Using digital human modeling to evaluate large scale retailers’ furniture: Two case studies

The huge number of workers affected by musculoskeletal diseases and disorders demonstrates that prevention in working environment is an important issue. Large scale retail trade involves lots of workers, with a multiplicity of tasks and activities. The working tasks and environment condition the onset of these diseases. Digital Human Modeling (DHM) can support the design of the working environment, thus to avoid the risks of work-related musculoskeletal diseases and disorders (WRMSD). The aim of this study was to analyze and assess existing furniture by using DHM to evaluate the risk of developing WRMSD among supermarket clerks and cashiers. Two case studies are specifically presented. Assessment was realized in terms of reaching maps comparing different genders and height/weight percentiles. Preliminary findings suggested the use of dedicated guidelines to choose and set-up furniture in these specific applications, underling the variety of issues present in the large-scale retail trade.