Identification of generic drilling task phases and height effect: Coupling of kinematic and kinetic data.

Background: The prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is an important issue for the health of operators, especially when the workload is heavy, such as in drilling activities.

Research Question: This study aimed to propose an objective identification and description of the different phases that comprise a drilling task as well as a biomechanical and ergonomic evaluation of the subjects' overall posture during its effective part.

Methods: Fourteen healthy subjects performed three successive drillings at two different heights, 130 (H130) and 170 cm (H170) from the ground, of a 3 mm thick steel plate.