Presentation
Effects of Different Mechanized Winch Swing Directions on Low Back Load During Crab Pot Hauling
DescriptionIn Dungeness crab vessels, the block (a mechanized winch crane that pulls crab pots from the ocean) typically swings away from the sorting table on the vessels. This setting forces fishermen to reach outside the vessel to grab the pots, which poses awkward postures and increases the risk of low back injuries. This study investigated the effects of block swing directions on low back biomechanical loads. In a repeated-measures laboratory study, 10 participants performed a pot hauling task under two block conditions: away-from-table (conventional setting) and toward-table (intervention). Trunk angles, L5/S1 joint moments, and erector spinae muscle activities were measured. The results showed lower trunk angles (~8°), L5/S1 moments (~7 times), and erector spinae activities (~65%) under the toward-table than away-from-table condition (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that having the block swing direction toward the table can potentially reduce the low back injury risks associated with crab pot hauling.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeThursday, September 12th8:50am - 9:10am MST
LocationFLW Salon H
Occupational Ergonomics