Affiliations: [a] School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada | [b] Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: John Kozey, Faculty of Health Professions-Kinesiology, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Tel.: +1 902 494 1148; E-mail:jkozey@dal.ca
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Reach envelope used in the design and layout of
workstation is important for decreasing fatigue and injury by improving
productivity, health, and safety. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this investigation was to determine
differences between maximum reach envelope with and without a load in a
seated position. METHODS: Measurements were conducted using a computerized
potentiometric system for anthropometric measures (CPSAM). Participants
performed six trials of each three load conditions of 0 Kg, 0.5 Kg and 1.0
Kg. RESULTS: Cylindrical coordinates (r, θ , Z) were determined in panels of
Z-level by θ angle in relation to each participant's acromion. Mean
and median reach values were computed for each panel to create the envelope.
The reach envelope for the load conditions was smaller than the control
(0 Kg). There was no significant difference between the two load conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in reach envelope when a load is added
suggests that load is a factor affecting reach and should be considered when
designing a workspace. Layouts requiring hand-held items such as tools or
protective equipment may require considerations of a decreased reach. At
what specific load level reach is affected should be further investigated.
Keywords: Maximum reach envelope, seated reach, shoulder, hand-held load
