An Innovative Approach for Assessing the Ergonomic Risks of Lifting Tasks Using a Video Motion Capture System

Low back pain (LBP) and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can lead to employee absenteeism, sick leave, and permanent disability. Over the years, much work has been done in examining physical exposure to ergonomic risks. The current research presents a new approach for assessing WMSD risk during lifting related tasks that combines traditional observational methods with video recording methods. One particular application area, the Future Combat System Medical Evacuation Vehicle (FCS MV-E) mockup, was chosen to illustrate the use of a two dimensional motion capture system. Combat medics (MOS 91W) who perform casualty evacuation under stressful battlefield conditions may be at risk for musculoskeletal injuries, which would reduce their ability to perform their job. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of video motion technology for posture analysis of team lifting and loading tasks. The results contribute to a determination of whether combat medics are at risk for WMSD due to awkward postures involved in the evacuation of litter casualties. Based on lessons learned from the current study, recommendations are offered to guide further research in motion analysis of manual material handling tasks. The original document contains color images.