Common Posture of performing Welding:

Welding work Iaced always challenges, linked to the increased demands on productivity,
Ilexibility, and product quality. Even though automation and robotisation oI welding production
was gradually becoming more important, it was made clear that manual welding will remain an
indispensable activity within the welding industry Ior the Ioreseeable Iuture. Industries like ship
building and construction, most oI the welding not possible to perIorm by robot due to critical and
restricted structure. There are Iew common postures oI a welder without considering structure oI
welding object. The posture oI a welder varies in accordance with structure oI object.
Photo 1:






















Photo 2:

Part of the body Posture Low
stress
High
Stress
Extreme
Posture
Neck Flexion \
Shoulders Neutral \
Upper back Flexion \
Elbows Flexion \
Lower Back Flexion \
Wrist/hands Flexion \
Hips/Thighs/Buttocks Flexion \
Knees Flexion \ \
Ankles/Feet Flexion \
Grip Palm Pinch \ \
Finger Grip \ \
Part of the body Posture Low
stress
High
Stress
Extreme
Posture
Neck Flexion \
Shoulders Extension \



























Photo 3:


















Upper back Flexion \
Elbows Flexion \
Lower Back Flexion \ \
Wrist/hands Flexion \
Hips/Thighs/Buttocks Flexion \
Knees Flexion \
Ankles/Feet --- -
Grip Palm Pinch \ \
Finger Grip \ \
Part of the body Posture Low
stress
High
Stress
Extreme
Posture
Neck Flexion \
Shoulders Neutral \
Upper back Flexion \
Elbows Flexion \
Lower Back Flexion \ \
Wrist/hands Flexion \
Hips/Thighs/Buttocks Flexion \ \
Knees Flexion \ \
Ankles/Feet Extension \
Grip Palm Pinch \ \
Finger Grip \ \













Photo 4:


















From the above analysis, this is clear that photo no 4 is most hazardous posture. Our Iurther
study would continue with this stringy posture. This welder was perIorming welding inside a
conIined space. He was Iitting a under deck support and he was seating on a cable ladder which
would discussed latter part.



Following Iigure showing common adopted welding posture in the welding industry.






Part of the body Posture Low
stress
High
Stress
Extreme
Posture
Neck Flexion \ \
Shoulders Neutral \
Upper back Flexion \ \
Elbows Flexion \ \
Lower Back Flexion \ \
Wrist/hands Flexion \ \
Hips/Thighs/Buttocks Flexion \
Knees Flexion \ \
Ankles/Feet Extension \ \
Grip Palm Pinch \ \
Finger Grip \ \


The above mention posture at photo no 1 to 4 are the 'Posture commonly associated with
Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTDs). A study conducted by Swedish government shown that
(The Work Environment 2001, Annual Report, and Swedish OIIicial Statistics), "welders and
Ilame cutters" high prevalence oI pain in the musculoskeletal system every week was reported in
the Iollowing percentages:-
Lower extremity: 38.3
Upper back: 29.1
Lower back: 18.5
Shoulder and arm: 37.0
Wrist: 23.9