Proactive Analysis of Complex Systems Through DHM: Paradigmatic Application of an Innovative Ergonomic Cumulative Index to Large Retail Stores

This paper describes a specific methodological approach focused on workplace ergonomics, by considering the most actual scientific knowledge and integrating in a coherent and complementary way both the validation of the binding regulatory and technical standards, and the testing of novel methodologies applied to the shops, logistics and production sites present in large scale retail companies. Nowadays, this working condition represents a common situation in which are carried out not only simple and separated assignments, but mixed tasks and shifts defining in a very complex scenario. Thus, a comprehensive approach is needed. This study integrated ethnographic observations, task analysis and wearable technologies, within the definition of a novel Ergonomic Cumulative Index (ECI), which was designed to assess the risk exposure to musculoskeletal disorders by considering three different factors, namely kinematics/posture, muscular fatigue and joints overload. A specific multi-body digital human model was implemented for this purpose. Main findings of this work highlighted the need for an integrated and multi-parametric perspective addressing workers’ activities, tasks management and environment organization. ECI specifically provided useful information in order to define the working day and to assess risk exposure by focusing on a holistic approach, which considers the body as a whole, but can highlight the contribution of each joint and muscle.