A comprehensive ergonomic industrial workstation design based on anthropometry, human strength and cognitive engineering

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An ergonomic industrial workstation is designed to improve worker productivity and reduce over-exertion injuries. A comprehensive ergonomic industrial workstation design methodology based on anthropometry, human strength and cognitive engineering will be devleoped, especially for multiple or team of operators engaged in performing industrial tasks. The research will be performed in industry (Pratt and Whitney, Halifax, Canada). Based on this case study, a generalized methodology will be developed. The steps that will be followed are: (1) job analysis - work observation and activity sampling, (2) work design analysis - use of graphical charts, (3) link analysis - involving communication, control and movement links, (4) ergonomic analysis - anthropometry: adequate posture, work height, reach areas/envelopes, lateral clearance and visual requirements; human strength: operator strength capability and determination of strength profile; cognitive engineering or cognitive task analysis: cognition and performance of individuals and teams, systematic observation of operator's actions and relation to the components of the work system, (5) use of existing and newly developed anthropometric and human strength data for performing industrial tasks. Experimental research will be performed to determine human strength for paraplegic male and female populations. The research methodology has already been developed. This research will be extended to determine human strength of able-bodied population in the confined workspaces comprising of supine, stooping, squatting and kneeling postures. A new ergonomic wheelchair with unique propulsion system, Das Ergonomic Wheelchair or DEW was designed, constructed and tested successfully. The propulsion system was invented to convert the reciprocating push-pull horizontal motion, generating a horizontal force into a rotational force in the rear wheels. The redesign of the manual wheelchair will substantially reduce the excessive stress/strain on the shoulders, elbows and wrists and improve human efficiency. Further research will be conducted to improve the propulsion system and market research is in progress to explore commercialization possibility.