Postural data incorporated into traditional work measurement

Abstract

Research was conducted that culminated in the merging of the objectives of two tools: predetermined motion time systems and posture recording. This dissertation reports the development and testing of a computerized tool-the Work and Posture Analysis Sequence Technique (WAPAST)-used to collect methods, postural, and work measurement data. From the data collected, one can determine the method used to complete an activity by task identification, the time it takes to complete each task, as well as the time to complete an entire activity, and the postural considerations for each task and for the overall activity.

The tool is based on the Maynard Operations Sequence Technique (MOST) with some characteristics of the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). Criteria established were speed of completion, accuracy, and reliability. A validation study was conducted to assess the data collected with WAPAST against data collected with known, validated tools. The study was an experiment that had several subjects use WAPAST to analyze videotaped work activities while several other subjects used MOST or OW AS to analyze the same videotaped activities. The data collected with WAPAST were compared with the data collected with MOST and OWAS. The work measurement data collected with WAPAST were found to be both accurate and reliable, but the postural data were not. Times to cornplete applications were extensive. Recommendations are given for improving the tool, which include a different way of recording postural data and expanding the limitations of the tool.