Chis Polaczuk, Ergonomics Programme Manager at Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ), Dr Kelly Dale from Healthy Lifestyle NZ, Jenny Maxwell, HSE Manager at CS Roofing Canterbury, Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) and Exxovantage collaborate to demonstrate the benefits of wearing exoskeletons via wearables and data.
Sponsored by CHASNZ and ACC
Click on this link to access the study.
This pilot employed a participative ergonomics approach, allowing the participants to contribute suggestions and guide the direction of the
research.
Data collection occurred in two stages; phase one was the collection of objective metrics through a Firstbeat heart measurement device. Phase two was the collection of subjective data through an online survey and a final group evaluation session.
Despite the small sample size, on average, results showed substantial physiological improvements from wearing the exoskeleton, with an average physiological score increase of 11%. The balance between stress and
recovery increased on average by 6%, the restorative effect of sleep increased on average by 9%, and the health effects of physical activity increased on
average by 16%.
Overall, participants agreed to varying levels that using the exoskeleton reduced fatigue, musculoskeletal discomfort, pain, and injury.
On average, participants slept longer during the exoskeleton period by 39 minutes, while the quality of sleep improved as well by 6%