ABSTRACT
The human body is remarkably adaptable and capable of performance in a wide variety of environments
and circumstances. It cannot be said, however, that the body is capable of performing equally well under
all conditions. In fact, when faced with certain types of tasks or environmental demands, the body may
have to adapt using methods that result in substantial performance limitations. Such a phenomenon is
evident when workers must adopt unusual or restricted postures during performance of physically
demanding work tasks. For the purposes of this discussion, the term “unusual posture” will be con-
sidered as any working posture other than typical standing or sitting positions. The term “restricted
posture” designates postures that are forced upon workers due to restrictions in workspace.
