Theresa Stack

Occupational Ergonomics: Practical Approach, A

The approach to the book is analogous to a toolkit. The user will open the book and locate the tool that best fits the ergonomic assessment task he/she is performing. The chapters of the book progress from the concept of ergonomics, through the various assessment techniques, and into the more complex techniques. In addition to discussing the techniques, this book presents them in a form that the readers can readily adapt to their particular situation. Each chapter, where applicable, presents the technique discussed in that chapter and demonstrates how it is used. The supporting material at the end of each chapter contains exercises, case studies and review questions. The case study section of the book presents how to use techniques to analyze a range of workplace scenarios. Topics include: The Basics of Ergonomics; Anthropometry; Office Ergonomics; Administrative Controls; Biomechanics; Hand Tools; Vibration; Workstation Design; Manual Material Handling; Job Requirements and Physical Demands Survey; Ergonomic Survey Tools; Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders; How to Conduct an Ergonomics Assessment; and Case Studies

Firing of a Cannon: Psychophysical Evaluation of Ergonomic Hazards

Musculoskeletal-related occupational illnesses and injuries comprise a majority of military medical encounters resulting in decreased combat readiness and degraded human performance. An artillery company performing a live fire exercise was observed for two days along with the collection of perceived exertion, fatigue and pain data. Twenty-five U.S. Marines were involved in the study. Sixteen (64 %) reported becoming injured after returning from combat during a “Call for Fire” exercise and four (16 %) were on limited duty at the time of the study. Their perceptions of exertion, fatigue, and pain increased over the course of both days. In addition, human error also increased over the course of the day and moral decreased as well. The study uncovered that the exposure profile during the support of the “Call for Fire” exercise is leading to degradations in physical performance and increased exposure to physical work place risk factors resulting in various soft tissue injuries.

Firing of a Cannon: Biomechanical Evaluation of Ergonomic Hazards

Musculoskeletal-related occupational illnesses and injuries are endemic in the military and make up a majority of medical visits resulting in decreased combat readiness and degraded human performance. Twenty-five U.S. Marines were involved in a two-day observational study of their live fire exercise. Sixteen (64%) reported becoming injured after returning from combat during a “Call for Fire” exercise and four (16%) were on limited duty at the time of the study. Biomechanical modeling using Three Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program 6.0.2 found elevated risk for the wrist and low back. The study also uncovered that the exposure profile during the support of the “Call for Fire” exercise is leading to degradations in physical performance and increased exposure to physical work place risk factors resulting in various soft tissue injuries.