Field evaluation of a new grocery checkstand design.
A novel express checkstand with basket cut-out was developed and evaluated in a small grocery store chain. Eight checkers performed three trials of simulated grocery checkout work with actor customers using both old and new checkstand designs. Usability was assessed by survey, structured interview and observation. Time-motion video analysis was used to evaluate differences in body postures, motions, and productivity. The new express checkstand design, which lowered and angled the presentation of the grocery basket, significantly (p<0.05) reduced right wrist flexion duration and repetition, and right arm elevation repetition. No significant differences were found in job cycle time between designs. These results demonstrate the utility of a new express checkstand design that could reduce extreme postures and motions with no loss in productivity.
Spielholz
Peregrin
P
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA 98504, USA. spip235@lni.wa.gov
Howard
Ninica
N
Carcamo
Ernesto
E
Coulter
Bruce
B
D000328:Adult; D003132:Commerce; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D019649:Food Industry; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States