Wakula, Jurij
Institute of Ergonomics, Darmstadt University Technology Petersenstrasse 30, 64287 Darmstadt / Germany 49 6151 163189 / wakula@iad.tu-darmstadt.de
Trumpp, Christiane
Institute of Ergonomics, Darmstadt University Technology Petersenstrasse 30, 64287 Darmstadt / Germany 49 6151 165525 / trumpp@iad.tu-darmstadt.deA two steps analysis concept for the stress analysis of the upper extremities during assembly work tasks in the automotive industry was developed. The first step of the concept is based on a checklist. The checklist was tested in laboratory settings as well at real work places at DaimlerChrysler AG, Bremen plant.
ABSTRACT
Keywords
checklist, stress analysis, upper extremities, assembly work
INTRODUCTION
The increasing amount of musculo-skeletal-disorders (WMSDs) in the working life results in a significant amount of sick days and related costs (Wakula and Landau, 2004 in this volume).
Two methods, OCRA and Strain-Index, for the risk assessment of musculo- skeletal-disorders of the upper extremities during repetitive work tasks, such as assembly work, were tested within the scope of the EU-MIRTH project* (Wakula et al., 2004). The results show certain shortcomings during the use of both methods at assembly work places in car assembly environments. Therefore, a checklist for these kinds of work tasks and places was developed and will be presented in the following.
METHODS
A two steps analysis concept for the stress analysis of the upper extremities during assembly work tasks in the automotive industry was developed within the scope of the EU-MIRTH project.
The first step of the concept is based on a checklist. The first version included two parts and was mainly concentrated on the stress analysis. The
checklist had to be used by an analyst (analyst part/first part) as well as by the worker himself (worker part/second part).
*) Musculo-skeletal Injury Reduction Tools for Health and safety (MIRTH – Projekt, EU-Kontrakt: G1RD-CT-2001-00574; www.eu-mirth.org )
The checklist was drafted upon a detailed analysis of existing tools and of the special needs in car assembly work. After a detailed listing of work tasks, cyclesand suboperations to be filled out by the observer, it uses a system of pictures toshow postures, supporting devices, grips etc. for the different areas of the upper limbs.
As main risk/stress factors, force, repetitiveness, hand-arm posture as well as mechanical vibrations were identified and included into the checklist.
The first part includes 27 questions or criteria; the second part includes again 13.
Figure 1 shows extracts of the first part regarding work postures of the lower arm and the hand.
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Please mark the limb that is involved in the work task. ( ) both ( ) right ( ) left |
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Postures Upper Limb |
Shoulder / upper arm |
Arm is unsupported during work task |
No( ) Yes ( ) | ||||||
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