ABSTRACT
Volvo Chair Professor Emeritus, Transportation Research & Injury Prevention Programme,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary field which combines physics, mechanical engineering, and life sciences to understand the relationship of physical forces to the functioning of the human body. A very important concept of biomechanics is that of human tolerance: there are quantifiable limits to the human’s ability to withstand physical forces without harm. If these limits are exceeded, reversible or irreversible injury will occur. Vehicles and equipment can be designed such that even if a vehicle is involved in a crash the resulting injuries are minimized or eliminated. Principles of ergonomics can be used to make equipment easier to use, more efficient, less tiring, and therefore safer.
