Determination of psychophysical perceptions during overhead and manual torqueing tasks from automotive assembly industry

• Grant number: 15/12493-7
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Ana Beatriz de Oliveira
• Grantee: Helen Cristina Nogueira Carrer
• Supervisor abroad: Maury Albert Nussbaum
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/04839-5 - Physical exposure during boxs handling in real and simulated environment with experienced workers., BP.DR

Abstract

Despite ergonomic improvements in the workplace involving machines, many tasks still requires workers to perform strength peaks, short duty cycles, prolonged exertions of the hands, use tools vibrations etc. Overhead work is described as tasks performed with arms at or above the shoulder level, and can increase risks for WMSDs. Similarly, manual torqueing demand in several operations involving multiple tasks, tools weight and workers characteristics can affect shoulder joint. However, in the automotive setting there are often tasks where overhead and manual torqueing activities cannot be avoided. Aims: 1) to better assess the progress of perceived fatigue during combinations with different tool masses and duty cycles of overhead tasks; 2) to determine maximum acceptable repetition rates (MARRs) for several combinations of torque height, torque plane, and torque magnitude; 3) to determine if the psychophysically determined MARRs for 2 hours, identified in shorter 12-minute durations, corresponded to what was physically possible for the person to perform for an actual 2-hour period. Subjective measurements were used to assess individual perceptions of fatigue and discomfort in both settings. Data were collected in the Occupational Safety and Health Research Center - Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA and will be analyzed during the internship. (AU)