Biomechanical Analysis of Tasks Involving Manual Materials Handling.

摘要

Two papers are presented which deal with biomechanics and its relationships with manual materials handling, sex differences and training. The first paper outlines a factor analytic model of lifting in the floor-knuckle and knuckle-shoulder regimens under experimental conditions. Sixteen subjects were divided equally into four groups of males trained/untrained and females trained/untrained. Results indicated that (1) there were different motion patterns among the four groups, (2) male movements approximated the trained and female movements the untrained conditions, and (3) trained individuals demonstrated more efficient and coordinated lifts. Training programs are recommended in the working environment if women are expected to lift moderately heavy loads because of their lower physical fitness and coordination when compared to men. This statement is further supported by the second paper, which conducted a critical incident technique of 484 strain/sprain/overexertion injuries of naval civilian government workers. Results indicated that males had significantly more injuries to the back, to craftsmen/operatives/laborers, using heavy/very heavy weight. On the other hand, women showed significantly more incidents to the shoulder/neck/arms, in sales/service/clerical occupations, using light/medium loads. Male incidents seem to be related more to a failure to recognize safety hazards, while female injuries appear to be caused more by poor load handling techniques.