Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Miguel Bastos, Sophomore John Kleber, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Miguel Bastos
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Elizabeth Blickensderfer
Abstract
Highly repetitive manual tasks such as those performed by a barista can put workers at risk of developing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). These disorders can cause both short-term and long-term pain for workers and come at high financial costs for employers. The purpose of this case study is the evaluation of potential risk associated with tasks performed by baristas and to provide recommendations for limiting the potential development of these disorders. This case study focused on a barista working in Texas. The subject is a 24-year-old female who has worked as a barista for over a year. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Hand Activity were used to assess the tasks of milk steaming (REBA) and the whisking of sweet cream (TLV): two activities the barista performs regularly. The ergonomics evaluations showed that the barista scored a six on the REBA and a five on the TLV. Both scores imply that the barista is in the hazardous zone for WMSDs, requiring interventions. Recommendations include wearing a back brace and rotating workstations throughout a shift. Implementing these solutions will reduce the chance of WMSDs.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Ergonomic Assessment of a Barista
Highly repetitive manual tasks such as those performed by a barista can put workers at risk of developing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). These disorders can cause both short-term and long-term pain for workers and come at high financial costs for employers. The purpose of this case study is the evaluation of potential risk associated with tasks performed by baristas and to provide recommendations for limiting the potential development of these disorders. This case study focused on a barista working in Texas. The subject is a 24-year-old female who has worked as a barista for over a year. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Hand Activity were used to assess the tasks of milk steaming (REBA) and the whisking of sweet cream (TLV): two activities the barista performs regularly. The ergonomics evaluations showed that the barista scored a six on the REBA and a five on the TLV. Both scores imply that the barista is in the hazardous zone for WMSDs, requiring interventions. Recommendations include wearing a back brace and rotating workstations throughout a shift. Implementing these solutions will reduce the chance of WMSDs.