Pocket Ergo 3.0 - README.TXT March 2007 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ** TABLE OF CONTENTS ** --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is Pocket Ergo? 2. System Requirements 3. Setup and Configuration 4. Getting Help 5. What's new in this version? 6. Registering Pocket Ergo 7. Company Information ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is Pocket Ergo? ------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome! Pocket Ergo is a Pocket PC based software program containing workplace assessment tools and guidelines typically used by ergonomics and safety professionals. Assessment Capabilities: - Hazard Control Methodologies - Anthropometry (Standing and Seated) - Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (1994) - Utah Back Compressive Force Model - Push Force Calculator (Snook) - Pull Force Calculator (Snook) - Carry Force Calculator (Snook) - RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) - REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) - Strain Index (SI) - Grip and Pinch Strength - Material Handling Checklists - Computer Workstation Quick Configure Tool - Office Assessment Checklists Each assessment tool includes an instruction section and a brief description of how and when to use the tool. Basic familiarity with the various assessment tools is assumed. More comprehensive information can be obtained through the original sources which are listed as references in each tool. All results produced by Pocket Ergo assessment tools can be saved with unique file names as a text or XML file. Text files can be viewed in word processing programs such as Microsoft Word while XML files can be used for "boiler plate" reports accepting XML variables. Please contact us for more information about XML result import into automatic reports. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. System Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------ - Pocket PC with Windows Mobile 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Setup and Configuration ------------------------------------------------------------------ If you've already installed a previous version of Pocket Ergo you'll have to remove it before running this version by going to Start > Settings > System > Remove Programs. **Install Instructions** 1. Download the trial version of Pocket Ergo from www.pocketergo.com. 2. Save the file to your Desktop. 3. Insure your Pocket PC is connected to your computer then double-click the PocketErgo3-0.exe file on your desktop. Pocket Ergo will install automatically, just follow the on-screen prompts. See Registering Pocket Ergo (#6 below) to unlock your trial version. Please email us support@thehumansolution.com or call us at 800-531-ERGO (3746) for help. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Getting Help ------------------------------------------------------------------ Send your questions, comments, and suggestions to support@thehumansolution.com. Or, visit www.thehumansolution.com for help and answers to commonly asked questions. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5. What's new in this version 3.0? ----------------------------------------------------------------- Four new tools were added in Version 3.0: **REBA - Rapid Entire Body Assessment** REBA was developed as a method to assess the risk of postures that can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in a variety of jobs and postures. REBA is best used when assessing jobs that require workers to assume awkward postures. A team of ergonomists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses collected and analyzed over 600 postural examples to help produce REBA. It integrates dynamic and static posture force factors, coupling, issues, and gravity-assisted upper limb factors. The process of completing a REBA assessment is very similar to the RULA process. **UBCF - Utah Back Compressive Force** The UBCF Model is a simple but useful tool for estimating the risk associated with manual materials handling. It can be used to assess one handed lifts and lifts that aren't symmetric (Note: the NIOSH lifting equation is only valid on two handed lifts with symmetrically loaded hands). One study of automotive assembly jobs found that only 57% of jobs that required lifting qualified for analysis using the NIOSH lifting equation. The UBCF is based on a one time lift and does not account for lift frequency. It is relatively simple and quick to apply in the field. Safe back compressive force limits are based on the same limits established by the NIOSH lifting equation. **Strain Index** The Strain Index (SI) is an analysis approach for estimating injury risk to the distal upper extremities (hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow). It is best used on hand intensive tasks like assembly tasks. The SI score is highly related to the force/intensity exerted by the hand and wrist. Note that this is a significant distinction between the SI and the posture dependent RULA score. The SI score defines injury risk and can help prioritize job improvements among several jobs. **Grip and Pinch Strength** The grip and pinch strength tool calculates the one-time grip or pinch strength capacity for the dominant hand on males and females. On the input screen, definitions for the input values are provided. Useful design guidelines and corrective action recommendations are listed in the results. Also, an option to export results in an XML format was added to each tool and minor bug fixes were implemented. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 6. Registering Pocket Ergo ------------------------------------------------------------------ Pocket Ergo has a free 30 day trial. When your trial expires, please purchase Pocket Ergo at www.pocketergo.com. Then e-mail your serial number to support@thehumansolution.com. We will reply to your e-mail with the unlock code that registers your copy of Pocket Ergo. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 7. Company Information ------------------------------------------------------------------ The Human Solution (A division of JDP Enterprises Ltd. Co.) Developed by Jon Paulsen, MS, CPE (Certified Professional Ergonomist) www.thehumansolution.com email: info@thehumansolution.com phone: 800-531-ERGO (3746) ------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 2007 The Human Solution (A division of JDP Enterprises Ltd. Co.) All rights reserved. ------------------------------------------------------------------