Ergonomic design using computer animation

Computer animation was used to evaluate and improve the ergonomics of an existing cut-up saw workstation in a poultry-processing plant. Based on ergonomics audits of different poultry processing facilities, the manual cut-up saw was identified as one of the workstations having a high incidence of cumulative trauma disorders. A high-end commercial animation software package was used to develop a tool that could be used to measure body joint angles during the performance of the workstation task. Three-dimensional CAD models of the workstation and workers were developed and imported into the animation software. After the data for the existing design was collected, and the computer model was verified, modifications were made in the workstation design using computer animation. The joint angles for the shoulders, elbows, and wrists were significantly improved by lowering the saw four inches, rotating the guide bar 20 degrees, and lowering the bag holder and shackle line. Joint forces and moments were determined to evaluate the proposed design modifications.