Occupational Ergonomics - Volume 7, issue 2

Authors: Fafrowicz, Magdalena | Marek, Tadeusz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The paper considers a new perspective in research, analysing, selection, training, and designing which ergonomics is facing at present in relation to attentional processes. It is related to a spectacular progress in latest neuroscience research concerning the attention neural networks. New non-invasive techniques of attention neuronal networks examination in ergonomics offers unprecedented opportunities for the human error analysis. This paper posits that assuming neuroergonomic perspective in research and designing leads to a new quality in mentioned area. Knowledge concerning neural structures and neural mechanisms responsible for attention processes, pointed out several dimensions related to attention networks which have to be …taken into account in case of analysing of human error at work. The paper deals with these problems in relations to orienting and executive attention networks. Show more

Keywords: Attention network, saccadic eye movements, task demands, human error, neuroergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2007-7201

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 73-81, 2007

Authors: Or, Calvin K.L. | Duffy, Vincent G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The research aimed at developing a non-intrusive physiological measure for mental workload using human facial skin temperature change. It demonstrated initial results in two driving experiments that showed the potential of using this physiological parameter to infer mental workload. Participants completed driving tests in a simulator in the first experiment. Results of simulator and real vehicle testing were used in a second experiment. Forehead and nose temperature were obtained via thermography. Nose temperature dropped significantly after the drives for all conditions in the simulator tests. A secondary task during driving led to higher subjective workload score and a greater nose …temperature drop. Simulator drives led to a higher subjective workload score and a greater nose temperature drop than the real driving task. A significant correlation between the nose skin temperature change and the subjective workload score was yielded in both experiments. Potential applications of this research include real-time, non-intrusive, and automated mental workload assessment for advanced human-system interface development and performance prediction. Show more

Keywords: Facial skin temperature, mental workload, non-intrusive physiological measure, thermography

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2007-7202

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 83-94, 2007

Authors: Vilar, Elisângela | Filgueiras, Ernesto | Rebelo, Francisco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology to evaluate the accessibility degree in companies, which was developed in a human centred perspective. For this purpose we considered physical, sensorial and cognitive deficiencies. A guide based on this methodology was created to turn the evaluation into an easy and helpful ergonomic tool. The guide was divided into accessibility "to the" workstation and accessibility "in the" workstation, both of them, considering the physical and informational accessibilities. They were divided into two accessibility levels, the minimal and the adequate levels, which meant the accessibility degree of the company. This methodology can also aid in ergonomic …interventions for promoting an Inclusive Work Design and Safety for the workers, and for creating at the same time good working conditions, that will increase Human Performance. This tool was evaluated in a large company and implemented in Portugal through the INCLUDE program. Show more

Keywords: Inclusive workplace design, methodology, inclusive work conditions, accessibility

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2007-7203

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 95-114, 2007

Authors: Khalaf, Tamer | Karwowski, Waldemar | Quesada, Peter M. | Sherehiy, Bohdana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to investigate postures of both wrists and the right forearm, associated with use of three different computer keyboards. The investigated keyboards were (1) a traditional keyboard, (2) the Microsoft® natural keyboard, and (3) an experimental keyboard. Typing with the experimental keyboard appears to improve left wrist and right forearm postures by reducing left wrist extension angles and right forearm pronation angles, However, non-sagittal plane left wrist posture, as well as sagittal and non-sagittal right wrist posture did not appear to be affected. It was also noted that left wrist postures were in low …or moderate injury risk zones for substantially greater percentages of the trial durations with the experimental keyboard, than with either of the other keyboards. Typing speed and accuracy were reduced with the experimental keyboard; however, it was suspected that lack of familiarity with the experimental keyboard was associated with the poorer performance. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2007-7204

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 115-123, 2007

Authors: Sudoł-Szopińska, Iwona | Panorska, Anna Katarzyna | Koziński, Piotr | Błachowiak, Krzysztof

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A prospective study was undertaken in order to establish the prevalence and risk factors of chronic venous disease (CVD) in two occupational groups: office employees working in a prolonged sitting or standing position, and people working in bakeries, in a hot microclimate. It included 160 individuals over 40 years old, 97 women and 63 men. A survey assessing subjects' work place ergonomics, Doppler sonography – currently the diagnostic tool of choice in the assessment of sufficiency of venous valves, and an observational study were performed. Doppler signs of CVD in persons working in sitting or standing positions and in hot …microclimate were found in 59.4%, 83.4% and in 76.4%, respectively. Most often diagnosed were perforating veins and vena saphena magna incompetence. Occurrence of CVD was significantly higher in people working in a standing position than in those working in a sitting position (p-value =0.0145). Occurrence of CVD among office workers working in sitting or static standing conditions and among people working in a hot microclimate were comparable (p-values =0.1152 and 0.7116, respectively). Conclusions: Occupational CVD is a frequent condition among office workers and people working in a hot microclimate. Static standing position at work constitutes a significantly greater risk for CVD development than prolonged sitting or work in a hot microclimate and thus should be a subject for specific prophylaxis interventions. Show more

Keywords: Chronic venous disease, duplex Doppler sonography, sedentary work, standing, hot microclimate

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2007-7205

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 125-137, 2007

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2007-7206

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 139-141, 2007