Can experience modulate handler responses to boxes designed to decrease musculoskeletal load?

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Ergonomics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Handling commercial boxes poses risks for upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders.
• Worker experience influences biomechanical load and comfort during manual handling tasks.
• Optimizing box design is crucial for workplace safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the biomechanical load and comfort associated with handling commercial versus non-commercial boxes.
• To evaluate the impact of worker experience (experienced vs. inexperienced) on biomechanical load and comfort.
• To inform the development of ergonomic recommendations for box handling.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven inexperienced and 21 experienced workers participated.
• Subjects handled commercial and non-commercial boxes at various heights.
• Biomechanical load was assessed using posture analysis and electromyography (EMG).
• Comfort and perceived effort were recorded post-handling.

Main Results:

• Non-commercial boxes generally resulted in lower biomechanical load and higher comfort for both groups.
• Experienced workers exhibited less range of motion.
• EMG levels were similar, except for non-commercial boxes at unfavorable heights.
• Experienced workers did not gain the same ergonomic advantage from non-commercial boxes as inexperienced workers.

Conclusions:

• Box designs that facilitate intuitive handling and efficient postures can reduce risks for inexperienced workers.
• Ergonomic interventions must consider varying levels of worker experience.
• Findings support the creation of effective recommendations for safer box handling practices.