Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
A second advantage of the iLMM system is that materials handling job risk is assessed relative to a large
database of jobs from diverse manufacturing environments. These jobs encompass a wide range of LBD
risk levels and actual low back injury rates. This enables the investigator to determine “how much is too
much.” That is, the model can assess how similar a job is to others known to have high rates of low back
injury associated with them. It also allows one to rank several jobs, based on their LBD risk values, and to
study solutions for those having the greatest likelihood of producing injury.
Third, the model demonstrates that it is the combination of several factors that determines a job's level
of LBD risk. In other words, there is no one factor that is responsible for risk; rather, one evaluates risk
based on a mix of five inputs related to a job's work requirements. An example of this model's benefit
would be a job where a heavy load must be handled, resulting in a large maximum moment value on
the risk chart. If this load weight cannot be reduced using mechanical means, the job's overall risk
level can be greatly reduced if an intervention produces significant reductions in the magnitude of the
model's remaining four factors.
Fourth, the risk model enables the investigator to quantitatively assess and compare each task within a
job. Specific factors that contribute to a task's risk can be identified, as are the tasks that most contribute
to the job's overall LBD risk. This information pinpoints the specific tasks and the factors therein that
must be addressed during job redesign to reduce the job's injury risk potential.
A fifth benefit of this LBD risk model is the assistance it can provide to the ergonomics intervention
process. Modified jobs can be remonitored using the iLMM, and the effects of those changes can be quan-
tified and compared with those values determined prior to the intervention. Traditionally, the effects of
job changes on the numbers of related musculoskeletal strains (the job's incident rate) may take several
years to appear. The iLMM can produce more timely feedback to the investigator regarding anticipated
returns on the redesign investment (i.e., just the time needed to analyze the data). Thus, for jobs that
produce only minimal reductions in LBD risk due to planned redesign efforts, further (and perhaps
different) improvements can be attempted.
49.5 Applications: How to Use the iLMM and LBD Risk Model
49.5.1 Recommended Equipment
The iLMM system comprises the equipment listed next. It is important to make sure that all components
are available at any data collection site.
49.5.2 Adjustable Industrial Lumbar Motion Monitor
The iLMM is battery powered and contains a wireless, digital telemetry transmitter device. These features
allow data gathering for several hours and at distances of up to 100 ft or more from the data collection
computer. A single iLMM can be set to four different sizes — extra small, small, medium, and large — by
changing the monitor's linkage system. The selection of the appropriate size worn by individuals depends
both on their spine lengths and work activity. For example, an iLMM adjusted to the medium size may be
appropriate for most males of average height, unless their job requires extreme forward flexion. In that
case, they may be better suited for the large-size iLMM. Similarly, the small iLMM size is more appro-
priate for shorter individuals or those of moderate height who do little forward bending.
49.5.3 iLMM Harnesses
The iLMM system consists of a shoulder harness and a waist belt. Each is adjustable and designed to fit
most males and females who may need to wear the device. The harness and belt have adjustable straps to
allow for individual differences. A slide plate is attached to the shoulder harness, into which the iLMM
moves. The iLMM is attached to the waist belt before it is placed on an individual.
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