title: Ergonomic analysis of working postures using OWAS in semi-trailer assembly, applying an individual sampling strategy.
abstract: In semi-trailer assembly, workers are exposed to several physical risk factors. Awkward working postures have not yet been investigated in semi-trailer assembly, although they are known to be a major risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. We therefore conducted a comprehensive ergonomic analysis of working postures using the Ovako working posture analysing system (OWAS), with an individual sampling strategy. The postural load in semi-trailer assembly was assessed on the basis of 20,601 observations of 63 workers executing a representative set of nine work tasks. According to the OWAS, the postural load of various working postures and body part positions may have a harmful effect on the musculoskeletal system. We therefore give examples of corrective measures that could improve awkward working postures. Applying an individual sampling strategy was revealed to have advantages over a collective strategy, so this is recommended for future ergonomic analyses.
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Industrial Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Germany.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brandl
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Industrial Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mertens
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Industrial Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Germany.
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Schlick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000072499:Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011187:Posture
keywords: OWAS; ergonomics; postural load; semi-trailer assembly; working postures