Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Sun, Chuan | Buchholz, Bryan | Thomas, Jeff

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate a work method intervention in a smoke detector assembly line. High hand gripping forces and extreme wrist postures were found in the smoke detector assembly line at UTC Fire & Security Company in Maine. A fixture was introduced to replace the old assembly method. Electromyography (EMG) and electrogoniometry were used to measure the workers' hand gripping force and wrist motions with both the old and new assembly methods. Results show both hand gripping forces and wrist postures improved significantly with the new method.

Keywords: Ergonomics, EMG, Extreme wrist postures, High hand forces

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0999-5987

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 5987-5992, 2012

Authors: Bernardes, João Marcos | Wanderck, Claudia | Moro, Antônio Renato Pereira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of a participatory ergonomic intervention aimed at reducing low back pain cases in the dispatch department of a catalogue and e-commerce retail company. Based on the findings of the ergonomic analysis and design committee, the company's own employees redesigned the assembly line's layout. As a result of these changes two job tasks that involved manual material handling of boxes, identified by the revised NIOSH equation as posing an increased risk for lifting-related low back pain, were totally eliminated, and the employees responsible for moving boxes from the end of the assembly line to pallets on …the ground were given more control over their jobs, and these jobs were also enriched with a new, less heavy task. These results demonstrate that participatory ergonomic interventions are a viable and effective strategy to reduce the exposure to work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors for low back pain. Show more

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, low back pain, manual material handling, workplace interventions, participatory approach

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1000-5993

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 5993-5998, 2012

Authors: Olsen, Kirsten | Legg, Stephen | Hasle, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Due to the many constraints that small businesses (SBs) face in meeting legislative requirements, occupational health and safety (OHS) regulatory authorities and other OSH actors have developed programmes which can reach out to SBs and motivate and assist them in improving the work environment. A number of conceptual models help to enhance our understanding of OHS interventions in SBs and their effectiveness. However, they have mainly been evaluated on output rather than the process relating to the change theory underlying the intervention, and hence have seldom been rigorously evaluated. Thus little is known about how particular features of SBs can …be taken into account when designing and implementing national programmes. This paper shows how realist analysis and programme theory may be used as a framework for evaluating, developing and improving national intervention programmes for the improvement of the work environment and reducing injuries in SBs. It illustrates this for a specific New Zealand intervention: the Workplace Safety Discount scheme and its implementation in the agriculture sector. In practice, realist analysis should be performed during the planning, implementation and management stages so that ongoing findings can be fed back to the participant social actors to help them make appropriate changes to enhance the likelihood of success. Show more

Keywords: SME, OSH, ergonomics, interventions, realist analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0036-5999

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 5999-6006, 2012

Authors: Deepak, Sharan | Ajeesh, Ps

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) are a constellation of disorders. There is no single tool available which guides the clinicians to predict the severity, intervention and recovery period of the patients who is suffering from different musculoskeletal disorder. In this paper authors tried to categorize the severity of the musculoskeletal discomfort and the prognosis of the recovery period. The questionnaire was formulated using different epidemiological risk factor of the development of MSD and the effect of MSD on physical and psychosocial factors. The questionnaire contains 13 questions which include seven direct (rating was 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) and six …indirect (rating was 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) questions. Results revealed a significant correlation with the prognosis of recovery and the actual recovery period (r= 0.80). It also showed a significant correlation between the total severity score and the actual recovery (r=0.82) period. Depending on the prognosis of the recovery the severity score was segregated in four categories as mild, moderate, severe and complicated. Due to small sample size the prognosis of recovery for higher severity score could not be plotted. Show more

Keywords: “DEEPAK SHARANS”, “Outcome”, “Validity”

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1051-6007

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6007-6010, 2012

Authors: Arbex, D.F. | Jappur, R. | Selig, P. | Varvakis, G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article addresses the ergonomic criteria that guide the construction of an educational game called Environmental Simulator. The focus is on environment navigation considering aspects of content architecture and its esthetics functionality.

