Simulated Ergonomics Evaluation Using Modern Multi-task Evaluation Models

Abstract

The authors present a simulation model useful for determining the degree to which ergonomic exposure metrics are impacted by operational decisions such as shift duration, working overtime, cycle time, make/model mix, and job rotation. Conventional ergonomics analysis & risk assessment approaches are incapable of rapidly assessing the impact of these types of operational decisions on resultant ergonomic exposure metrics. It is common practice to treat ergonomic exposure metrics as static/constant, when in actuality they vary in response to changes in a multitude of operational parameters. The simulation model presented extends the capabilities of modern multi-task ergonomics assessment tools to account for this variation. Modern multi-task evaluation models such as RCRA, Recommended Cumulative Recovery Allowance and Fatigue-Failure are utilized.