Optimal Mobile IT Location Based on Ergonomics

U.S. and Canadian electric utility companies are in the process of integrating mobile computers into their fleet vehicle cabs. The placement of the mobile computer in the vehicle cab could have a significant effect on biomechanical loading, performance, and subjective assessment. The objective of this research is to determine the best location to place a mobile computer in a truck cab. In this experiment, four locations of mobile computers in a truck cab were selected and tested in a laboratory study to determine how location affected muscle activity of the lower back and shoulders; joint angles of the shoulders, elbows, and wrist; user performance; and subjective assessment. Along with location, subject size and type of computer task were also considered in the analysis. Twenty-two participants were tested in this study. Placing the mobile computer closer to the steering wheel reduced the low back and shoulder muscle activity required to use the mobile computer. Joint angles of the shoulders, elbows and wrists were also closer to neutral angle. In general there were no practical differences in performance between the locations. Subjective assessment indicated that users preferred the mobile computer to be as close as possible to the steering wheel. It was also found that using the touchscreen required more muscle force and less neutral joint angles than the keyboard. Locating the mobile computer close to the steering wheel reduces risk of injuries such as low back pain and shoulder tendonitis. Also, mobile computer users prefer the location to be close to the steering wheel. Results from this study can guide electric utility companies in the installation of mobile computers into vehicle cabs. Results may also be generalized to other industries that use truck-like vehicles, such as construction

Biomechanical Effects of Mobile Computer Location in a Vehicle Cab

Objective: The objective of this research is to determine the best location to place a conventional mobile computer supported by a commercially available mount in a light truck cab. Background: U.S. and Canadian electric utility companies are in the process of integrating mobile computers into their fleet vehicle cabs. There are no publications on the effect of mobile computer location in a vehicle cab on biomechanical loading, performance, and subjective assessment. Method: The authors tested four locations of mobile computers in a light truck cab in a laboratory study to determine how location affected muscle activity of the lower back and shoulders; joint angles of the shoulders, elbows, and wrist; user performance; and subjective assessment. A total of 22 participants were tested in this study. Results: Placing the mobile computer closer to the steering wheel reduced low back and shoulder muscle activity. Joint angles of the shoulders, elbows, and wrists were also closer to neutral angle. Biomechanical modeling revealed substantially less spinal compression and trunk muscle force. In general, there were no practical differences in performance between the locations. Subjective assessment indicated that users preferred the mobile computer to be as close as possible to the steering wheel. Conclusion: Locating the mobile computer close to the steering wheel reduces risk of injuries, such as low back pain and shoulder tendonitis. Application: Results from the study can guide electric utility companies in the installation of mobile computers into vehicle cabs. Results may also be generalized to other industries that use trucklike vehicles, such as construction

Comparison of Anthropometry of U.S. Electric Utility Field-Workers With North American General Populations

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether conventional anthropometric databases of the U.S. general population are applicable to the population of U.S. electric utility field-workers. Background: On the basis of anecdotal observations, field-workers for electric power utilities were thought to be generally taller and larger than the general population. However, there were no anthropometric data available on this population, and it was not known whether the conventional anthropometric databases could be used to design for this population. Method: For this study, 3 standing and 11 sitting anthropometric measurements were taken from 187 male field-workers from three electric power utilities located in the upper Midwest of the United States and Southern California. The mean and percentile anthropometric data from field-workers were compared with seven well-known conventional anthropometric databases for North American males (United States, Canada, and Mexico). Results: In general, the male field-workers were taller and heavier than the people in the reference databases for U.S. males.The field-workers were up to 2.3 cm taller and 10 kg to 18 kg heavier than the averages of the reference databases. Conclusion: This study was justified, as it showed that the conventional anthropometric databases of the general population underestimated the size of electric utility field-workers, particularly with respect to weight. Application: When designing vehicles and tools for electric utility field-workers, designers and ergonomists should consider the population being designed for and the data from this study to maximize safety, minimize risk of injuries, and optimize performance