Title: An EMG-based ergonomic evaluation of manual bar bending

Authors: Venkatesh Balasubramanian, G. Swami Prasad

Addresses: Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, Chennai 600036, India. ' Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, Chennai 600036, India

Abstract: Manual material handling is usually performed in a poor ergonomic environment resulting in high physical stress and making the workers vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders. An evaluation of the physiological effects of the work environment can help reduce the stress involved in material handling and thus enhance worker safety and performance. An electromyogram-(EMG) based study was conducted on bar benders at a construction worksite while bending 8-, 12- and 16-mm diameter bars to evaluate the effect of ergonomic interventions. Optimal worktable height and grip arm distance were found, which correlated with the pain perception of the workers. Designing ergonomically optimal workplace in manual construction can increase worker safety and enhance their output.

Keywords: occupational safety; workplace injuries; manual material handling; ergonomic environment; musculoskeletal disorders; low back pain; asymmetric pulling; electromyogram-based study; integrated EMG; manual bar bending; construction workers; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2007.012464

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2007 Vol.2 No.3, pp.299 - 310

Published online: 16 Feb 2007 *

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