Precision Ergonomics

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort has both physical and mental health consequences. MSDs can generate work dissatisfaction and conflicting 'presenteeism' and 'absenteeism' while MSIs create isolation, despair, and financial and identity stresses. New ideas on ergonomic controls are key to limiting these health concerns. 'Precision ergonomics' may be just such an idea.

Precision ergonomics could measure relevant biological signals from a worker in real time and use those signals to dynamically modify work environment, work flow, and behaviour cues in a manual materials handling task to match musculoskeletal loading to health state. Relevant measures might include peripheral and central fatigue, visual attention, cortical activity, muscle activity, whole body and segmental postures, and more.