Work Posture

Question 1

What are the 4 measurements of Work posture and Body Discomfort

Answer 1

• Body part discomfort scale (subjective)
• Questionnaire (Subj.)
• Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) (obj.)
• OWAS method (Obj.)

Question 2

What are the 3 basic types of Work Postures?

Answer 2

Sitting
Standing
Sit/Standing

Question 3

What ares of work often has postural considerations overlooked?

Answer 3

Machine Maintenance operations

Question 4

What are 3 principles/ points on a checklist to keep in mind when examining workstations?

Answer 4

If elbows are on a high surface, upper back or lower neck problems will be induced.

Operator sits with head bent back

Joints consistently in fully flexed, or extended range

Lack of seating support (back, lower back, feet)

Question 5

What is the benefit of sit/stand or standing postures over sitting postures?

Answer 5

Biomechanical: 30% lower pressure exerted on spine

Question 6

What are some guidelines for Posture design?

Answer 6

1. If frequent handling/lifting of heavy objects it is preferable to stand up. Sit-standing may also be an option.
2. For packaging, or tasks where objects moved vertically below elbow height, stand or sit-stand. Sitting not feasible since hands reaching downward to grab parts.
3. If tasks require extended reaching, stand or sit-stand, operator can reach further.
4. Light assembly work with repetitive tasks, sitting.
5. Fine manipulation and precision tasks, operator must support the underarms, sitting is preferred.
6. Visual inspection and monitoring is best done in sitting. Sitting posture makes it possible to focus one’s attention better.
7. If task involve operator frequent moving around, sit-stand so operator don’t have to get in and out of chair.

Question 7

Describe a typical body part discomfort scale design

Answer 7

• A map of the body is sectioned by muscle groups and labelled.
• Respondent rates pain in a given area from 0-5 or 0-7
• Can gather results multiple times throughout the day to observe effect of shift hours

Question 8

What variables have an impact on body discomfort?

Answer 8

Amount and duration of force/load

Question 9

What is a popular Questionnaire technique and how should they be applied?

Answer 9

• Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health’s single sheet analysis.
• Can use to make before and after comparisons to demonstrate the effectiveness of ergonomic improvements.

Question 10

Describe the OWAS

Answer 10

Oyako Working Position Analysis

Code work postures using 3 digit code+3 more to describe amount of force and work phase (element #)

#1: Based on back position
#2: Based on arms position
#3: Based on Legs position
#4: Based on force used

Question 11

Describe the RULA System

Answer 11

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment

Similarly to before, postures evaluated using numbers. (Higher numbers relate to more severe postures

Limbs sorted in 2 groups:
A: Upper arms, lower arms, wrist and wrist twist
B: Neck, Trunk and Legs