Ergonomics ; Occupational Health

Ergonomics ; Humans ; Occupational Health

The best commonly applied approach in seating ergonomics is the concept that the seat must fit the sitter.Understanding of population anthropometry is necessary because, in the mass vehicle market, a single seat should fit a huge portion of the population. This research work proposes some automotive seat fit parameters based on a representative Nigerian anthropometric data, to ensure an optimum fit between the vehicle seats and the occupants, as well as providing adequate accommodation. Anthropometric data of 863 Nigerians captured with special emphasis on the dimensions that are applicable in automotive seat design. A comparison made between the data obtained and that of five other countries. The proposed dimensions includes: seat cushion width (475mm); seat cushion length (394mm); seat height (340mm); seat lateral location (583mm); seat back height (480mm); seat back width (427mm); armrest height (246mm); headrest height (703mm); armrest surface length (345mm); backrest width (thoracic level) (524mm); seat adjustment (186mm); backrest width (lumbar level) (475mm) and distance between armrests (475mm). A comparison made between the proposed dimensions and those recommended by four other scholars for other populations. Finally, an ergonomic automotive seat suitable for the Nigerian population was designed using AutoCAD 2016 software based on the proposed established dimensions
Ergonomics ; Anthropometry ; Automotive Seat ; Design

This article analyzes the particularities of medical products and introduces a design of a medical cart, based on the principles of ergonomics. Its construction embodies convenience, comfort, safety and efficiency of ergonomic factors.
Durable Medical Equipment ; Equipment Design ; Ergonomics

Adult ; Ergonomics ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Young Adult

Ergonomics ; Humans ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Occupational Diseases

Ceramics ; Ergonomics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; Workload

Musculoskeletal Discomfort And Its Associated Risk Factors Among Train Drivers This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among train drivers in Kuala Lumpur. In this cross-sectional study, 44 train drivers were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire consists of socio-demographic information and occupational exposure; and a modified Nordic Standardised Questionnaire for questions related to musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms. Results showed that lower back (18.6%) are the most reported discomfort among train drivers, followed by neck (16.7%), knee (13.7%), and upper back (13.7%). Statistical analysis using Chi-square showed there is a significant association between discomfort in the neck with age (p<0.05), length of service (p<0.05), and the perception of driver’s seat comfort and suitability (P<0.001). Previous working experience, driving duration, and shift work were associated with shoulder, wrist and thigh discomfort. This study suggested that further investigation and early control measure need to be done to prevent the risk of the musculoskeletal problem among train drivers.
musculoskeletal disorders ; occupational hazards ; ergonomics ; freight ; cargo ; locomotive ; prevalence.

Anthropometric study is one of the oldest branches of study in ergonomics where it serves a purpose in study of proportion and size for human body. One of the common methods used in anthropometric measurement is traditional measurement or direct measurement. However, Malaysia is still left behind other countries in development of national anthropometric database. Researchers in Malaysia are still relying on the traditional anthropometric (TA) measurement. There are several important factors that contribute to problems in TA such as accuracy, time, posture, identification of landmarks, instrument positions and orientations, and pressure exerted due to measuring equipment. In view of the fact that the difficulties of obtaining human anthropometry, it becomes necessary to propose a method which has less contact executed to respondent. This study aims to propose a new anthropometric measurement method using motion capture camera (MCC) method, later to develop the database for youth male population. A pilot test was done in order to confirm the measuring procedure as well as the flow of the study. Next, the Minitab statistical software used to check the validity and reliability of data using the tests of a) Accuracy-Pearson/Spearman Correlation b) BiasPaired T-Test c) Test-Retest Reliability-Pearson/Spearman Correlation d) Precision-Mean Absolute Difference and Relative Error Measurement. Results showed that the validity and reliability of this motion camera has successfully obtained and the anthropometric data for youth male respondents has successfully constructed. These findings can be used and expended to the national anthropometric database to be utilised in ergonomics design.
traditional anthropometry ; non-contact anthropometry measurements ; validity and reliability ; ergonomics design

Based on the joint analysis of EMG spectrum and amplitude method (JASA), a study on muscle fatigue assessment of spinal surgical instruments based on surface EMG signals was carried out, and a comparative evaluation of the operating comfort before and after the optimization of spinal surgical instruments was completed. A total of 17 subjects were recruited to collect the surface EMG signals of their brachioradialis and biceps. Five surgical instruments before and after optimization were selected for data comparison, and the operating fatigue time proportion of each group of instruments under the same task was calculated based on the RMS and MF eigenvalues. The results showed that when completing the same operation task, the operation fatigue time of the surgical instruments before optimization was significantly higher than that after optimization (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the fatigue status of brachioradialis and biceps when operating the same instrument (P>0.05). These results provide objective data and reference for the ergonomic design of surgical instruments and fatigue damage protection.
Humans ; Muscle Fatigue/physiology* ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Electromyography ; Ergonomics