Evaluation of methods to assess push/pull forces in a construction task

M J Hoozemans, Allard J. Van Der Beek, M H Frings-Dresena, Henk F. Van der Molen

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    The objective of the present study was to determine the validity of methods to assess push/pull forces exerted in a construction task. Forces assessed using a hand-held digital force gauge were compared to those obtained using a highly accurate measuring frame. No significant differences were found between the methods, except for peak push forces, for which the forces assessed with the force gauge were significantly lower than those assessed with the measuring frame. When the construction task was reproduced close to the actual workplace by simulation against a fixed object using the force gauge, all exerted forces on the force gauge were significantly lower than those on the measuring frame, except for mean pull forces. When self-reports were compared to the exerted forces on the measuring frame, the construction workers overestimated the exerted push/pull forces by 50%. In conclusion, when applied for direct measurements, the force gauge can be used to validly assess push/pull forces at the workplace.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)509-16
    Number of pages8
    JournalApplied Ergonomics
    Volume32
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2001

    Keywords

    • Adult
    • Anthropometry
    • Humans
    • Isometric Contraction
    • Male
    • Muscle, Skeletal
    • Occupational Health
    • Posture
    • Reproducibility of Results
    • Task Performance and Analysis
    • Journal Article
    • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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