Ergonomic Assessment and Design of the Tower Crane Cabin Based on Anthropometric Dimensions of Iranian Operators

Despite the main role of cranes in advancing construction operations, however, accidents and occupational injuries resulting from their activities have become a critical issue. Recent evidence suggests that the cause of these problems may be associated with the absence of design of the interior space of the crane cabin, and the tasks of the operators, based on ergonomic principles. This study was conducted to assess the ergonomic risk of the tower crane operator’s activities and redesigning the dimensions and interior space of these cranes, based on the anthropometric dimensions of Iranian operators.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 30 male tower crane operators working on three major construction projects in Tehran were investigated. Initially, a multi-step approach was applied to define the problem, including: observing the working statuses, interviewing operators, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire, and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. Then, using anthropometric data, the dimensions and interior space of the crane chamber were redesigned.

The results of the rapid upper limb assessment method showed that the activities of tower crane operators were at high and very high-risk levels. Also, 85% and 38.5% of these people reported pain and discomfort in one of the nine areas of their body in the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. In this study, the dimensions of the interior space of the redesigned tower crane cabin were obtained 160.8×144.1×199.7.

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the current interior design of the tower crane cabin does not fulfill the needs of the operators. Hence, redesigning it appears essential to enhance human-machine compatibility, improve safety and productivity, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).