Anthropometry for ergonomic design of workstations: The influence of age and geographical area on workers variability

The present paper reports some considerations about the results of the project “La Fabbrica si Misura”, an anthropometric measurement campaign that involved a large sample of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) workers of both genders throughout the Italian plants. The main purpose of our study is to investigate the anthropometric variability of the sample in terms of age and geographical area of the plant, in order to identify differences in workers’ dimensions useful to design workstations adopting real users’ as well as to choose Personal Protective Equipment or aids suitable in terms of different sizes and body proportions. This paper shows the preliminary results from the analysis of the male sample anthropometric data collected during 2017. The analyses were conducted on more than 3000 male subjects aged between 18 and 65 years. In order to evaluate the differences between workers from different Italian areas and age classes, subjects from northern, central and southern plants were analysed separately and distinguished by age. Results highlighted differences referred to the variation of the percentiles of the whole sample and emphasize workers dimensional characteristics differences according to age and geographical provenance. Outcomes obtained from the analysis of the anthropometric features of interest resulted consistent with changes occurred during the history of the plant and its location, in terms of job demand, needs and workers’ origin. Considerations on workers variability highlighted in the present study could give useful suggestions for the ergonomic design of workstations adapted on users’ dimensions and needs.