Ogunseiju, O; Olayiwola, J; Akanmu, A and Olatunji, O A (2022) Evaluation of postural-assist exoskeleton for manual material handling. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(3), pp. 1358-1375. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders constitute a severe problem in the construction industry. Workers' lower backs are often affected by heavy or repetitive lifting and prolonged awkward postures. Exoskeletal interventions are effective for tasks involving manual lifting and repetitive movements. This study aims to examine the potential of a postural-assist exoskeleton (a passive exoskeleton) for manual material handling tasks. Design/methodology/approach: From an experimental observation of participants, the effects of postural-assist exoskeleton on tasks and workers were measured. Associated benefits of the exoskeleton were assessed through task performance, range of motion and discomfort. Findings: Findings suggest that the exoskeleton influenced discomfort significantly, however range of motion decreased with lifting tasks. The reduced back flexion and increased hip flexion were also indicatives of the participants' responsiveness to the feedback from the exoskeleton. In addition, task completion time increased by 20%, and participants' back pain did not reduce. Research limitations/implications: The work tasks were performed in a controlled laboratory environment and only wearable inertia measurement units (IMUs) were used to assess the risk exposures of the body parts. Practical implications: This study opens a practical pathway to human-exoskeleton integration, artificial regeneration or enablement of impaired workforce and a window toward a new order of productivity scaling. Results from this study provide preliminary insights to designers and innovators on the influence of postural assist exoskeleton on construction work. Project stakeholders can be informed of the suitability of the postural assist exoskeletons for manual material handling tasks. Originality/value: Little has been reported on the benefits and impact of exoskeletons on tasks' physical demands and construction workers' performance. This study adds value to the existing literature, in particular by providing insights into the effectiveness and consequences of the postural-assist exoskeleton for manual material handling tasks.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction safety; experimental studies; technology |
| Index terms: | experiment, movement, laboratory, material handling, construction safety, suitability, exposure, back pain, project stakeholder, lifting, completion time, methodology, integration, window, designer, discomfort, productivity, scaling, construction industry, construction worker, effectiveness, construction work |
| Subjects: | organization, data collection methods, profession, practitioner, health behaviours and lifestyles, operations management, product delivery, research methods, public and environmental health, performance management, architectural elements, health risk and incident analysis, management, sociology, research management, organizational analysis, project controls, occupational health and safety management, environmental health, design criteria, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Design Practice, Time Control, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Project Management, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here