Ergonomic evaluation of complex work: a participative approach employing videoヨcomputer interaction, exemplified in a study of order picking

A method for ergonomic evaluation of complex manual work was developed, based on interactive operator assessment of video recordings. The video "lm is displayed on the computer terminal, and the "lmed operator assesses the work by clicking on virtual controls on the screen, whenever a situation inducing pain or discomfort appears. The operator marks body region and rates perceived exertion. In this way, a "lmed sequence covering hours of work is condensed into a limited number of high-priority tasks. A library is formed in the computer, including task and operator identi"cation data, ergonomic data, and pictorial information. The evaluation system, called VIDAR, was applied in an application study of manual materials handling in an automotive workshop. Results showed that the subjects after a brief instruction were able to understand and provide input to the system. The assessments were reasonably consistent in the group of operators. It was concluded that VIDAR provides data that are highly useful in a participatory process of change, and that it adds a new dimension to ergonomic evaluation of complex work. Cognitive aspects calling for further scienti"c study were identi"ed. Relevance to industry Existing expert-based observation methods are sometimes di$cult to apply in practice. The method described here is based on operator rather than expert assessment, which provides structured information that is relevant and useful, for instance in industrial interventions. ( 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.