Biomechanics In Ergonomics

Safety or comfort? Can you truly have one without the other? Is it feasible to have both? Although by no means the only factor, a deep understanding of biomechanics plays a leading role in the design of work and workplaces that are both pain and injury free. Standing firmly on the foundation built by the previous edition, the second edition of Biom

Praise for previous editions of Occupational Biomechanics "This book is a valuable resource for any advanced ergonomist interested in physical ergonomics . . . provides valuable research information." -Ergonomics in Design "[This book] represents a distillation of the authors' combined years of experience in applying biomechanicsin various industries and work situations . . . I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of discipline, who is interested in understanding the many biomechanical factors which must be considered when trying to effectthe prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace." -Journal of Biomechanics "Impressive descriptions of biomechanical concepts and worksite considerations . . . based not only on mechanical and mathematical principles, but on solid anatomical and physiologic constructs . . . a very valuablereference source." -Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology THE DEFINITIVE TEXT ON DESIGNING FOR THE DEMANDS OF TODAY'S WORKPLACE With critical applications in manufacturing, transportation, defense, security, environmental safety and occupational health, and other industries, the field of occupational biomechanics is more central to industrial design than ever before. This latest edition of the popular and widely adopted Occupational Biomechanics provides the foundations and tools to assemble and evaluate biomechanical processes as they apply to today's changing industries, with emphasis on improving overall work efficiency and preventing work-related injuries. The book expertly weaves engineering and medical information from diverse sources and provides a coherent treatment of the biomechanical principles underlying the well-designed and ergonomically sound workplace. NEW TO THIS THOROUGHLY REVISED AND UPDATED FOURTH EDITION: * 150 new references and many new illustrations * Major changes within each chapter that reflect recent and significant findings * Recent research in musculoskeletal disorders * New measurement techniques for biomechanical parameters and numerous international initiatives on the subject Presented in an easy-to-understand manner and supported by over 200 illustrations and numerous examples, Occupational Biomechanics, Fourth Edition remains the premier one-stop reference for students and professionals in the areas of industrial engineering, product and process design, medicine, and occupational health and safety.

Two important goals of ergonomics are the comfort, and the health and safety of workers. In many ways these are mutually compatible, for where health and safety is jeopardized, the discomfort results. Most work-related injuries can be viewed as biochemical damage to a tissue or organ; ultimately all injuries are sustained by tissues. Writte

Shows how to apply ergonomics to manufacturing and service industries for increased productivity and reduced on-the-job hazards. Professionals concerned with the health, welfare, and performance of workers will learn the mechanics of the body for a priori design of work situations without having to resort to lengthy experimentation. This ``human engineering'' concept helps prevent occupational accidents, diseases and low levels of productivity which are often caused by the inadvertent neglect of basic biomechanical principles in the design of equipment or workplace layout.

The repetitive tasks of various forms of manual work can lead to cumulative trauma disorders, increasing staff burn-out rates and the number of sick-days taken by employees. In addition, interest in upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders has grown as the service sector has claimed a larger share of the workforce. These factors introduce the need for an up-to-date text that combines basic biomechanics with practical bioengineering issues. Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: Mechanics, Modeling, and Musculoskeletal Injuries is an engineering oriented book focusing on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, as opposed to the more general introductions to cumulative trauma disorders and medical management related books. It covers musculoskeletal components of the upper extremities, their models, and the measurement and prediction of injury potential. Students and professionals will find it provides an excellent basic grounding in the subject. Topics include: A basic introduction to biomechanical principles Gross structure of the musculoskeletal system, including bone and soft tissue Organization of muscles and muscle anatomy, types of fibers, contractile theories, and muscle receptors Modeling of muscle mechanics Models of the upper limbs Types of musculoskeletal disorders and the scientific evidence for risk factors, as well as epidemiology Instrumentation for motion, pressure, force and nerve conduction measurements, and electromyography Job and worksite analysis Hand tools Office environment seating and computer devices

There is already a wealth of literature covering cumulative trauma disorders and medical management, as well as the biomechanics of manual material handling and lower back problems. However, despite a spike in the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in the upper limbs—due to a sharp increase in the amount of computer-related jobs—few if any books have focused exclusively on WRMSDs, until now. Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: Mechanics, Modeling and Musculoskeletal Injuries, Second Edition offers vital information and tools to improve analysis of external forces and their effects on the human body. This can help ergonomists better understand job stressors and the role they play in the development of disorders, enabling them to modify the work environment and educate practitioners to better control harmful situations. Using the author’s medical and engineering expertise to distill essential subject matter and useful technical data, this comprehensive text explores: Biomechanics of the upper limbs and the motor control system The structure and physiology of the human musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems Recent research findings and solutions to various ergonomic problems Models of various components of the neuromuscular systems, as well as larger systems in the upper limbs Risk factors for disorders and tools used to identify their causes Designed as a textbook for a typical semester-long graduate-level engineering or kinesiology course, this book includes a link to an ancillary website that offers materials such as PowerPoint® slides, sample exams, and an instructor's manual with complete solutions. It also serves as a practical, up-to-date, engineering-oriented resource for researchers, industrial ergonomists, industrial hygienists, and medical professionals who require supplementary material.

There is now widespread recognition that psychosocial factors play a key role in the aetiology, perpetuation, management and prevention of cumulative trauma disorders CTDs. This text addresses the strength, direction and importance of links between psychosocial factors and CTDs.; The book's contributors examine critically current research data, identify potential link mechanisms, and recommend measures for control and prevention. Topics covered include socio-organizational psychology, medical anthropology, occupational medicine, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, job stress and ergonomic interventions. The book aims to demystify the concept of the "psychosocial", so as to promote and assure effective prevention in the workplace.