Abstract

Extreme postures are a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly for the back. To prevent these MSDs, the intensity, frequency and duration of the hazardous situations must be better understood. The researchers will conduct a field validation of two methods for the objective measurement of trunk postures and movements developed in the IRSST’s biomechanics laboratory. Once the feasibility, validity and limitations of their use in an actual situation are known, workers’ exposure to stressful postures under various conditions can be evaluated. These methods can also be used to estimate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the use of such postures and to verify the validity of traditional MSD risk evaluation methods based on observation.