3D Static Strength Prediction Program™
Features
Download
The Center for Ergonomics at the University of Michigan College of Engineering has developed programs for analyzing manual materials-handling tasks. These programs are in use at over 2000 U.S. and international sites by ergonomists, engineers, loss-control specialists, physical and occupational therapists, researchers, and others who evaluate and design jobs.
3D SSPP software predicts static strength requirements for tasks such as lifts, presses, pushes, and pulls. The program provides an approximate job simulation that includes posture data, force parameters and male/ female anthropometry. Output includes the percentage of men and women who have the strength to perform the described job, spinal compression forces, and data comparisons to NIOSH guidelines. The user can analyze torso twists and bends and make complex hand force entries. Analysis is aided by an automatic posture generation feature and three dimensional human graphic illustrations.
How can 3D SSPP help you?
3D SSPP can be used as an aid in the evaluation of the physical demands of a prescribed job. Furthermore, the 3D SSPP can aid the analyst in evaluating proposed workplace designs and redesigns prior to the actual construction or reconstruction of the workplace or task. The program is applicable to worker motions in three dimensional space. 3D SSPP is most useful in the analysis of the "slow" movements used in heavy materials handling tasks since the biomechanical computations assume that the effects of acceleration and momentum are negligible. Such tasks can be evaluated best by breaking the activity down into a sequence of static postures and analyzing each individual posture. The 3D SSPP assumes the analyst understands the application of the NIOSH design and upper limit criteria for strength and disc compression forces (refer to Appendix III for details). The program should not be used as the sole determinant of worker strength performance or job designs based on that performance. Other criteria and professional judgement are required to properly design a safe and productive job.
Is training available?
Workshops are offered periodically through the Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering at the University of Michigan. Open enrollment courses are planned each year: Using the 3D Static Strength Prediction Program. Future courses details will be posted when available. In addition special courses can be arranged for your group either at the University or on site.
Center for Ergonomics, University of Michigan
1205 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor
MI 48109-2117, USA
Phone: +1 734 763 2243, Fax: +1 734 764 3451
Last updated March 22, 2008 by the webmaster
Copyright ©2008 by the Regents of the University of Michigan