Time-related ergonomics evaluation for DHMs: a literature review
Journal article, 2010

Ergonomics problems in production systems are of a multi-causal nature. It has been established in ergonomics literature that time-related factors, including activity duration, repetitiveness, work-rest distribution and muscle reactions to dynamic loads, can influence the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In recent years, ergonomic practices have evolved to include the use of digital human models (DHMs) in virtual workstations, resulting in more cost-efficient and proactive evaluations. However, the ergonomic tools provided in DHMs often fail to consider time-related ergonomic factors. This literature review compiles and examines time-related ergonomics terms for the benefit of introducing such concepts into DHMs. The influence of time-scale perspectives and ambiguities regarding how terms have been used are also discussed. Developers of DHMs can benefit immensely from a literary overview of how to consider time-related factors of physical workload. Likewise, the scientific community can benefit from the identification of ambiguities and gaps in ergonomics research.

manufacturing ergonomics

proactive ergonomics

time aspects

ergonomics evaluation

DHM

human factors

cumulative loading

developers

ergonomics simulation

digital human modelling

musculoskeletal disorders

dynamic evaluation

Author

Cecilia Berlin

Chalmers, Product and Production Development, Production Systems

Tara Kajaks

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation

1742-5549 (ISSN)

Vol. 1 4 356-379

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Other Computer and Information Science

Other Mechanical Engineering

Areas of Advance

Production

DOI

10.1504/IJHFMS.2010.040271

More information

Created

10/7/2017