Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Kjellberg, Katarina | Palm, Peter | Josephson, Malin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Checkout cashier work consists of handling a large number of items during a work shift, which implies repetitive movements of the shoulders, arms and hands/wrists, and a high work rate. The work is associated with a high prevalence of disorders in the neck and upper extremity. The concept of workstyle explains how ergonomic and psychosocial factors interact in the development of work-related upper extremity disorders. The aim of the project was to develop an instrument for the occupational health services to be used in the efforts to prevent upper extremity disorders in checkout cashier work. The instrument is based on …the workstyle concept and is intended to be used as a tool to identify high-risk workstyle and needs for interventions, such as training and education. The instrument, BAsIK, consists of four parts; a questionnaire about workstyle, an observation protocol for work technique, a checklist about the design of the checkout and a questionnaire about work organization. The instrument was developed by selecting workstyle items developed for office work and adapting them to checkout cashier work, discussions with researchers and ergonomists, focus-group interviews with cashiers, observations of video recordings of cashiers, and studies of existing guidelines and checklists. Show more

Keywords: participative ergonomics, psychosocial factors, upper extremity disorders, workplace design, organization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0223-663

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 663-668, 2012

Authors: Levanon, Yafa | Gefen, Amit | Lerman, Yehuda | Givon, Uri | Ratzon, Navah Z.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Typing is associated with musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs), caused by multiple risk factors. Although a wide variety of ergonomic intervention programs were conducted to reduce risk factors and MSC’s, only few of them were found evidence based. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a workplace intervention in reducing MSC’s among computer workers. 66 computer workers were assigned randomly to one of three intervention programs: ergonomic intervention including biofeedback, intervention without biofeedback and control group without intervention. The efficacy was tested by advanced assessment including; pain location and severity, posture at work, upper extremity 3D kinematics, muscle activity and psychosocial …status. Working hypothesis; significant score differences will be found between the study groups which underwent ergonomic intervention and the control group on the following measures: pain complaints, upper extremity kinematics, muscle activity and psychosocial status. Significant differences were found between pre and post intervention and between research groups and the control group in pain, posture and motion. The ergonomic intervention with biofeedback had no unique contribution in comparison to other interventions. In conclusion; the proposed intervention program was found efficient for reducing pain among computer workers. Show more

Keywords: upper extremity work-related disorders, computer work, ergonomic intervention, surface EMG biofeedback

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0224-669

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 669-675, 2012

Authors: Filgueiras, Ernesto | Rebelo, Francisco | da Silva, Moreira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Generally, the studies assess the upper limbs postures during the work with Visual Display Terminal – VDT through the measurement of the angles formed by the segments or through the relation with the pre-defined anatomical postures (e.g., flexion, extension, abduction). However, few studies were found in the literature which had focused in the measurement of the upper limbs support during a real situation of work with VDT and in the definition of analysis categories for this kind of behavior. The main objective of this study was to measure, in a real situation and using a systematic observation method through video …analysis, the main kinds of support for the upper limbs. The analysis was done considering 480 work hours of 30 office workers. Data were collected using a methodology proposed by Rebelo, Filgueiras & Soares [1] and related with the work organization and workspace conditions, the participants had: a) minimum of eight hours daily of work; b) similar activities, characterized as office work; c) same furniture and equipment; and, d) computers with the same hardware, software and peripherals. Results were analyzed 46554 dynamic events, considering only the fourteen Interaction Categories – ICs, for upper limps support. In this way, percentage was computed, considering the total number of occurrence, for the Right arm is: arm support (0.06%); forearm support (31,8%); elbow support (31,92%); hand support (7,41%); multiple supports (12,32%) and without support 16,41%- For the Left arm the results is: forearm support (0,11%); arm support (53,69%); elbow support (8,70%); hand support (7,97%); multiple supports (8,43%) e without support (21,11%). This systemic and ecological approach was obtained through a method which enables experimental Biomechanics and Physiology methods to develop more efficient functional requirements and recommendations for the work with VDTs. Show more

Keywords: Upper limbs support, Human interaction, Systematic observation of work in a systemic and ecological approach, Ergonomics methods of analysis, Video-analysis technics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0225-676

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 676-682, 2012

Authors: Saldanhar, Maria Christine Werba | de Almeida, Juliana Donato

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The current article presents the process of situated modeling in the drawing workshop for bobbin lace developed and implemented in the Núcleo de Produção Artesanal Rendeiras da Vila, in Ponta Negra, Natal-Brasil. The workshop aimed to rescue the domain over the product in the production of bobbin lace through capacitation of both experienced and novice craftswomen. The modeling of the drawing workshop was grounded on the sociotechnical construction and in the concepts of anthropotechnology and also social technology. The modelling required an intense process of social construction involving the members of GREPE-UFRN (Group of extension and Research in Ergonomics) and …the lacemakers od the community. The domain of drawing the lace has enabled the expression of the craftswomen creativity, increasing the amount of works and the sustainable development,thus reducing the risks of extinction of such art in the Village of Ponta Negra. Show more

Keywords: situated modelling, Sociotechnical Construction, Drawing workshop, Bobbin lace, Artisan production

