Occupational biomechanical models are representations of the musculoskeletal systems and its functions. Modeling occupational biomechanical systems are significant to the study of occupational biomechanics because each model can be used to mimic actual behavior of the body. We are able to deduct from these models, how components will behave with load interaction, and predict human performance under varying scenarios to avoid injury in the workplace. In order to accurately analyze various work situations, many biomechanical models were developed; ranging from static models of isolated body segments, to dynamic models for various planes and body portions.
Planar static biomechanical models are the first category of model discussed. Within this …show more content…
Single –segment dynamic biomechanical models describe pivot motion around the center of a joint and the inertial forces associated with this motion. The greater the velocity squared of the rotation about the center of rotation, the greater the centrifugal force is that is pulling away from the center. Multiple segment biodynamic models of load lifting are interesting because they utilize top-down measuring to determine the forces in action during a lift. Lifting is one of the major reasons behind injury in the workplace, so a model to identify key issues with this movement was significant to assist employees in avoiding risk, and creating protocol for how companies should train the lift task. The last of the dynamic models is the coplanar model for foot slip potential while pushing a cart. This model is significant because it introduces the coefficient of friction to determine foot slippage. This model seeks to determine the shearing and peak normal forces at the foot-floor contact …show more content…
The development of these models are directly related to the types of injury that consistently occur in the work place. Models such as low-back, lifting of heavy loads, lifting variable loads in different postures, and lifting a large object from the floor are all manual tasks that occur in occupational settings. When these models are thoroughly investigated, better workspaces can be developed to make work fit the employee, avoid awkward postures, and increase productivity. Other special models that exist include stability of the low back with respect to dynamic load lifting, and dynamic push- pull modeling of the low back. There is heavy significance placed on the study of the low back- it is a major reason many workers miss work, in highly manual settings. Carpal tunnel cases are ever present in the workplace, due to more occupations that require typing and sitting in front of the computer. For this case and tendinitis of the wrist, the biomechanical model of the wrist and hand was developed. The information obtained in this study can be applied to creating more ergonomic keyboards that promote longer time at work will reduced injury. Muscle strength is an area of interest because it is involved in every aspect of work, and thereby directly related to occupational safety. When considering muscle strength, the moment strength at each joint must be greater than the moments created due to the
Planar static biomechanical models are the first category of model discussed. Within this …show more content…
Single –segment dynamic biomechanical models describe pivot motion around the center of a joint and the inertial forces associated with this motion. The greater the velocity squared of the rotation about the center of rotation, the greater the centrifugal force is that is pulling away from the center. Multiple segment biodynamic models of load lifting are interesting because they utilize top-down measuring to determine the forces in action during a lift. Lifting is one of the major reasons behind injury in the workplace, so a model to identify key issues with this movement was significant to assist employees in avoiding risk, and creating protocol for how companies should train the lift task. The last of the dynamic models is the coplanar model for foot slip potential while pushing a cart. This model is significant because it introduces the coefficient of friction to determine foot slippage. This model seeks to determine the shearing and peak normal forces at the foot-floor contact …show more content…
The development of these models are directly related to the types of injury that consistently occur in the work place. Models such as low-back, lifting of heavy loads, lifting variable loads in different postures, and lifting a large object from the floor are all manual tasks that occur in occupational settings. When these models are thoroughly investigated, better workspaces can be developed to make work fit the employee, avoid awkward postures, and increase productivity. Other special models that exist include stability of the low back with respect to dynamic load lifting, and dynamic push- pull modeling of the low back. There is heavy significance placed on the study of the low back- it is a major reason many workers miss work, in highly manual settings. Carpal tunnel cases are ever present in the workplace, due to more occupations that require typing and sitting in front of the computer. For this case and tendinitis of the wrist, the biomechanical model of the wrist and hand was developed. The information obtained in this study can be applied to creating more ergonomic keyboards that promote longer time at work will reduced injury. Muscle strength is an area of interest because it is involved in every aspect of work, and thereby directly related to occupational safety. When considering muscle strength, the moment strength at each joint must be greater than the moments created due to the