Keywords: ergonomics, usability, graphic interface, navigation, educational game

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1052-6011

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6011-6015, 2012

Authors: Splittstoesser, Riley E. | Marras, William S. | Best, Thomas M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: $\underline{Objective}$: Investigate effects of interactions between biomechanical, psychosocial and individual risk factors on the body's immune inflammatory responses. $\underline{Background}$: Current theories for low back pain causation do not fully account for the body’s response to tissue loading and tissue trauma. $\underline{Methods}$: Two groups possessing a preference for the sensor or intuitor personality trait performed repetitive lifting combined with high or low mental workload on separate occasions. Spinal loading was assessed using an EMG-assisted subject-specific biomechanical model and immune markers were collected before and after exposure. $\underline{Results}$: Mental workload was associated with a small decrease in AP shear. Both conditions were …characterized by a regulated time-dependent immune response making use of markers of inflammation, tissue trauma and muscle damage. Intuitors’ creatine kinase levels were increased following low mental workload compared to that observed in Sensors with the opposite trend occurring for high mental workload. $\underline{Conclusions}$: A temporally regulated immune response to lifting combined with mental workload exists. This response is influenced by personality and mental workload. Show more

Keywords: Low Back Pain, Inflammation, Causation, Risk Factor Interactions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1053-6016

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6016-6023, 2012

Authors: Fostervold, Knut Inge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Employees differ in their apperception of open plan offices. Despite this, individual differences have been sparsely treated in the literature discussing effects of office design. The aim of the present study was to investigate how stimulus screening, working memory, and attention interrelate and affect important factors in the work environment. The study utilized a cross sectional design. Participants (N=35) were recruited among employees in four organizations. Working memory was assessed bye means of the Operation –Word Span Task (OSPAN) while attention was measured by the d2 test of attention. Dependent variables were job stress, job involvement, organizational commitment, and need …for recovery. The results showed a main affect of stimulus screening on need for recovery and one subscale of organizational commitment. A main effect was also found for fluctuation rate across trials, a sub measure of attention, on need for recovery. The results revealed no indication of any mediator or moderator effects of either working memory or attention, on stimulus screening, for any of the dependent variables. Thus, the effect of stimulus screening seems not to be explained through individual differences in cognitive processes. Show more

Keywords: Open plan office, individual differences, stimulus screening, memory, attention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1055-6024

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6024-6030, 2012

Authors: Nadadur, G. | Parkinson, M.B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In order to accommodate the desired percentage of the target users of a product, decisions must be made to ensure that the design satisfies performance requirements such as user safety, comfort, and ease of use. The marketing concept of “utility theory” is one approach to quantifying the effects of design decisions. It is leveraged in this study to develop a design evaluation approach that considers: a) factors that may be either design-related (design specifications) or user-related (relevant body dimensions) and b) the raw material investment in the design. Based on data collected during a usage behavior study involving doorways of …numerous sizes, a conditional logit model was developed to predict the utility of a doorway as a function of its size and the user's stature and shoulder breadth. Next, an eco-design parameter was incorporated into the model as a penalty based on raw material usage. This approach was found to be useful in studying frequently encountered tradeoffs in decisions that could potentially increase product sustainability but could also reduce the utility of the product to the user. Show more

Keywords: design for human variability, discrete choice analysis, design for sustainability, product sizing, anthropometry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1056-6031

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6031-6038, 2012

Authors: Mundutéguy, Christophe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A river container terminal concentrates many of the constraints encountered by different transport modes (road, rail, and waterways) involved in the delivery of merchandises. For the operators in charge of handling operations during peaks of activity, this configuration yields significant difficulties when performing planning, scheduling and dispatching tasks. The research conducted at the second French river port unravels the mechanisms involved in the management of these dynamic environments. Following a series of interviews and preliminary observations, we conducted systematic observations of the foremen's work. These middle managers are located at the juncture of management and production. The data was …completed with additional interviews for the purpose of cross-checking the validity of the results. The results point to the extreme variability of situations and the high exposure to uncertainty inherent in the transport business. Beyond the tasks of loading and unloading, completed by checks and other operations, container handling consists in trying to absorb, or at least reduce the effects of the combination of constraints in the delivery of merchandises and to ensure greater flow of traffic in the network node. The results also highlight organizational compromises through the permanent adjustment of the means of production in the scheduling and dispatching activities. Show more

