New approaches for analysis in ergonomics: From paper and pencil methods to biomechanical simulation

Ergonomics and prevention of work-related diseases are an increasing issue in many companies. The demographic change, ""War for Talent"", political demand, financial benefits and upward healthcare expenditures are the assumed reasons, why an increasing of this issue is being expected by German companies (Booz & Company 2011). In Germany musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are the most frequent reason for incapacitation for work (DAK Forschung 2014). To lower injury rates and MSD incidences, the goal of ergonomics is to design work tasks fitting to the worker, respecting the capabilities and limitations of the human body. To get the most accurate understanding of the loads on the human body, modern approaches make use of technological measuring instruments, in order to derive specific interventions with maximum performance.