Biomechanical Assessment While Using Production Tables on Mast Climbing Work Platforms

Overview

Journal Appl Ergon

Specialty Psychology

Date 2020 Sep 28

PMID 32987261

Citations 1

Authors

Christopher S Pan

Xiaopeng Ning

Bryan Wimer

Joyce Zwiener

Tsui-Ying Kau

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of using alternative mast climbing work platform (MCWP) designs on trunk motion and postural stability with masonry workers while performing bricklaying and stepping down tasks using a conventional MCWP setting (i.e. with a step deck) as well as two types of production tables (straight- and L-shaped). The trunk angles and postural sway parameters of twenty-five masonry workers were recorded for the following tasks: (1) standing on a simulated MCWP and laying bricks on an adjacent wall, and (2) stepping down onto the step deck to get into position for doing the bricklaying task. Results indicated that the use of the L-shaped production table resulted in the lowest trunk ranges of motion and significantly reduced the workers' trunk angles in all three planes when compared to both the straight-shaped production table and the conventional approach of not using a production table. Data showed that both body sway velocity and area were significantly reduced when using either one of the production tables. The use of production tables significantly reduced impact sway forces when workers stepped from the main platform to the step deck. The use of production tables on MCWPs improved workers' postures and overall stability, which could reduce the risk of injury.

Citing Articles

Shoulder-assist exoskeleton effects on balance and muscle activity during a block-laying task on a simulated mast climber.

Zheng L, Pan C, Wei L, Bahreinizad H, Chowdhury S, Ning X Int J Ind Ergon. 2024; 104.

PMID: 39449710 PMC: 11497863. DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103652.

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