Occupational Ergonomics - Volume 2, issue 3

Authors: Mattila, Markku | Landau, Kurt

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2301

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 135-135, 2000

Authors: Peterson, Peter | Wakula, Jurij | Landau, Kurt

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The HTWAM method and software for the analysis of activities involving the use of hand-operated non-powered tools has been developed and tested in practice as part of the Eurohandtool project. The method was used to investigate 12 jobs in viticulture and 5 jobs in other sectors where hand tools are used. HTWAM showed itself capable of identifying weak points in a work system. HTWAM enables design engineers to perform work system analyses which can provide industry with recommendations for the ergonomic design of hand tools and can also give users information on the need for safety precautions and avoidance of …health risks. Show more

Keywords: work system analysis, hand tools, ergonomic design

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2302

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 137-150, 2000

Authors: Wakula, Jurij | Beckmann, Thomas | Hett, Michael | Landau, Kurt

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Knowledge of the stress-strain analysis while grapevines pruning and wine harvesting in vineyards will make a significant contribution towards reducing the risk of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in the upper limbs of vineyard workers. The stress-strain analysis in field and laboratory studies show that pruning grapevines and wine harvesting involves a combination of dynamic and sensorimotoric work, and also a high incidence of ergonomically undesirable postures of the trunk, the upper limbs and the head irrespective of cutting tools used. The information obtained can be applied in the ergonomic redesign of pruning tasks and pruning tools to reduce incidence of …trauma. Show more

Keywords: pruning grapevines, wine harvesting, stress-strain analysis, pruning hand tools, CTD

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2303

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 151-161, 2000

Authors: P\"aivinen, Minna | Haapalainen, Mika | Mattila, Markku

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The principal design criteria for plier-like hand tools, using garden pruning shears as an example are presented. The criteria have been created especially for use with the quality function deployment (QFD) method, and thus the main criteria are divided into subgroups. Though studies in the area of hand tool ergonomics have been published, a detailed list of the factors which should be taken into consideration when one is designing new non-powered hand tools is still lacking. This comprehensive list can also serve as a checklist in the evaluation process for hand tools. Ergonomic design considerations can reduce force demands and …fatigue and also improve the comfort of users. Show more

Keywords: hand tool, design criteria, gardening, pliers, quality function deployment (QFD)

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2304

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 163-177, 2000

Authors: Haapalainen, Mika | Kivist\"o-Rahnasto, Jouni | Mattila, Markku

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Quality function deployment (QFD) is a design method that can be used to improve the quality of products. A QFD application aimed at improving the ergonomic quality of pruning shears is presented. User needs for pruning shears, as well as the design aspects which have the greatest influence on the ergonomic quality of pruning shears were defined. This information was entered in the house of quality (HOQ), which is a QFD tool. The HOQ results are represented in the form of relative importance of design aspects. The results of HOQ and user interviews show that both the approaches give the …most important design aspects that are same. QFD is considered a suitable method for the ergonomic design of hand tools. The QFD application provides valuable information in the design process for hand tools and it can be used in the decision-making process during the design of hand tools. Show more

Keywords: ergonomic design, quality function deployment, pruning hand tools

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2305

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 179-189, 2000

Authors: Niemel\"a, Tanja | Lepp\"anen, Markku | P\"aivinen, Minna | Mattila, Markku

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ergonomic properties of a pair of pruning shears were tested using a new laboratory measurement system for non-powered hand tools. With this system, it is possible to measure simultaneously the EMG activity of two muscles, the opening angle of hand tool blades by means of a potentiometer and, by means of strain gages, the force transmitted to the handle. A measurement system was tested by comparing the forces needed to cut wood of a certain diameter, and the actual force required, as measured by a material-testing system. The correlation between forearm flexor muscle activity and the compression force created by …the user was investigated. The evaluation of the experimental testing system for non-powered hand tools has shown that there are methods for the measurement of force demand and opening angle. However, some improvements are recommended before this measurement system is used widely in the field. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics, hand tool, force measurement system, EMG, Eurohandtool

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2306

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 191-200, 2000