Ergonomic evaluation and redesign of a makeshift vehicle repairing cart

BackgroundTraditional vehicle-repairing carts in India present ergonomic challenges and occupational health and safety issues. Operators experience discomfort and strain due to difficulties in pushing the cart over long distances and in organising tools and setting up workstations.ObjectivesTo redesign the makeshift vehicle repairing cart by incorporating ergonomic principles and relevant anthropometric data of target users, aiming to reduce physical fatigue and improve usability.MethodsErgonomic evaluations were conducted to identify areas of discomfort, focussing on body parts affected. The operators expressed postural discomfort in different parts of the body like the lower back, neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist, ankle, and foot.ResultsResearchers made recommendations for the proper layout of the tools, provision for manipulating the vehicle in a better manner with ergonomically designed handles, and provision of a modular workstation detachable from the main unit. Accordingly, three concept prototypes were suggested.ConclusionThe manufacturer adopted all three concepts in principle for the new design to improve ergonomics and design of cart for user comfort.