Keywords: Handling, container, multimodal platform, dynamical environment, scheduling, interrupted activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1057-6039

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6039-6046, 2012

Authors: Sontag, Andressa Aline | Vilagra, José Mohamud | Moreira, Helenara Salvati Bertolossi | Moro, Antônio Renato Pereira | Cruz, Roberto Moraes | Reis, Pedro Ferreira | Galvão, Isabele Maia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the workplace there are risk factors that can overwhelm the health of the worker causing physical and psychological disorders. Among these disorders, is occupational stress. Thus, this research proposes to measure the mental workload of job stress from the identification of demand, control and social support. It is an observational cross-sectional epidemiological character, performed with the Rectory office workers at the State University of West Paraná (Unioeste). Data collection was due to the application of the “Job Stress Scale” (JSS) and in its reduced version adapted to Portuguese. The survey sample consisted of 44 individuals. Statistical analysis was correlated …inversely with medium intensity (r = − 0.404) between age and social support. For males was found between control and age (r = 0.603). According to the data obtained, we conclude that most workers are exposed to passive work, leading to loss of skills or disinterest in the job. This study highlights the importance of research in the area and the need for new actions that change the conditions of stress at work. Show more

Keywords: Stress, Job Stress Scale, Occupational Health, mental load

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1058-6047

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6047-6049, 2012

Authors: Mebarki, Bouhafs | El-Bachir, Tebboune Cheikh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The growing need in Algeria to develop ergonomics knowledge and practice in industry was behind the initiative to develop a training and research project within the ergonomics laboratory at Oran University. Since 2005 the laboratory team is running an academic option master in work design and ergonomics. The evaluation of the academic master in 2010 revealed the acute need of the local industry for professional competences in ergonomic and work psychology. A professional training master program in “ergonomics & work psychology” was then developed in partnership with local industry, five European Universities and six Universities from three Maghreb countries. Research …projects were initiated around the two training programs, in conjunction with a number of ergonomics dissemination and promotion activities. Preliminary results of the project are presented and discussed in relation to the local context, and in the light of similar cases in Industrially Developing Countries. Show more

Keywords: promoting and disseminating ergonomics, knowledge and practice, research and training, ergonomic and work psychology, partnership

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1059-6050

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6050-6053, 2012

Authors: Fernández, Juan M Dulce | Carbonell, Laura M Pimienta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The design of the electronic pad for office chairs, required to identify the needs and difficulties of an office user, by initially conducting surveys and observational studies that allowed to identify ergonomic deficiencies in the workplace, and user's bad habits, which were reflected in back pain, neck and shoulder affections and some diseases caused by these symptoms, that finally impacted on worker's health and productivity.

Keywords: Job Analysis and work design, human factors engineering, occupational health, ergonomics in design, Musculoskeletal Disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1060-6054

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6054-6058, 2012

Authors: Martins, Suzana Barreto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to present a methodological proposition, named OIKOS, to evaluate comfort and usability in clothing and fashion products. The development of the methodology was based on the need to underlay the project of clothing and fashion products with ergonomic and usability principles in all the stages of the product development, since its conception. The theoretical foundation lays on the introduction of ergonomics and usability as fundamental variables while developing clothing and fashion product projects, to obtain comfort. The OIKOS Methodology proposition incorporates ergonomic features, usability principles and comfort criteria for clothing and fashion products. These …will be guidelines to fulfill the user different requirements relating to the clothing and fashion products adjustment and quality. Besides reaching the intended comfort, this methodological proposition contributes to extend the product's life cycle, reducing the environment impact caused by its early disposal, and at the same time establishes an emotional connection between the user and the product. Show more

Keywords: Fashion and Clothing, Ergonomics, Usability, Comfort, OIKOS Methodology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1061-6059

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6059-6067, 2012

Authors: de Oliveira, Luciana Duarte Satler | Magalhães, Sarina Occhipinti

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to investigate the work ability of employees within a multinational corporation specialized in supplying automated production lines and maintenance of industrial assets and the relation between work shifts and the work ability. This is a descriptive comparative study conducted in the company, with a sample of 776 maintenance workers. We used the Work Ability Index (WAI) to assess their ability to work. The study subjects were young adults, all male, around 37 years old, divided into 53.6% in the fixed shift and 46.4% in rotating shifts. From the results, it can be concluded that …workers in general have good work ability, but when divided into shifts, better results are found in the group of rotating shift workers. Further study should be conducted to investigate whether the shift interferes on the outcome of WAI. Show more

