Analysis of Ergonomic Risks Based on Physical and Postural Characteristics in the Food Industry
Journal
Lecture Notes in Computer Science
HCI International 2025 – Late Breaking Papers
ISSN
0302-9743
1611-3349
Date Issued
2026
Type
Resource Types::text::conference output::conference paper not in proceedings
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading causes of occupational disability worldwide, affecting workers across various industries, particularly in the food industry. These disorders are caused by factors such as improper postures, repetitive movements, and manual handling of loads. Despite efforts to mitigate these risks, ergonomic assessment in many work environments remains insufficient, as it is often limited to posture observation and does not include precise anthropometric measurements. This study aims to integrate anthropometric measurements with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method for a more accurate and personalized evaluation of ergonomic risks in the food industry. Through a quantitative approach, anthropometric measurements of workers in a food production plant were analyzed and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method was applied to assess working postures. The data obtained were statistically analyzed to identify correlations between the physical characteristics of employees and musculoskeletal discomfort. The results showed a significant correlation between anthropometric dimensions, such as elbow height and functional reach, with discomfort in areas such as the elbow, knees, and lower back. These findings emphasize the need to adapt workstations to the physical characteristics of employees to prevent injuries. The integration of anthropometric measurements and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method provides a more accurate tool for assessing ergonomic risks and designing personalized interventions that improve occupational health and productivity in the food industry. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.