Continuous assessment of back and upper arm postures by long-term inclinometry in carpet weavers

Awkward back and shoulder postures have been suggested to be a cause of back and shoulder discomfort in carpet weavers. This study aimed at continuous assessment of the upper arm and back postures and estimation of biomechanical load subtasks using inclinometers during 4 h. Median of trunk flexion angle in weavers was 18° and 13° during knotting and compacting subtasks, respectively. The weavers worked with arms elevated greater than 45° for %4.5 of the work time. The average cumulative compression load for males and females were estimated at 22 MN-S and 13 MN-S, respectively. In addition to poor workstation design, constrained posture of the trunk and low elevation and velocity for both arms may be the main risk factors for developing fatigue and disorders in the back and shoulder regions among carpet weavers. Therefore, any ergonomic interventions should be focused on reducing trunk flexion and the constrained postures of weavers.