A model for musculoskeletal disorder-related fatigue in upper limb manipulation during industrial vegetables sorting

• Original investigation in terms of musculoskeletal disorder-related fatigue.
• Gathering conjoint classical and scientific analyses.
• Presenting an original optimizing scheme.
• Outlining adequacy of the process of re-evaluation in terms of risks and musculoskeletal disorder issues.

In the agro-industrial sector there are many activities whose urgent rhythms can cause a considerable exposure to bio-mechanical risk factors. In the vegetable sorting sector the workers are subject to a several biomechanical risks, with due to repetitive movements of upper limbs, and operations that require a remarkable degree of strength.Preventing the fatigue associated to repetitive movements of upper limbs means also prevent the risk of musculoskeletal disorders related to this kind of operations. A thorough study of the workers' exposure to repetitive manual movements has been carried out, with the aim of setting up the necessary measures to reduce the risk factors. This paper proposes an original model for assessing the musculoskeletal disorder-related fatigue resulting from vegetable sorting. The test of the model was carried out in a particular case and results plead in favor of the need of process re-evaluation in terms of risks and musculoskeletal disorder issues.Relevance to industryThis study proposes an original model for assessing musculoskeletal disorder-related fatigue resulting from vegetable sorting. It states the relevance of process re-evaluation in terms of risks and timing issues. Results can be used as guidelines to adapt workplaces and work tasks.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide