Biomechanics Commons^™

Evaluating The Similarity In Postures Between Forklift Operators In Virtual Reality And The Workplace, Youngmin Jun

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Forklift operators must adopt awkward postures in order to gain appropriate lines of sight; these postures are associated with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders such as low back pain and neck pain. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the similarity in postures between forklift operators in virtual reality simulation of forklift loading and unloading operations and a corresponding real world workplace. This evaluation will help determine whether the virtual reality system is a useful tool for performing controlled laboratory-based investigations of ergonomics issues in heavy mobile machinery. One certified forklift operator and one uncertified individual performed two cycles of …