Evaluation of the ergonomic impact of exoskeletons in the workplace. Methodology and analytical approach.
Exoskeletons provide an ergonomic solution that can reduce the physical strain that specific segments of the body are exposed to while performing certain tasks, especially in industrial environments. Before incorporating an exoskeleton into a workstation, it is important to conduct a biomechanical analysis to assess both the improvements and benefits of its introduction into the workstation, as well as any associated risks. Any such biomechanical analysis should record the muscular activity, movements and reaction forces of the body segments that are mainly involved in the performance of the work activity. The procedure followed by the Instituto de Biomecánica (IBV) includes the study of movements in the workstation, the definition of biomechanical variables, the performance of tests and the analysis of the results. To carry out the biomechanical analysis of an exoskeleton, the IBV uses Kinemov/IBV, a tool that allows the synchronized recording of the different variables required for this analysis. In conclusion, a biomechanical analysis is essential to assess the desirability of incorporating an exoskeleton into a work environment and Kinemov/IBV is a useful tool to perform this analysis.
How can I incorporate an exoskeleton into my organization and which exoskeleton would be the most suitable?
While new technologies have undoubtedly led to a significant increase in process automation in the industrial sector, certain jobs still involve a high physical workload. Together with the ageing of the working population, this means that solutions such as exoskeletons are becoming more and more common in organizations. Selecting and properly fitting exoskeletons to suit the characteristics of the task and the person in question is key to ensuring that it has a positive effect, both in terms of muscle load and worker acceptance.
The importance of the ergonomic verification and selection of hand tools
The Instituto de Biomecánica (IBV), as an expert in the field of occupational ergonomics, has wide experience in the identification of verification and selection criteria for tools that can be used by manufacturers in the design thereof, and by consumers when making a purchase decision. The latest work carried out in this regard, developed in collaboration with the CEMA Foundation (Labor Foundation for Cement and the Environment), has consisted of the preparation of a guide to simplify both the ergonomic assessment of the hand tools that are most used in the sector (jackhammers, water jets, mallets and bars) and the improvement of the workplaces associated with them.
ErgoCheck. New module of the Ergo/IBV application. Checklist of ergonomic risks
The ErgoCheck module of the Ego/IBV program allows in a qualitative and simple way, the initial identification of the ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors that exist in a company, workstation or task.
An ErgoCheck analysis facilitates initial detection, which leads to detailed assessments, offering initial recommendations to address corrective measures.
BUSCAR / FIND
SOCIAL MEDIA
