New Technologies in Ergonomics: The HADA System
Explore the impact of new technologies on occupational ergonomics in Portugal. Discover the HADA system, an innovative tool for analysing and optimising workstations, ensuring the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and compliance with the Portuguese Labour Code.
· 10 minutos · Segurança no Trabalho
The quest to represent movement and recreate reality has been a constant throughout human history. From cave paintings that attempted to capture the essence of reality in a dynamic way, to the most recent technological advances, human curiosity has shaped how we perceive and interact with the world.
Historically, humans have developed various mechanisms to replicate movement. The zoetrope, the zoopraxiscope and, later, cinema are notable examples. In 1937, Walt Disney began experimenting with rotoscoping to animate "Snow White", marking a turning point. With the advent of 3D animation in the entertainment industry, more flexible and precise techniques emerged for capturing human movement.
In recent years, technologies such as motion capture (MoCap) have become capable of recording the real movement of a person and generating a three-dimensional recreation. This innovation has transformed cinema and video games, bringing unprecedented realism to virtual characters.
It is precisely this ability to reproduce human movements with high precision that allows these technologies to be applied in various fields, such as sports medicine and, crucially, ergonomics.
The Ergonomic Revolution with Motion Capture
Considering that the main objective of ergonomics is to "adapt the work to the capabilities and possibilities of the human being", the integration of technologies that allow for the rigorous understanding and analysis of the musculoskeletal, biomechanical and biometric behaviour of workers during occupational tasks represents a spectacular step forward. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of occupational safety and health, enshrined in the Portuguese Labour Code, which aims to protect the worker.
The HADA System: A Quirónprevención Innovation
Quirónprevención, in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza, has developed the HADA system (Herramienta de Análisis y Diseño Asistido), a powerful digital tool that allows for an objective and precise analysis of the physical demands of any workstation, whether existing or in the design phase. This tool facilitates the adaptation of the physical requirements of the workstation to the capabilities of its users, a fundamental pillar of preventive ergonomics.
How Does the HADA System Work?
Thanks to its portability and ease of use, the HADA system has been applied in various sectors, from assembly lines in the automotive industry to housekeeping roles in hotels. It consists of:
- A series of inertial sensors placed on the worker.
- A software for motion capture and analysis.
The information collected by the sensors, together with 3D animation software, allows the worker's movement to be reproduced through a biomechanical model. This enables an agile and precise ergonomic assessment, contributing to the prevention of occupational diseases and compliance with Article 131 of the Portuguese Labour Code, which establishes the right to continuous vocational training to prevent risks.
Ergonomics and Technology: Essential Advantages
This type of system offers significant advantages:
- Real-time 3D Image Capture: Allows joint movement data (biomechanics) to be obtained accurately, even without the use of traditional cameras.
- Simulations and Analyses: Conducting simulations of postures and movements, analysing critical factors such as force exertion, repetitiveness, exposure times, postures and recovery times.
- Specialised Risk Assessments: Possibility of carrying out specific risk assessments and even designing workstations in virtual environments.
The HADA system provides ergonomics specialists with data of a precision previously unthinkable. It allows for more robust conclusions to be drawn and results to be interpreted in greater depth compared to conventional information-gathering tools.
Usability and Portability
- Compact inertial sensors: Easy to attach and discreet, they do not cause discomfort to users and allow tasks to be performed without interference.
- Fast calibration and wireless technology: The sensors are calibrated quickly and data is transmitted to a laptop without the need for cables (wireless sensors), which facilitates their use in any working environment.
High Precision
The inertial sensors are capable of recording the positions and angles of the different joints of the human body, from the most subtle to high-speed movements. The system digitalises the worker in real time and generates a 3D avatar, from which the ergonomic risks of the workstation are assessed.
Ergonomic Analysis Provision
The HADA system includes:
- A robust 3D modelling software: Allows the main elements of the workstation to be incorporated, in addition to the avatar.
- An innovative ergonomic assessment software: Integrates the main ergonomic assessment methods, such as:
- REBA Method: For the assessment of awkward postures.
- NIOSH Method: For the assessment of manual handling of loads.
- OCRA Method: For the assessment of repetitive movements.
Practical Applications
Although the HADA system has multiple applications in areas such as sports, bodily injury assessment or product validation, its main application is in ergonomics, particularly in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, an essential focus of occupational safety and health in Portugal:
- Ergonomic assessment of workstations: Fast, objective and precise, incorporating the REBA, NIOSH and OCRA methods.
- Design and redesign of workstations and work tools: With the aim of ensuring healthy, efficient and competitive working conditions in a wide range of companies. This practice contributes to worker well-being and organisational success, in line with the guidelines of the Portuguese Labour Code.
- Biomechanical analyses and three-dimensional motion studies: Allow for a deep understanding of the interaction between the worker and their working environment, optimising conditions to prevent injuries and promote health.