Materials and Methods
All of these Jobs were processed by a screening tool called the Physical Demands Analysis Worksheet. With this work sheet along with feedback from the worker we were able to determine and make an early hypothesis at the Jobs with the highest biomedical risk. Once the specific risk factors of the job have been identified, we can then use ergonomic analysis tools and guideline comparisons to pacifically quantify the Job demands. The specific analysis tools that we will use to identify the Job stresses are DSSSL, AD Watch. NOSH lift/pull/push equations and table guidelines, Snoop carrying/left/lower/push/pull equations, and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment.
The assumption made when gathering Information on the worker Is to assume all workers have the same/scalar dimensions as the worker being analyzed for this job. For the job demands that require the worker to use low back moments (skate sharpening, boxes off shelf, Winter stagier and skate filter tasks) the analysis tools that will be used are DSSSL and AD Watch. The collected data used came from measuring the weights of the objects and subject by a simple weight scale assuming no peculations between loads. Other measuring devices such as measuring tapes to measure distances and heights, galvanometer to measure Joint angles, camera for picture to analyze after work site analysis and force gauge to measure push and pull forces.
These models will be used to measure the outputs and compare them to the Action Limits and/or Maximal Permissible Limit. In order to find out which tasks exceed the Action Limits and/or Maximal Permissible Limit of the compression or shear forces along the spine measurements of postures and loads must be collected. Once the data Is collected and calculated the comparison will be between the actual comparison will be between the two Joint models; DSSSL and AD Watch to determine the optimal Joint loads and increase the validity of the results. Shoulder tasks will also be analyzed by the DSSSL for awkward shoulder movements and postures with loads.
Other Job demands(snowboard waxing, boxes off shelf, winter Steiner, Skate Filter-lifting) that require lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying will be calculated using NOSH equations. These calculations require the data collection of the repetition of the task, the distance traveled via pushing/carrying/lifting by using measuring tape, force(load) by using a force gauge or weight scale, and general information about the individual. The comparisons will be between the calculated results and the NOSH and SNOOP guidelines and also a comparison between the woo guidelines. To properly interpret the data to encompass a wide range of workers we will general construct our data for worse case scenarios or for workers of the Male 10th %.
Lastly the Rigid Upper Limb Assessment will determine what risks are in upper limbed tasks(skate sharpening, snowboard waxing, winter Steiner, and skate filter tasks) by using Joint angles (measured by goniometry) and loads (measured by force gauge or weight scales). The comparison is within the assessment based on the resultant number. The purpose of all the assessments is to identify and quantify the risk of injury to understand the location of the risk and therefore investigate possible solutions. When considering our recommendations we will re-assess the risk factors using the same tools for the same Jobs to compare and note improvements. An assumption made for this particular tool is to neglect any lower limb contributions to the risk of injury when performing the tasks. Also another assumption is using this model for non-static work such as snowboard waxing.
