Quantitative biomechanical workplace exposure measures: Distribution centers

Abstract Physical work exposure characteristics assessed in most previous epidemiologic studies have been described mostly in gross categorical terms (e.g. heavy work, lifting and forceful movements, etc.) and have resulted in relatively moderate associations with low back pain risk. We hypothesized...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of electromyography and kinesiology 2010-10, Vol.20 (5), p.813-822
Main Authors: Marras, William S, Lavender, Steven A, Ferguson, Sue A, Splittstoesser, Riley E, Yang, Gang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Equipment Design
Equipment Failure Analysis
Ergonomics
Humans
Information Storage and Retrieval - methods
Lifting
Low back disorders
Low back pain
Manometry - instrumentation
Monitoring, Ambulatory - instrumentation
Monitoring, Ambulatory - methods
Occupational biomechanics
Occupational Exposure - analysis
Physical exposures
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Workload
Workplace assessments
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Summary:Abstract Physical work exposure characteristics assessed in most previous epidemiologic studies have been described mostly in gross categorical terms (e.g. heavy work, lifting and forceful movements, etc.) and have resulted in relatively moderate associations with low back pain risk. We hypothesized that it was necessary to characterize work demands in a much more quantitative fashion so that the precise biomechanically meaningful measures of exposure were available for risk analysis. In this study, we used sophisticated instrumentation to continuously document 390 physical exposures during lifting (in four types of distribution centers) throughout work. This study profiles these exposures and shows how these exposures vary as a function of the type of distribution center and compares the exposures to (previously documented) manufacturing exposures. Static load and load moment measures were found to greatly under-represent true (dynamic) load and load moment exposures to workers. Lift durations averaged 11–12% of the cycle time in distribution environments. This study indicates that distribution workers are commonly exposed to greater extreme loads and move much more rapidly than manufacturing employees. The information provided here can serve as a basis for low back pain risk assessments.
ISSN:1050-6411
1873-5711
DOI:10.1016/j.jelekin.2010.03.006