A computer-aided system to evaluate postural stress in the workplace.

Stress caused by awkward working posture of the trunk and shoulders can result in fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders and nerve entrapment syndromes. To aid in evaluating the relationship between work activities and postural stress, a computer-aided system was developed. This system produces a detailed description of work tasks and a continuous record of trunk and shoulder activity on the same time scale. The system was used to evaluate postural stresses on a case study job in an automobile assembly plant. The results of the postural analysis were used to identify specific causes of postural stress and to develop recommendations for changes in work station equipment and methods to reduce stress.