Measurements and observations of movements at work for warehouse forklift truck operators. Issue 3 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rolander, Bo; Forsman, Mikael; Ghafouri, Bijar; Abtahi, Farhad; Wåhlin, Charlotte
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics. Volume 28:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 1840
• Page End: 1848
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: neck/shoulder pain -- inclinometry -- inertia measurement unit -- head posture -- head rotation; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Industrial safety -- Periodicals; Human Engineering -- Periodicals; Occupational Health -- Periodicals; Ergonomie -- Périodiques; Sécurité du travail -- Périodiques; Human engineering; Industrial safety; Periodicals; 620.8
• DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1943866
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1080-3548

Abstract

Abstract : Inclinometry and video analyses can provide objective measures of physical workloads. The study aim was to measure and observe arm, back and head postures and movements among forklift truck operators (FLTOs) during a working day, analyzing differences between types of forklift trucks and to assess reported workload and health. Twenty-five male FLTOs in a high-level warehouse were randomly included. The data collected comprised technical measurements, video analyses of postures and movements, and a questionnaire measuring health, pain and workload. On average, the FLTOs rotated their head more than 45°, in total, 232 times/h. Video analysis revealed that FLTOs periodically drive the forklift truck sideways with the head rotated in the direction of travel, and in periods look upwards, in which the head is highly rotated and extended. Inclinometry and observations during the working day has the potential to be a valuable part of risk assessment promoting occupational safety and health.