A methodology for functional ergonomics in repetitive work

The causes of cumulative trauma disorders are complex in nature and usually no single factor or simple reason can be determined during job evaluation. Cumulative Trauma Disorders, also called Repetitive Strain Injuries, have been found to be a major source of occupational disability; its causes and contributing events need to be carefully studied. The necessity of understanding physiological causes of occupational injuries is growing now that more safety issues and ergonomics intervention programs are imposed by work regulations. A methodology for resolving the biomechanical cause of a trauma due to job requirements, is proposed in this paper. The method relates to the potentially hazardous movements that appear in a frequent manner during selected work cycles. The idea is that the core of hazardous movements are to be screened from all other movements, and then specifically analyzed. The paper presents an inspection and analysis approach to be performed on jobs with highly manual effort, in order to enhance safe performance and trauma prevention. The methodology is demonstrated in an industrial application where an analysis of a highly manipulative task will be discussed.