Ergonomics Evaluation of Right Angle Power Tools

It has been estimated that approximately 70% of operators in automotive assembly use power-tools to complete their assembly tasks, yet companies have a difficult time determining why injuries happen when they are used. Before we can determine this, we need to understand the type of postures and the level of physical demand and the frequency of their use every minute. This survey will help to understand exactly how assembly workers use these tools with the overall goal to begin to reduce the risk associated when using them. Work-related injuries cause a national burden and benefits paid from these claims between 2001 and 2010 in Canada were in excess of $90 billion. The knowledge generated from this work will benefit Canadians over the short-term by reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, improving worker safety and reducing healthcare costs (~1-2 years) and longer by increasing manufacturing efficiency in the (~3-5 years+) term.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joel Cort

Student:

Partner:

United States Council for Automotive Research;FCA Canada;Ford Motor Company

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Windsor

Program: