Perceived Usability of Ergonomic Interventions for Steel Bucking Bars

Abstract

Steel bucking bars used in sheet metal assembly tasks lack application of ergonomic principles. Four bucking bar interventions were evaluated for perceived usability and compared to a steel bucking bar. The interventions included a tungsten bucking bar, Viscolas® rubber wrap adhered to a steel bucking bar, a steel bar paired with an anti-vibration glove, and a steel bar with a detachable handle. Usability measures included rank order of interventions, Borg Perceived Exertion Scale results, rivet quality, and participant willingness to recommend each intervention to others. Participants perceived less exertion using the tungsten bucking bar and were more likely to recommend the tungsten bucking bars to others. Half of the participants ranked the tungsten bucking bar as their first choice of all the interventions tested. The handle and the wrap were also considered usable by most participants. Participants perceived the most exertion using the steel bucking bar and were less likely to recommend the steel bar to others.