Affiliations: School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University,
Sudbury, ON, Canada | Center for Research in Occupational Safety and Health,
Sudbury, ON, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Alison Godwin, School of Human Kinetics,
Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.
Tel.: +1 705 675 1151 ext 1079; Fax: +1 705 675 4845; E-mail:
agodwin@laurentian.ca
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anecdotal evidence from industry suggests that those
working as arborists prefer to use minimal brim style, climbing helmets rather
than traditional forestry helmets. In the mining industry, workers prefer
wireless, LED cap lamps. Workers cite better comfort, better ability to see
their work and better ventilation as reasons to use those helmets and cap
lamps. Safety personnel in the industry would like to base future helmet
decisions and requirements on a complete understanding of the ergonomic and
safety issues of all available head-borne equipment. OBJECTIVE: Previous research has found that helmet design, head load
and head/neck posture can influence the amount of neck discomfort experienced
by users. Specific features of helmets and head-mounted personal protective
equipment (PPE) in various industries have been changing to reflect ergonomic
design principles. A series of three studies were conducted to evaluate
usability and preference of new style cap lamps and helmet brims. Participants:
Participants (n=10–16) were recruited primarily from undergraduate
students, and each study represents a different group of novice participants.
METHODS: Two different courses that included a tunnel were used in
the first two studies to evaluate cap lamp styles and wireless cap lamps, while
a simulated arborist task was used in the final study to evaluate helmet brim.
Measures of ergonomic and discomfort questionnaires were analysed for this
paper. RESULTS: The first cap lamp study was able to conclude that LED
lamps are preferred over incandescent lamps, while the second study
demonstrated that users prefer a multi-directional beam, and adjustability
features of the cap lamp. In the final study, participants who must perform
extreme overhead tasks prefer a helmet with a minimal brim. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is warranted to determine whether
actual, industry workers demonstrate the same preferences for these PPE
items.
Keywords: Discomfort, safety gear, cap lamps, mining, arborist
