Abstract

Wrong design at the workplace is the major factor to induce musculoskeletal disorder. The correct anthropometric data is the basis of design. The correct anthropometric data is good for workplace design, mechanical safety protection design, human computer interface design. This study will plan to sample methods, renew anthropometric data, design safety work methods, plan safety peration procedure etc. This study will help enterprise and worker decrease musculoskeletal disorders and prevent occupational acc idents.The purpose of this study is to measure the 3D anthropometry and the push/pull strengths of labors in our country for improving two musculoskeletal risk factors, “awkward posture” and “over exertion” in workplaces. The study found 488 subjects from manufacturing industries had been recruited in this study. In 3D anthropometry measurement, a set of 3D scanners, including 3D whole body scanner, 3D hand/foot scanner, and 3D face scanner, were used. After merging the raw data of 3D scanning, each subject had 3D human models in four postures, and 192 measurements were extracted from these four 3D human model. One male subject and one female subject were selected as representative models among these subjects, and a digital skeleton as stick model were impla nted into their 3D human models to form the 3D digital human model. Finally, the 3D anthropometric database could be used to improve or expand the workplace design atlas developed by ILOSH, and 3D digital human model could be used to develop a 3D digital h uman model platform software. In push/pull strengths measurement, each subject was asked to exert his/her maximum strength in 12 postures (3 hand postures x 4 heights). In addition, the strength of lifting up and pushing down were also measured in exertion height as 40cm and 80cm. This study measured and established a 3D anthropometric database and a push/pull strength database of 488 subjects. A 3D anthropometry database software, a 3D digital human model platform software, and 20 pieces of workplace desig n Atlas improved or expanded were implemented as well. This study results can apply to design workplace environment and work procedures, and to increase work efficiency and reduce work related musculoskeletal disorders.

Keywords: anthropometry, push-and-pull force, awkward posture, over exertion