3D anthropometry: quantifying the shape and size variability within the UK male offshore oil and gas workforce.

摘要

Background: UK male offshore workers typically increased in weight by 19%since 1985, and are also heavier than the background UK male population.Aim: To conduct an anthropometric survey on UK offshore workers, employingthe latest portable 3D scanning technology, to quantify size and shape changeassociated with weight increase and identify differing physique groups among thesample.Method: 588 male offshore workers within seven pre-determined weightcategories were scanned, using the Artec L portable 3D scanner, in threedifferent postures; whilst wearing form-fitting clothing and while wearing asurvival suit. 404 of the 588 participants also undertook a helicopter windowescape task.Results: The sample population had average weight of 90.5 kg, and matchedthe weight distribution of the workforce population as a whole (chisquared=11.7; 11df, P>0.05). Five extracted girths (neck, chest, waist, hip andwrist) were found be 13.5% greater than in 1985, with the highest averagemeasurement 17.3% greater at the waist. The 99th percentile of extractedmeasures had increased more than twice that of the 1st percentile (18.3% v8.9% increase respectively). The reliability of extracted measures was high withaverage TEM of 1.15%. 11 distinct physique clusters were identified, across fourmorphological somatotypes, displaying a tendency towards endomorphic andmesomorphic phenotypes and a predisposition towards obesity (averageBMI=28.3 kg/m2). 51% of the sample successfully passed through the smallestindustry standard escape exit, with the best morphological prediction of windowegress giving a predictive accuracy of 73.5%. Conclusion: The dramatic increase in size and shape within the offshoreworkforce over the last 30 years represents an ‘expanding universe’ of physiqueand weight variability. The challenge this presents to designers is considerable inensuring the on-going ergonomic fit of the industry’s working environment forthe offshore population.