Abstract

The exact causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are still not completely known. Some people believe that they may have a mechanical origin, resulting either from a sudden overload that exceeds the capacities of the tissues, or from a repeated load that causes weakness over the long term. However, little information exists on the relationship between exposure to mechanical loads and MSDs due to the difficulty in finding appropriate measuring instruments. This project therefore aims specifically to develop a device capable of quantifying workers’ trunk postures and displacements during their prolonged tasks in an actual situation. Essential to subsequent research projects, this measuring instrument and those that will follow will provide a better understanding of the causes of MSDs, improve the efficiency of workplace interventions, and thus better specify the prevention procedures.