Press operation: Workstation adjustment, working posture, and workers' perceptions

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Delleman, Nico J.

Affiliations: TNO Human Factors, P.O. Box 23, 3769 ZG Soesterberg, The Netherlands. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: At a press workstation eight industrial workers processed light-weight objects at six different combined adjustments of reach distance and working height. Working posture, workers' perceptions, and task performance were measured. Two recommendations were formulated in order to minimize the load on the musculoskeletal system: (1) the maximum reach distance is not exceeded if the object can be placed in the stamp on the press as well as be removed without bending the trunk forward, and (2) the working height should be adjusted between 5 and 10 cm above elbow height.

Keywords: musculoskeletal system, workload, posture, psychophysics, working height, reach distance

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2003-3302

Journal: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 153-164, 2003