Comprehensive mappings of postural angles on a normalized plane of reachability

Abstract

In the industrial context of workstation design, the role of ergonomics in primary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is increasingly important. Simple tools and guidelines for early postural checks are needed to assist the analyst through the dynamic reality of workstation design. In this work, a method for generating mappings of the operator’s reachability is proposed. The reachability plane is normalized with respect to characteristic anthropometric body dimensions so that the postural maps can address any operator, regardless of his/her anthropometry. The mappings of trunk bending and upper arm elevation angles, defined in accordance with the international technical standards, make use of the traffic light scheme to ensure a valid and easy-to-interpret support to the analyst.