A three-dimensional shoulder protector based on ergonomics for workers
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 8 February 2021
Issue publication date: 14 December 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The use of shoulder protectors is strongly recommended when carrying objects on the shoulder to ensure the health and safety of workers. Thus, this study aimed to develop and verify an ergonomic shoulder protector that considers human body shape and carrying posture from an ergonomic perspective. Ultimately, this study will present a shoulder protector with enhanced fit and safety for carrying workers at construction sites.
Design/methodology/approach
The shoulder protector was designed and printed using three-dimensional printing technology with variable side neck points and shoulder point heights to reflect the human body's shoulder line shape and to position the carried object stably on the shoulder. The developed shoulder protectors were evaluated in terms of their fit according to the work posture of the carrier, adherence upon motion and durability through structural analysis.
Findings
The design of the shoulder protector for carrying workers followed the shoulder line. It is best placed above the side neck point by 1.0 cm and above the shoulder point by 2.0 cm. Its length is slightly shorter than the human shoulder for superior fit and safety.
Originality/value
The final shoulder protector (FSP) for carrying workers reflects the body curvature while enhancing fit and safety by considering activity and protective factors. As functional studies and evaluations on the need for protectors are scarce, this study provides fundamental data in the evaluation of protective gears.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government(MSIP) (No. 2016R1A2B4015331).
Citation
Eom, R.-i. and Lee, Y. (2021), "A three-dimensional shoulder protector based on ergonomics for workers", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 33 No. 6, pp. 900-913. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-04-2020-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited