Evaluation of Working Postures and Movements in Relation to Machinery

About one third of the workers in the European Union (EU) are involved in painful or tiring positions for more than half of their time at work, and close to 50% of the workers are exposed to repetitive hand or arm movements (Paoli & Merllié, 2001). Pain and fatigue may lead to musculoskeletal diseases, reduced productivity, and deteriorated posture and movement control. The latter can increase the risk of errors and may result in reduced quality and hazardous situations.