Research Project: Postural work exposure and ergonomics of riding school employees measured with a novel method using smart workwear

Project leader
Cecilia Lindahl, Jordbruk och trädgård RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB
Project Members
Åsa Bergman Bruhn
Farhad Abtahi, Enheten för funktion och teknologi Karolinska institutet
Karin Andersson, Avdelning Jordbruk och Livsmedel RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Mikael Forssman, Ergonomi KTH
Project Period
-
Project Status
Present
Description
The work in horse stables is commonly characterised by heavy and monotonous work, a low degree of mechanisation and often outdated and worn facilities, and studies have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints for employees at riding schools. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of a novel method using smart workwear to measure and quantitatively describe the postural exposure during the work with horses. By understanding the full-day postural exposure in relation to the physical work environment as well as the organisational and social work environment, measures to eliminate hazardous postural exposure can be identified and development of tools and equipment to improve the work with horses can be pushed forward. The over-all aim is to increase the knowledge of the postural exposure and related risk factors in the equine sector to be able to reduce hazardous exposure, which could decrease musculoskeletal symptoms and work-related sick leave.
Keywords
Research Profile
Other
Subject
Occupational Science
Financiers
Stiftelsen hästforskning