risk tasks.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of a collaborative ergonomics model in the electric power industry.

Main Methods:

• Assembled two ergonomics teams comprising skilled utility workers and trained ergonomists.
• Focused team efforts on specific worker groups: electricians and plant operators/mechanics.
• Conducted task analysis, including laboratory and field experiments, and anthropometric measurements.

Main Results:

• Recommended optimal electrical box heights based on anthropometric analysis.
• Demonstrated that low rolling resistance wheels significantly reduced the force needed to push carts.
• Showed that six-wheeled carts required less force to turn than four-wheeled carts.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative ergonomics approach is effective for identifying and mitigating MSD risks in the electric power industry.
• Developed practical interventions, such as optimized box heights and improved cart designs, to enhance worker safety.
• The collaborative model can be adapted by other industries to reduce the incidence, cost, and severity of workplace MSDs.