Approaches for the efficient use of range sensors-based ergonomic assessment results in the ergonomic intervention process of awkward working postures

Abstract

In occupational practice the majority of health-related sick leave and early retirements in industrial nations is caused by musculoskeletal disorders and awkward working postures are known as whose major risk factor. In the past, many methods for identifying and assessing working postures were developed and applied in companies. The purpose of this paper is to address the ergonomic intervention process, which is also part of an ergonomic improvement of work systems. Therefore a general process for the ergonomic improvement with a range sensor-based approach and an approach to adapt the ergonomic intervention process on range sensor-based ergonomic assessment results was developed. These approaches are able to combine a digital ergonomic analysis process with a digital ergonomic intervention process in order to achieve a holistic ergonomic improvement process. The advantages and limitations of these approaches for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders are discussed.