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Ergonomics International Journal Research Article 9 min read

The Niosh Method Analysis Model Uses Digital Human Modeling

Swamardika IBA*, Sudiarta PK and Sudarma M
* Corresponding author
ISSN: 2577-2953  10.23880/eoij-16000298  Received: October 13, 2022  Published: November 18, 2022
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 11 references
 13 figures
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Keywords
DHM Posture Niosh Work analysis software
Abstract

Niosh method is used to obtain Lifting Index (LI) for single task and Composite Lifting Index (CLI) for multi-task work. Getting the value of the Niosh variable as well as getting the results of the analysis requires people to do the work. In this research, Digital Human Modeling (DHM) Tecnomatix Jack is used as a simulator to get Niosh variables and software development using PHP programming language to get LI or CLI results. The result is that DHM can help get the Niosh variable even though the work station has not been created because it can be done by simulation. Software is tested by black box testing and the results are valid.

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have developed estimates of the burden of occupational diseases and injuries [1]. Diseases due to incorrect work posture include MSD [2]. Analysis methods related to occupational risks include: NIOSH, RULA, OWAS, REBA [3]. A work risk analysis method is needed that can be determined preventively so that work-related risks can be avoided. NIOSH (National for Occupational Safety and Health) is an institution that handles matters related to occupational safety and health issues in the United States [4]. The NIOSH lifting equation is a method for evaluating the risk of back injury with two-handed lifting activities and recommending solutions for identified hazards [5]. NIOSH is an institution that issues a Recommended Conceptual Paper Weight Limit (RWL), which is a recommendation for a load limit that can be lifted by humans without causing injury even though the work is done repetitively and over a long period of time [6]. After the RWL value is known, the next step is to calculate the Lifting Index value, to find out the lifting index that does not contain the risk of spinal cord injury. If the LI is less or equal to 1, then the activity does not carry the risk of spinal cord injury. If the LI is more than 1, then the activity carries a risk of spinal injury [6]. To get the value of the Niosh variable requires a work simulation on an existing workstation. For this reason, a method is needed so that the analysis can be carried out in a preventive manner. It is important for workers to know before working.

Digital Human Modeling is a technology of how to simulate a virtual human [7]. Currently, DHM is able to simulate work processes such as features in the Tecnomatix Jack software version 9 on the task simulation builder (TSB) menu [8]. TSB is able to make work process simulations. Created software using the PHP programming language with the Laravel framework to calculate the Lifting Index for single task work and Composite Lifting Index for Multi Task work.

A work analysis method is needed using the Niosh method related to the Lifting Index which can be applied preventively. A simulator is needed that can simulate the work process preventively so that the work station design can be done repeatedly until optimal conditions can be obtained. Preventive work risk analysis methods can avoid work-related risks because before working workers already know the risks that may occur. Digital Human Modeling and software development are needed that can solve these problems.

Objectives

The objective of this research is to solve the problem of how to get the Niosh variable if the work station has not been created. The use of DHM will be tested to get the Niosh variable. The data will be processed using software made using the PHP programming language.

Literature Review

Occupational injury prevention research in NIOSH, this paper provides a brief summary of the current strategic objectives, activities, and impacts of the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) occupational injury research program. Three key drivers (injury database, stakeholder input, and staff capacity) were used to define the focus of NIOSH’s research to maximize the relevance and impact of NIOSH’s injury prevention research program [6]. In the paper Improving the risk assessment capability of the revised NIOSH lifting equation by incorporating personal characteristics, calculating risk using the Niosh method with manual calculations [9]. The interpretation of the calculated result of the revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) has been problematic because the relationship of the calculated result to back injury risk has not always been either well understood or consistently interpreted. During the revision of the ISO standard 11228–1 (Manual lifting, lowering and carrying), an extensive literature review was conducted on validation studies of the RNLE [10]. In the journal that discusses the Niosh method, there is no method to get the Niosh variable in a simulation. So, it is necessary to do research related to the Niosh analysis model using tools to make it easier to get variables and their analysis.

Methods

DHM Tecnomatic Jack version 9 is used to model and simulate work processes at work stations. From the work process, the variables needed by Niosh can be obtained. The data obtained is processed using software made using the PHP programming language. The test is carried out on workers who move boxes using a conveyor on single task work and workers who move boxes to valet on multitask workers. Software tested by black box testing method

Data Collection

In this study, anthropometric data were obtained from https://antropometriindonesia.org [11] using the average data for males aged 16 to 47 years.

