Title: Biomechanics of Work
1Biomechanics of Work
A resource for engineering students
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This website is dedicated to engineering
students, and serves as a resource for anyone
interested in Occupational Biomechanics.
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
Links
About this site
Last update 12/08/2003
2Biomechanics of Work
A resource for engineering students
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About Occupational Biomechanics This field
deals with the mechanical forces exerted by a
worker while performing a task, and is the basis
for ergonomic analysis of physical work.
Occupational biomechanics is an interdisciplinary
science that integrates physical, biological, and
engineering fields. The purpose of this field is
to provide an understanding of the physics of
manual activities in industry. The need for
Occupational Biomechanics Each year, billions
of dollars are spent on compensation to workers
because of work-related injuries. The study of
occupational biomechanics can help workers in the
workplace by providing the knowledge necessary to
design safe, ergonomic working environments.
Also, the need for adequate training or education
about occupational biomechanics can reduce
work-related injuries drastically by providing
workers with the knowledge necessary to protect
themselves.
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
Links
About this site
Last update 12/08/2003
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A resource for engineering students
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The Musculoskeletal System This system is
composed of the bones, muscles, and connective
tissues. The primary functions of the
musculoskeletal system are to support and protect
the body and its parts, to produce movement, and
to maintain body temperature. Bones and
Connective Tissues Bones provide the structure
that supports and protects the body. The
structure is made up of 206 bones. The four
types of connective tissues are ligaments,
tendons, fascia, and cartilage, and each has its
own function. Tendons attach muscles to bone,
ligaments connect bone to bone, cartilage is
found on articular bony surfaces, and fascia
covers and separates body structures. Muscles Th
ere are about 400 muscles in the human body, and
they account for 40 to 50 of body weight.
Muscles help maintain body posture and produce
body motion. Muscles are bundles of muscle
fibers, connective tissues, and nerves. Muscle
fibers are long cylindrical cells (myofibrils)
that contract. Muscle strength is measured by the
amount of force of torque that a muscle group can
produce.
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
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About this site
Last update 12/08/2003
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A resource for engineering students
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- Low-back Problems
- Low-back pain is the common work-related
disorder in industry. Motions that involve
lifting, bending, and twisting or the torso are a
major cause of work-related low-back pain and
disorders. This ailment can also occur in
working environments that require sitting for a
long period of time. This problem is due to loss
of lordotic curvature in the spine, which results
in increased disk pressure. - Suggestions for Manual Materials Handing
- Loads should be kept close to the body
- Loads should be presented at thigh or waist
height. - Twisting should be minimized.
- Frequency of lifting should be minimized.
- Suggestions for Seated Work
- Curvature of spine should be kept
- Back support (lumbar) should be given to support
the body and help keep the curvature of the
spine.
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
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Last update 12/08/2003
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A resource for engineering students
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- Upper-Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD)
- These disorders are of the soft tissues in the
upper extremities (fingers, hand, wrist, upper
arms, lower arms, elbow, and shoulders). The term
CTD implies that the disorders are mainly due to
cumulative effects of repetitive, prolonged
physical strain and stress. Some other causes of
the disorders are excessive force application,
unnatural posture, fast movement, vibration, cold
environment, and pressure on soft tissues. - Common forms of CTD
- Tendon-related CTD is caused by loss of blood
supply to the tendons and increased tension in
the tendons. - Neuritis is damage to the nerves that can be
caused by awkward posture and repeated use. - Ischemia is the sensation of tingling and
numbness, and is caused by obstruction of blood
flow to tissue. - Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa sac,
which contains viscous fluid and is located near
joints. - Prevention
- The work environment, procedures, tools, and
habits of workers should be designed and improved
upon to avoid the risk of upper-extremity
cumulative trauma disorders.
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
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About this site
Last update 12/08/2003
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A resource for engineering students
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Links For more information on human factors in
engineering www.eas.asu.edu/humanfac To
find an article in the library www.ingenta.com
Organization for students and professionals in
the human factors discipline http//hfes.org
The National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
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Last update 12/08/2003
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A resource for engineering students
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- About this Site
-
- Contact Information
- For questions and comments, send email to
- Site Map
- Occupational Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal System
- Low-Back Problems
- Upper Extremity CTD
- Links
Occupational Biomechanics
Musculoskeletal System
Low-back Problems
Upper Extremity CTD
Links
About this site
Last update 12/08/2003