Time-based approach to obtain quantitative measures for ergonomics hazard analysis

The paper describes a methodology for conducting an ergonomic analysis that allows ergonomists to gather data while off site. The analysis described is carried out on portable computing devices, using common computer applications. It includes data collection via a camera on the manufacturing floor and conversion into a digital format. Software is suggested for playback and semi-automatic work sampling of work cycles while recording observations to electronic form, to generate rapidly the analysis of results. Snapshot observations are made on frozen video frames that are categorized into work elements, upper body joint posture and static/dynamic effort. Using two case studies, it is shown how the approach may be implemented as a procedure of choice to complete a quantitative work analysis.