ErgoSAM: A preproduction risk identification tool

Abstract

Simulating work in a workstation with computer manikins is for many companies too expensive to acquire and master. An alternative method to detect high musculoskeletal loads early in the planning process is ErgoSAM. This article describes the users' and potential users' view of ErgoSAM and the suggestions of possible and desired improvements. Some improvements were introduced in a new version of ErgoSAM and validated at Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden. The new version demonstrates improved capacity to predict the occurrence of high loads on the operator when performing an assembly task, described in the MTM method SAM and in an assembly environment. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 309–325, 2005.