A new concept to support the ergonomic intervention process based on an analysis of working postures with OWAS

Since the ergonomic intervention process is currently a highly individual, knowledge-based process, the development of a methodical procedure for this process has a great potential in ergonomics of working postures. Thus, in this paper a concept to support the ergonomic intervention process aiming to improve awkward working postures is described. A comprehensive analysis of working postures was conducted using the Ovako Working Posture Analysing System (OWAS) in the ongoing production of trailers. Working postures of 72 workers and 18 work tasks were analysed for 46,110 observations within 137 individual work tasks analyses. Significant correlations were found between relative frequencies of body part postures according to OWAS. Moreover, results show the occurrence of some awkward postures, which require ergonomic intervention. By means of one exemplary awkward posture a new methodical procedure for ergonomic intervention is presented. Gradual target postures with less postural load are identified and prioritised, drafts of corrective measures are found and/or conceived to realise promising target postures, one draft is selected due to requirements and this draft is elaborated and ensured due to its effectiveness in improving the awkward posture.