Practical Application of Biomechanic Principles

Biomechanics studies the mechanical forces in human movement. Its principles can help to minimize damage to muscles, joints, and tissues. 

One-time forces that are simply too great for the joint or muscle can create damage. However, workers are usually aware of direct, one-time overloads. The effects are felt immediately, perhaps before damage has occurred. Several factors shown to the right can multiply forces and aggravate damage. The worker is often unaware of these aggravating factors.

Aggravating Factors

Extreme Joint Position

Joints placed in extreme positions or angles amplify many biomechanical forces. Thus a load that seems very manageable to the worker may actually cause serious damage. The worker may not be aware of this damage until too late.

Repetition

Highly repetitive movements without time for rest and healing can create damage even when the forces are quite small. The worker is often unaware of the damage for days or weeks.

Ergonomic Series Articles

Ergonomics In Lean Manufacturing

Physiology
Biomechanics In Workstation Design
Anthropometry
Man-Machine Allocation
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Principles of Ergonomics
Ergo Download

References

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/rmirsi.htm

ANSI/HFES100-1988, Human Factors & Ergonomic Society, 1988.

Barnes, Ralph M., Motion and Time Study, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1940.

Eastman Kodak Company, Ergonomic Design for People at Work, Van NostrandReinhold, New York, 1986.

Fraser, M., the Worker At Work, Taylor & Francis, New York, 1989.

Lee, Q, Nelson W., Amundsen, A., &  Tuttle, H., Facilities and Workplace Design, Institute of Industrial Engineers, Atlanta, Georgia, 1996.

Woodson, Wesley E. and Conover, Donald W., Human Engineering for Equipment Design 2nd Rev. Edition, University of California Press, Berkely, 1966.

Zandin, Kjell B. and Maynard, Harold B., Industrial Engineering Handbook 5TH Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001.