normally weighed at other grocery checkouts is sold by this supermarket chain as prepackaged and barcoded items. Consequently the amount of time spent weighing was less than 6% of the total checkout activity time. From observations of the current weighing task, it is hypothesized that the operators would place the produce on the weighing scales while still facing the customer, as the keyboard and the scale’s visual display are located above the scanner. This should reduce the need to twist the body.
Ryan (1989) reported that prolonged standing is a major contributor to the postural stress experienced by checkout operators. To provide the operators with the opportunity to rest during the job cycle, sit/stand supports are often recommended (Ryan, 1989; Porter et al, 1991; Baron and Habes, 1992). Such an un- obtrusive type of support at the checkouts would be desirable, but given the hourly rotation the checkout operators have, this requirement may be minimal. (It should be noted that in Australia work practices are currently undergoing many changes. Checkout jobs as permanent full-time work are becoming rare. Most of these jobs are now offered as casual work, where the operators often work no more than 4 h a day at the checkouts.)