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Physical risk factors identification based on body sensor network combined to videotaping
Nicolas Vignais1, Fabien Bernard2, Gérard Touvenot2
1ERCOS Research Unit, Systems & Transport Laboratory, University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard, 91010 Belfort, France; CIAMS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France; CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France.
This study found high ergonomic risks in material handling tasks, with workers frequently at elevated risk levels. Specific awkward movements and joint exposures were identified, suggesting targeted ergonomic improvements for workstations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Biomechanics
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Material handling tasks pose significant ergonomic risks to workers.
- Traditional ergonomic assessments can be time-consuming and may lack continuous data.
- Objective, continuous ergonomic risk assessment is crucial for preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a continuous ergonomic analysis of a material handling task.
- To integrate video analysis with motion capture and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) computation.
- To identify specific subtasks and body parts associated with high ergonomic risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a motion capture system with inertial sensors and electrogoniometers to track upper body joint angles.
- Implemented a biomechanical model to derive continuous joint angle data.
- Applied the RULA method to computed joint angles for real-time risk assessment.
- Conducted time-motion studies to classify and quantify task subtasks.
Main Results:
- All participants exhibited high mean RULA scores (6-6.2), indicating significant ergonomic risk.
- Workers spent a substantial portion of work time at a RULA score of 7 (over 50%).
- Elbows, lower arms, wrists, and hands were identified as the most exposed joints, with high-risk exposure durations.
- Subtasks such as 'snow thrower', 'opening vacuum sealer', 'cleaning', and 'storing' were identified as particularly awkward.
Conclusions:
- The integrated system provides continuous, objective ergonomic risk assessment for material handling.
- Findings highlight critical risk factors and specific awkward movements in the analyzed task.
- Results support targeted ergonomic interventions and workstation redesign to mitigate identified risks.
