Ergonomics development needs in truck body design – from video analyses to solution proposals
by Arto Reiman; Ari Putkonen
International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2012

Abstract: Truck drivers need improvements on their work environment in ergonomics and safety issues. In this study, participative video analyses were performed to identify areas of discomfort and the risks drivers face when working outside the cab. Analyses resulted in identification of 262 discomfort and risk factors of which roughly half occurred in trucks and trailers. Due to the findings, a web questionnaire was used to investigate what kind of participative product design aspects truck body and trailer manufacturing companies apply currently. Accordingly, the need for participation is recognised but these companies lack such systematic procedures and methods. This study also introduces a procedure to utilise the identified risks and discomforts for developing the design and development requirements. The procedure has led to new solutions that are currently utilised in different interest groups' processes. The procedure supports participation by all stakeholders and may be used in product design processes in environments where a mutual understanding is crucial for eliminating the recognised safety problems in practice.

Online publication date: Wed, 06-Aug-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com