Results and Discussion

The software display is shown in Figure 1 which can be accessed at https://kerjadinamis.web.id. To be able to calculate work risk using the Niosh method, login with the username niosh@kerjadinamis.web.id with the password 123456. After logging in, you can choose whether to perform calculations for single task or multi-task. By entering the variables on the display the software can calculate the Lifting Index for single task jobs and calculate the composite lifting index for multi task jobs (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Software can calculate the Lifting Index for single task jobs and calculate the composite lifting index for multi task jobs.
Click to enlarge
Figure 1: Software can calculate the Lifting Index for single task jobs and calculate the composite lifting index for multi task jobs.

In Digital Human Modeling Tecnomatix Jack, it begins by entering human data that will perform the work on the simulation as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: User Anthropometry.
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Figure 2: User Anthropometry.

The process is continued by making simulations, where in this study for single task work is the work process of moving boxes from one conveyor to another with different heights as shown in Figure 3 for single task work and Figure 4 moving boxes from conveyor to valet for multi task work (Figures 3 & 4).

Figure 3: Single task job simulation.
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Figure 3: Single task job simulation.
Figure 4: Simulation of Working with Computers on TSB Menu.
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Figure 4: Simulation of Working with Computers on TSB Menu.

From the simulation shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the value of the niosh variable can be obtained using the ruler in TSB. The value of the variable height, distance to the load, etc. can be obtained from the simulation results.

Calculations on a single task job on the software are shown in Figure 6 to include variables. Figure 5 to calculate RWL and Figure 7 to get the LI (Figures 5-7).

Figure 5: Job Variable.
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Figure 5: Job Variable.
Figure 6: RWL Calculation.
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Figure 6: RWL Calculation.
Figure 7: Lifting Index Calculation.
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Figure 7: Lifting Index Calculation.

Figure 8 shows the variables entered in multi-task work. Then in Figure 9 calculates the multiflier component that will affect the number of boxes that are moved in different positions and Figure 10 shows the results of the calculation of the composite lifting index.

Figure 8: Job Variable for CLI.
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Figure 8: Job Variable for CLI.
Figure 9: Multiflier.
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Figure 9: Multiflier.
Figure 10: Composite Lifting Index.
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Figure 10: Composite Lifting Index.

The comparison of the calculation results for a single task using excel software is shown in Figure 11

Figure 11: LI Calculation with Excel Program.
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Figure 11: LI Calculation with Excel Program.

Figure 7 shows the LI calculation using the software made and Figure 11 the LI calculation using the excel software shows the same results.

It was continued by testing the results of the CLI calculations using excel software calculations and using the software created. Figure 12 shows the results of the CLI calculation using the excel program.

Figure 12: CLI Calculation with Excel Program.
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Figure 12: CLI Calculation with Excel Program.

The results of the CLI calculations using the excel program and the program created show the same results (Figure 13).

Figure 13: Process diagram.
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Figure 13: Process diagram.

The analysis process diagram of the Niosh Method with DHM is shown in Figure 13. The validity of the Digital Human

Modeling Tecnomatix Jack to get the Niosh variable from the modeling process, the simulation was tested using the Black Box Testing Method. The same thing is done to test the validity of the software made. The test includes the process of logging into the https://kerjadinamis.web.id domain, the login process, and the process of getting the Lifting Index (LI) for single tasks and the Composite Lifting Index (CLI) for multi-tasking tested using the Black box testing method. The results obtained from the tests carried out stated that DHM and the software made obtained the expected results.

The results of the Black Box Testing test are shown in Table 1. By using DHM and software, an ergonomic analysis of the work process can be analyzed more quickly and accurately. Errors in the design of the work station in a simulation can be identified so that repairs to the work station can be carried out in a preventive manner so that the risks due to work can be avoided. Work station design can be repeated with the simulator until optimal results are obtained. Tecnomatix Jack’s Digital Simulator can simulate workers according to their anthropometry. Anthropometry can be obtained from Jack’s tecnomatix data or from secondary data such as those found at https:// antropometriindonesia.org or it can also be carried out by direct measurements with an anthropometer. The resulting model can be simulated using the task simulation builder menu. The simulation results can determine the required niosh variable so that the risk calculation of the lifting index or composite lifting index can be carried out according to the NIOSH method using the software created. This method can be done preventively before the actual work station is made.

