February 2024 Volume 6

FORGING RESEARCH

When comparing the number of joints marked as experiencing pain after a shift to the hours of repetitive actions the worker performs during a normal shift in Fig. 2 , there appears to be little correlation.

Not enough data on the type of tasks performed was reported to determine which tasks may incur the most strain or pain.

Fig. 2: Hours spent completing tasks requiring repetitive action per shift compared to the number of joints reported having pain or strain (see Fig 1.). Little correlation exists between the two variables: R2 = 0.0046, n = 18.

When asked how many hours each worker spends per shift in a bent, twisted, or awkward position, the majority of respondents reported spending less than one hour. However, three respondents reported

spending over three hours working in an awkward position, with one reporting spending about 7.5 hours in such a position, as seen in Fig. 3 .

Fig. 3: Reported hours each worker spent in a bent, twisted, or awkward position per shift. Average time spent is 1.5 hours, with most respondents reporting 0-1 hours per shift. n = 18

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2024 81