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Comparison of biomechanical loading during use of conventional stud welding equipment and an alternate system.

Authors

Fethke NB; Gant LC; Gerr F

Source

Appl Ergon 2011 Jul; 42(5):725-734

Link

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2010.11.007

NIOSHTIC No.

20039487

Abstract

We investigated the effect of an alternative welding system designed to reduce exposure to extreme trunk flexion on measures of trunk inclination and muscle activity. Among 10 participants, data were collected while using conventional stud welding equipment and while using the alternate system. Paired t-tests were used to compare results between the two welding systems. Mean trunk inclination angle was reduced with the alternate system (34.4 degree versus 9.7 degree, p less than 0.01). Percent time with trunk inclination angles greater than 60 degree was also reduced (40.0 percent versus 4.7 percent, p less than 0.01). In general, the alternate system resulted in less desirable upper trapezius muscle activity levels. The alternate system appears to be effective in reducing exposure to extreme trunk flexion among stud welders. Continued development of the system should explore features designed to reduce shoulder forces and improve productivity.

Keywords

Ergonomics; Biomechanics; Musculoskeletal system; Equipment design; Welders; Welding; Welding equipment; Construction equipment; Men; Posture; Spinal cord; Epidemiology; Engineering controls; Human factors engineering; Muscle function; Muscle physiology; Body mechanics; Body regions; Measurement equipment; Biomechanical engineering; Author Keywords: Construction; Ergonomics; Trunk posture

Contact

Nathan Fethke, University of Iowa, Occupational and Environmental Health, UI Research Park, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA

CODEN

AERGBW

Publication Date

20110701

Document Type

Journal Article

Email Address

nathan-fethke@uiowa.edu

Funding Type

Construction; Cooperative Agreement; Grant

Fiscal Year

2011

Identifying No.

Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-OH-009762; Grant-Number-T42-OH-008491

Issue of Publication

ISSN

0003-6870

Priority Area

Construction

Source Name

Applied Ergonomics

State

MD; IA

Performing Organization

CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, Maryland

Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division