Title: Analysis and ergonomic improvement of working postures in cast house work station using JACK modelling

Authors: Gunde Satish Kumar; Abhishek Das

Addresses: JSW ISPAT Steel Ltd., Raigad, Maharashtra, 402107, India. ' JSW ISPAT Steel Ltd., Raigad, Maharashtra, 402107, India

Abstract: This paper presents the ergonomics design of work system which is a prerequisite for better safety, health and productivity of industrial workers. The awkward working postures adopted by the operators in cast house operations has been observed and analysed using photographic analysis, line diagram techniques and Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). The awkward working postures leads to discomfort, inconvenience and risk of injuries and illness to workers. Various anthropometric measurements of workers and postures in various activities are collected and analysed to improve the working conditions. The cast house work system model is developed and simulated in the computer-aided ergonomics assessment platform JACK 5.1 with virtual workers with their specific anthropometric variables. An ergonomic work system specifying changes in the work procedures, work norms and ergonomic interventions has been proposed. A new control board with sit stand chair has been suggested which improves comfort to the operators.

Keywords: awkward postures; anthropometric measurement; OWAS classification; ergonomic design; JACK modelling; ergonomics; human factors; working postures; anthropometrics; simulation; operator comfort; casting; pipe manufacturing; ductile iron pipes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2012.050060

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2012 Vol.3 No.1, pp.16 - 31

Received: 22 Sep 2011
Accepted: 11 Apr 2012
Published online: 29 Aug 2014 *

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