The effect of vibration on psychophysically derived work frequencies for a riveting task

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine maximum acceptable task frequencies (MAF) for males performing a simulated riveting task at different wrist postures and applied force levels using an operational rivet gun. Twelve healthy males from a university population served as subjects. Results indicated that MAF decreased significantly with a deviation in wrist posture and an increase in applied force. These results were supported by various physiological variables and ratings of perceived exertion. It was also determined that decrements in MAF due to vibration were 36% while decrements due to wrist posture were 19%. This would indicate that vibration, as a risk factor in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, is of more concern than wrist posture. Implication of the findings are discussed in the body of the paper. Relevance to industry Ergonomic intervention may decrease the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders thus reducing workers compensation costs and lost productivity of the worker.