User Acceptance Test DocumentDoc No: I
Niosh Method Using Digital Human ModelingTester: Software Developer
Test Items: Niosh Models with DHM
Test
ID		Input MenuTest Results
Test
description		Testing ProcedureInput DataExpected
output		Results
obtained		ReceivedRejected
I. DHM
1.1Modeling
on the
Tecnomatix
Jack		1. Human modeling
2.0bject model reaction 3.
Environmental modeling		I. Human anthropometric
data		Human
Model, object,
environment		Human
Model, object,
environment		Received
2. Modeling conveyor and
valet
3.The environment
1.2Work
simulation
process		1. TSB menu1.Creatinga work process
2.Gettingthe Niosh		Niosh
variable		Niosh
variable		Received
2. Make a simulation 3.Get
the niosh. Variable
2. Login Page
2.1Login Pagel. https://kerjadinamis.
web.id		1.https://kerjadinamis.web.
id		Web PageWeb PageReceived
2.2Loginl. https://kerjadinamis.
web.id		1. Username: niosh@
kerjadinamis.web.
2.Password : l23456		Niosh pageNiosh pageReceived
2. Select login
3. Niosh Analysis for Single Task
Variable
Value		Variable JobsLC, HM, VM, DM, AM, FM,
CM		Variable DataVariable DataReceived
3.2RWLMultiplying data variablesEnter variable valueRWIRWIReceived
3.3LIweight of load divided by
RWL		1. Load weightLILIReceived
2. RWL
4. Niosh Analysis for Multiple Tasks
4.1Variable
Value		Measuring and Recording
Job Variables		LC, HM, VM, DM, AM, FM,
CM		Variable DataVariable DataReceived
4.2Calculating
Multiplier
from FIRWL,
STRWL. FILI ,
STLI		Enter a variable to
calculate the Multiplier of
FIRWL, STRWL. FILI , STLI		LC, HM, VM, DM, AM, FM,
CM, FIRWL, STRWL, FM,		job order
number, the
value of each
data		job order
number , the
value of each
data		Received
FILI=L/ FIRWL, STLI=L/
STRWL.
4.3CLICalculate using the CLI
rumus formula		Enter a variable to calculate
the CLI		CLICLIReceived

Table 1: Black Box Testing DHM and Software made.

Conclusion

  • The use of DHM can be used to find the value of the Niosh variable. Because it is in the form of a simulation, it is easy to make design changes and can be done preventively.
  • The work risk calculation software using the Niosh method is placed at https://kerjadinamis.web.id and can show the results of the Lifting Index calculation for single tasks and the Composite Lifting Index for multi task work.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Siemens Software Industries for providing a free license for the tecnomatix jack ver.9 software to the Faculty of Engineering, Udayana University which was used as Digital Human Modeling software in this research. Thank you LPPM Unud for facilitating research at Udayana University.

References

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  2. Sekkay F, DanielImbeau, Dubéa P, Chinniah Y, Marcellis- Warina N, et al. (2021) Assessment of Physical Work Demands of Long-Distance Industrial Gas Delivery Truck Drivers. Appl Ergon 90: 103224.
  3. McAtamney L, Corlett EN (1993) RULA: A Survey Method for the Investigation of Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders. Appl Ergon 24(2): 91-99.
  4. Iskandar MZ, Iqbal M (2019) Analisis Efektifitas Kerja Pengangkatan Beban Pada Bagian Pengantongan Di Pt. Pupuk Krueng Geukuh. Ind Eng J 8: 2.
  5. Cahyawati AN (2018) Analisis Manual Material Handling Pada Pengangkatan Batu Bata Dengan Metode Lifting Index. Semin Nas Teknol dan Rekayasa.
  6. Hsiao H, Stout N (2010) Occupational Injury Prevention Research in NIOSH. 1st(Edn.), Saf Health Work 1(2): 107- 111.
  7. Duffy VG (2016) Handbook of Digital Human Modeling. 1st(Edn.),Technology & Engineering, CRC Press, America.
  8. SPLM (2017) TSB User’s Guide. Siemens PLM.
  9. Barim MS, Sesek RF, Capanoglu MF, Drinkaus P, Schall MC, et al. (2019) Improving The Risk Assessment Capability of the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation by Incorporating Personal Characteristics. Appl Ergon 74: 67-73.
  10. Fox RR, Lu ML, Occhipinti E, Drinkaus P, Jaeger M (2019) Understanding outcome metrics of the revised NIOSH lifting equation. Appl Ergon 81: 102897.
  11. Indonesia PE, The Largest Antropometri Data in Indonesia, PEI.
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BibTeX
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@article{swamardika2022,
  title   = {The Niosh Method Analysis Model Uses Digital Human Modeling},
  author  = {Swamardika IBA, Sudiarta PK and Sudarma M},
  journal = {Ergonomics International Journal},
  year    = {2022},
  volume  = {6},
  number  = {6},
  doi     = {10.23880/eoij-16000298}
}
Swamardika IBA, Sudiarta PK and Sudarma M (2022). The Niosh Method Analysis Model Uses Digital Human Modeling. Ergonomics International Journal, 6(6). https://doi.org/10.23880/eoij-16000298
TY  - JOUR
TI  - The Niosh Method Analysis Model Uses Digital Human Modeling
AU  - Swamardika IBA, Sudiarta PK and Sudarma M
JO  - Ergonomics International Journal
PY  - 2022
VL  - 6
IS  - 6
DO  - 10.23880/eoij-16000298
ER  -