PROJECT ERGON

Project Ergon aims at minimizing the ergonomic risks to construction workers using smartphone sensors and machine learning models.

What is ergonomics?

• Ergonomics is the the science of designing a job to fit the workers’ physical capabilities, rather than imposing the job on a worker's body.

What is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?

• MSDs are a group of disorders or injuries in a person's inner body parts (e.g. muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilages, and spinal discs).
• Construction jobs are among the most ergonomically hazardous occupations which involve activities such as manual handling, heavy lifting, body twisting, and frequently working in awkward positions, all being potential causes of MSDs.

What does project Ergon deal with?

1. Awkward posture

An awkward posture occurs if a person is not in his/her natural posture. Performing an activity in an awkward posture repetitively and/or for a long time can cause MSDs.

Demo: (Watch the full video)

Go to the 'awkward-posture' folder for more details.

2. Overexertion

Overexertion occurs if a person applies too much force to perform an activty. Performing an overexerted activity for a long time and/or very frequently can cause MSDs.

Demo: (Watch the full video)

Go to the 'overexertion' folder for more details.

Publications related to Project Ergon

Note: Please cite these articles if you use the dataset, model or method(s), or find the articles useful in your research. Thank you!

• Nath, N. D., Akhavian, R., & Behzadan, A. H. (2017). Ergonomic analysis of construction worker's body postures using wearable mobile sensors. Applied ergonomics, 62, 107-117. (Read from here)

• Nath, N. D., Chaspari, T., & Behzadan, A. H. (2018). Automated ergonomic risk monitoring using body-mounted sensors and machine learning. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 38, 514-526. (Read from here)

• Nath, N. D., & Behzadan, A. H. (2017). Construction productivity and ergonomic assessment using mobile sensors and machine learning. In Computing in Civil Engineering 2017 (pp. 434-441). (Read from here)

• Nath, N. D. (2017). Construction ergonomic risk and productivity assessment using mobile technology and machine learning. Technology and Construction Management, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO. (Read from here)