NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
A revised back compressive force estimation model for ergonomic evaluation of lifting tasks.
Authors
Merryweather AS; Loertscher MC; Bloswick DS
Source
Work 2009 Nov; 34(3):263-272
NIOSHTIC No.
20036249
Abstract
Occupational back pain and injury are common and costly issues. Biomechanical models are often used to quantify job risk by estimating back muscle forces. In general, the most accurate models are also the most complex, creating demand for models that are both straightforward and accurate. An existing, basic hand-calculation back compressive force estimation model (HCBCF v1.0) was revised in two iterations to reduce the error induced by original simplifying assumptions. Lifting tasks (n=6000) from observational data were used to compare the HCBCF models with the University of Michigan 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP) The greatest r(2) (0.97) between the HCBCF v1.2 and the 3DSSPP was achieved with gender-specific equations designed to account for differences between males and females and a more detailed estimation of torso flexion angle and upper body mass center location. This gender-specific back compression and risk estimation model is a relatively simple alternative to computer-based back compressive force models. In addition the hand-calculation can be used as a general survey tool to determine which jobs should be analyzed with more sophisticated computer-based models.
Keywords
Biological-factors; Biological-systems; Biomechanical-modeling; Biomechanics; Ergonomics; Exposure-assessment; Exposure-levels; Exposure-methods; Injury-prevention; Musculoskeletal-system; Occupational-exposure; Risk-analysis; Risk-factors; Statistical-analysis; Work-analysis; Work-performance;
Author Keywords: Back compressive forces; job risk assessment; ergonomics; biomechanics
Contact
Donald S. Bloswick, Ph.D., University of Utah, 50 S. Central Campus Dr., Rm 2110, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
CODEN
WORKFK
Publication Date
20091101
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
Bloswick@eng.utah.edu
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement; Grant
Fiscal Year
2010
Identifying No.
Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U01-OH-008083; Grant-Number-T42-OH-008414
Issue of Publication
3
ISSN
1051-9815
Source Name
Work
State
UT; WI
Performing Organization
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division