Evaluating biomechanical risks in manual material handling: an ergonomic intervention approach
研究针对欠发达地区手工垃圾清理作业，通过迭代设计改进工具，使工人姿势评分降低67%、脊柱力减少58%、疼痛频率下降16.67%，生产率翻倍，验证了人因工程干预的有效性。
Manual waste handling, common in many underdeveloped regions, often exposes workers to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during material tasks. A study involving 92 workers highlighted the risks associated with the waste scraping and picking tasks, focusing on lower back, knee and neck joints. The study aimed to create improved equipment through iterative design. Three-enhanced cleaning equipment versions emerged, hypothesised to boost worker well-being. Comparative ergonomic assessments revealed significant improvements: 67% lower postural scores, up to 58% reduced spinal forces and a 4% drop-in average working heart rate (HR). Pain frequency decreased by 16.67%, severity by 14.29% and productivity doubled, supported by strong Likert chart acceptability. This study underscores ergonomic interventions' potential in reducing risks linked to traditional cleaning practices.