Aviation Deicing Workers, Global Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries Publisher



Nadeau S¹ ; Salmanzadeh H² ; Ahmadi M³ ; Landau K^{1, 4}
Source: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics Published:2019

Abstract

Deicing technicians working from open baskets are exposed to ergonomic risks and fatigue. This study aims to assess the global risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) for this type of activity. An ergonomic study was conducted with the workers of a Canadian airport deicing operator during the winter of 2016–2017. Video recordings made it possible to observe the activities during the most intensive work shifts, as well as characterise and quantify (frequency and duration) the movements/postures of twelve human subjects. The resulting risk assessment identified the body structures submitted to exertion, analysed the efforts involved and globally assessed the forces exerted on the spine and upper limbs. This global risk assessment leads to the conclusion that the risks to the upper limbs are preoccupying and must be examined further. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.