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0226-683

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 683-689, 2012

Authors: Custódio, RAR | Silva, CES | Brandão, JGT

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents the Ergonomic Work Analysis method in a Brazilian Dentist’s office. Through the study, the constraints and the strategies in avoiding them were identified. It was found that dentists hardly use the position most indicated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Federation Dentaire Internacionale (FDI) for both the patient and the dentist, which is respectively supine and 9 o’clock, due to the limited space and layout. Five types of treatments performed by the professional have been studied. The frequency and duration of actions in these treatments were accounted for and the standard positions adopted were …identified. The AET was found to be a very suitable method to grasp the dentist’s activity and build a point of view of the profession, which is characterized as: stressful, perfectionist and restrictive. Time management is presented as an important strategy to control the tension arising from performing the treatments. Show more

Keywords: dentist, EWA, MSDs, ergonomics, dentistry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0227-690

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 690-697, 2012

Authors: Simões, Raoni Rocha | Figueiredo, Vitor Guilherme Carneiro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The internationalization of labor is a prominent feature of the economy today, but is accompanied by adverse effects on operator health. In general, musculoskeletal diseases are the first to appear in this context. The open observations activity and interviews with operators and the hierarchy have been made to discover the organizational constraints. Other interviews were also conducted to account for the determinants of activity outside of work. The use of video has allowed the registration of work cycles, which helped to describe and quantify the postures and gestures to establish a possible link between musculoskeletal diseases and work activity. The …collected data were processed using software Actogram Kronos. To understand the process of origin of these diseases, the analysis of the socioeconomic context is also essential because they in part determine the organization of certain companies. The objective of this paper was to discuss the activities of operators of blistering in both work and outside work. The goal is to determine the constraints presents in these two spheres of activity, that may increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal diseases and to define their interaction. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics work analysis, physical workload, repetitive strain injury, musculoskeletal disease, psychosocial factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0228-698

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 698-702, 2012

Authors: Vergara, Lizandra Garcia Lupi | Pansera, Thaís Regina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The incidence of workers suffering from occupational injuries has alerted health professionals and entrepreneurs. Enterprises are looking for improvements in production systems by investments in quality, technological innovations and in human resources that are capable and committed to the objectives and targets of the enterprise. This research was developed in a pig slaughter-house in the city of Ipiranga-SC, in the labor of boning shoulder of the pig, because this is the activity that presents more registers of complaints of pain and also probability of development of occupational diseases with cause in the enterprise.Tools of Ergonomics Analysis of Work were used, …from interviews with workers to the application of LEST method in the activity analyzed. The necessity of immediate intervention in the work station was shown in the results, because of the high risk of prejudice to the health of the workers. Improvement actions must be done to satisfy the ergonomics requirements of NR 17 standard, attending the enterprise interests in the occupational diseases prevention. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics, LEST method, safety, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0229-703

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 703-709, 2012

Authors: Escalona, Evelin | Hernández, Maylem | Yanes E, Lucia | Yanes, Laura | Yanes, Leopoldo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The objective was to analyze the work activity and identify risk factors that could account for musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremities, shoulder and neck of workers of a transport values company in Venezuela. The methods used were: collective interview, tasks observation, evaluation of posture with RULA method and evaluation of repetitive motions with the OCRA method. Five workstations were evaluated. Main problem perceived by workers was: exposure to chemical and biological hazards when handling paper money and coins; inadequate chairs and close supervision. The postures level risk was 1 or 2 for the RULA scale. Only two workstations showed …ligth and medium risk level by OCRA method. Conclusion: The factors identified that could explain the musculoskeletal changes were: wrist repetitive flexion and extension, shoulder elevation, lifting weight above shoulder height, elbow repetitive flexion and extension, neck flexion, extended work journey, work overload, high responsibility and strict supervision by a video camera. Show more

Keywords: activity, postures, repetitive movements, transportation of values

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0230-710

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 710-713, 2012

Authors: Zhou, Yong | Mu, HaiYing | Jiang, Jianjun | Zhang, Li

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Currently, there is a trend in nuclear power plants (NPPs) toward introducing digital and computer technologies into main control rooms (MCRs). Safe generation of electric power in NPPs requires reliable performance of cognitive tasks such as fault detection, diagnosis, and response planning. The digitalization of MCRs has dramatically changed the whole operating environment, and the ways operators interact with the plant systems. If the design and implementation of the digital technology is incompatible with operators’ cognitive characteristics, it may have negative effects on operators’ cognitive reliability. Firstly, on the basis of three essential prerequisites for successful cognitive tasks, a causal …model is constructed to reveal the typical human performance issues arising from digitalization. The cognitive mechanisms which they impact cognitive reliability are analyzed in detail. Then, Bayesian inference is used to quantify and prioritize the influences of these factors. It suggests that interface management and unbalanced workload distribution have more significant impacts on operators’ cognitive reliability. Show more

Keywords: digital main control room, cognitive reliability, human factors issues, human errors, bayesian network

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0231-714

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 714-721, 2012

Authors: Reiman, Teemu | Rollenhagen, Carl

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The specific goal of the study is to look how tensions, competing values and trade-offs manifest in the management of nuclear power plants. Second goal is to inspect how existing frameworks, such as Competing Values Framework, can be used to model the tensions. Empirical data consists of thirty interviews that were conducted as part of a NKS study on safety culture in the Nordic nuclear branch. Eight trade-offs are identified based on a grounded theory based analysis of the interview data. The competing values and potential tensions involved in the trade-offs are discussed.

Keywords: nuclear safety, safety management, competing values, trade-offs

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0232-722

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 722-729, 2012