Ergonomic Risk Factors: A Study of Heavy Earthmoving Machinery Operators

Details

• Personal Author:
  Kittusamy, Nanda K.
• Description:
  Many studies have shown an association between operating heavy construction equipment and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), little research has been performed that systematically characterizes the exposure of operating engineers to ergonomic hazards. This study evaluated: 1. vibration at the seat/operator interface, 2. transmissibility of vibration in the Z-axis, 3. psychophysical ratings of vibration level and vibration discomfort, and 4. postural requirements of the job. Results indicate that the digging operation had higher levels of total weighted acceleration than high- or low-idling conditions. Transmissibility data showed that the seat amplified vibration, particularly in the lower frequencies. Seats demonstrated that they may not be sufficient in protecting operators from longterm effects of vibration exposure. High positive correlation was found among subjective ratings (vibration discomfort and vibration level), but moderate positive correlation was found between subjective ratings and quantitative vibration levels. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Construction Industry Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Vibration
• Keywords:
  Construction Construction-equipment Construction-industry Construction-workers Musculoskeletal-system-disorders Occupational-exposure Posture Risk-analysis Risk-factors Vibration-effects Vibration-exposure

  More +
• Series:
  Mining Publications
• ISSN:
  0099-0027
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  SRL - Spokane Research Laboratory
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  38-45
• Volume:
  47
• Issue:
  10
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20030470
• Citation:
  Prof Saf 2002 Oct; 47(10):38-45
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2003
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Professional Safety
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:c4f8e1abdb9f9c4085e89e1b6c2a8f024a040ece16e5cefddf23cd58c70e9208b69415fa20ccb045dc79d9354349c1a35aab600e9f50fb8181ad52de0c9500b8
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/226588/cdc_226588_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 5.60 MB ]