Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Susan Nitch Senior Katrina Nelson Senior Avery Williamson Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Susan Nitch
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Aviation
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Ali Aljaroudi
Abstract
There are several factors playing a significant role in ergonomics, and these factors determine the health, safety, comfort, and efficient performance at a workplace. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common problem reported by aviation maintenance workers. The study presents assessments of working postures of aviation mechanics at ERAU fleet maintenance hangar in Daytona Beach, FL. Our research objective is to propose innovative engineering controls of ergonomic hazards associated with aviation maintenance work. The aviation mechanics are subjected to awkward postures like bending, twisting, heavy load carrying, etc. Evaluation of these postures was carried out using the ergonomic assessment tool, Rapid Entire Body Assessments (REBA). By assessing postural using the REBA tool, the score 9 placed it in a high-risk level. However, there are other factors contributing to the existence of MSDs such as prolong standing and repetitive movement. These parameters are not considered in the REBA analysis. Thus, implementing an innovative engineering control may prevent awkward postures to provide maximum comfort to aviation mechanics and consequently enhance their productivity.
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 Evaluation of Postural Assessment Among Aviation Maintenance Workers at ERAU
There are several factors playing a significant role in ergonomics, and these factors determine the health, safety, comfort, and efficient performance at a workplace. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common problem reported by aviation maintenance workers. The study presents assessments of working postures of aviation mechanics at ERAU fleet maintenance hangar in Daytona Beach, FL. Our research objective is to propose innovative engineering controls of ergonomic hazards associated with aviation maintenance work. The aviation mechanics are subjected to awkward postures like bending, twisting, heavy load carrying, etc. Evaluation of these postures was carried out using the ergonomic assessment tool, Rapid Entire Body Assessments (REBA). By assessing postural using the REBA tool, the score 9 placed it in a high-risk level. However, there are other factors contributing to the existence of MSDs such as prolong standing and repetitive movement. These parameters are not considered in the REBA analysis. Thus, implementing an innovative engineering control may prevent awkward postures to provide maximum comfort to aviation mechanics and consequently enhance their productivity.