Effect of Seat dimensions on operator discomfort while operating Forklifts

Abstract

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the body discomfort sensed by the forklift operators in their operation with respect to seat dimensions and determine the discomfort level at various working shift intervals such as the start of the shift, morning break, before lunch, after lunch, afternoon break and end of the shift with the help of Corlett and Bishop’s method of body mapping. A total of 47 operators aged between 20-58 years, operating six types of forklifts in a heavy equipment manufacturing industry were selected for this study. The study reveals that, dimensions of the forklift seat are varies widely from the anthropometric recommended values and the results of discomfort study shows that, among the 47 forklift operators, high prevalence of discomfort existed in low back (91.5%) and low prevalence of discomfort in the upper back (14.9%). It varies from 38% to 60% in other body parts. The highest discomfort is seen in lower back and neck region. Discomfort increased as the shift time progressed and was the highest at the end of the shift. The operator’s characteristics like, age, height and weight also have significant influence on body discomfort sensed by the forklift operators.

Keywords:Discomfort, Forklift, Body mapping, MSDs

Cite this Article
Kuruva Gopanna, Sankaranarayanasamy
K. Effect of seat dimensions on operator
discomfort while operating forklifts.
Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering.
2017; 4(3): 24–36p.