Keywords: work ability, working conditions, health worker's day shift and night shift

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1062-6068

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6068-6070, 2012

Authors: de Carvalho, Ricardo José Matos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ergopolis defines itself as an idea for thinking and transforming the city from the understanding of its own complexity and the complex human activity in it. The city is a living social organism where social production and reproduction take place. It is a sociotechnical and human-technological system where transformations and adaptations occur. The current article aims to gather and present cognitive ergonomics approaches, ranging from anthropotechnology, macroergonomics, resilience engineering and situated economy as a feasible theoretical and methodological path to be used in the understanding of the urban problems related to health, safety, accessibility, usability, mobility, people comfort and environmental …sustainability of the city. The city is a situated space through which people with distinct features, capabilities and limitations perform daily singular activities i.e. leisure, entertainment or work notwithstanding whether they have economic and/or profitable aims or not. Show more

Keywords: Ergopolis, ergonomics, cognition, resilience, city

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1063-6071

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6071-6078, 2012

Authors: Trask, Catherine | Mathiassen, Svend Erik | Wahlström, Jens | Heiden, Marina | Rezagholi, Mahmoud

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Documentation of posture measurement cost is rare and cost models that do exist are generally naïve. This paper provides a comprehensive cost model for ergonomic research, documents the monetary costs of three exposure assessment methods (inclinometry, video observation, and self-report), and discusses cost components. Trunk and shoulder posture were assessed for 27 aircraft baggage handlers for 3 full shifts each using three methods typical to ergonomics: self-report via questionnaire, observation via video film, and full-shift inclinometer registration. The model accounted for costs related to meetings to plan the study, administration, recruitment, equipment, training of data collectors, travel, and onsite data …collection. Findings show that inclinometer was the most expensive method, followed by observation and then self report; the majority of costs (90%) were borne by researchers. Study design parameters such as sample size, measurement scheduling and spacing, concurrent measurements, location and travel, and equipment acquisition were shown to have wide-ranging impacts on costs. This study provided empirical cost data for use in cost models that can facilitate decision making and planning of future studies, and can be used to investigate cost efficiency in future studies. Show more

Keywords: cost efficiency, exposure assessment, work related musculoskeletal disorders, methods development

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1064-6079

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6079-6086, 2012

Authors: dos Santos, Carlos Maurício Duque | Costa Neto, Pedro Luiz Oliveira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aims to present and assess a management model for implementing ergonomic improvements in the quality of working conditions in production processes in order to meet the requirements of Regulation Standard NR-17 (Brazilian Health and Safety Labor Regulations), which is an integral part of the Brazilian Labor Legislation. The object was to create a Company Ergonomics Management Model. The management model was implemented in two companies on their manufacturing production lines producing different products and demonstrating satisfactory results.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Quality, Management Model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1065-6087

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6087-6093, 2012

Authors: Rodrigues, Fernanda | Teixeira, Nuno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Human activity is always associated with a probability of risk exposure that have to be eliminated or kept in an acceptable level. The acceptable level concept depends on the self evaluation in function of different subjective and objective factors, being extremely important to quantify objectively the risk. The risk assessment permits to get the knowledge of the working interactions that have to be studied and determine what kind of interventions must be implemented, when and how. The maintenance activities of medical equipments such as for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialyses, involve diverse occupational risk. During this study its assessment was …carried out through the SOBANE methodology - Screening Observation Analysis Expertise (in the Screening phase). The risk assessment depicts that the principal hazards those technicians are exposed are related with ergonomics, psychosocial, electrical, fall at the same level, biologics and fire. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the risk assessment during maintenance activities of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialyses equipments. Show more

Keywords: Equipments maintenance, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, hazards, case study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1066-6094

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6094-6097, 2012

Authors: Steffner, Daniel | Schenkman, Bo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Change blindness on web pages was studied for 20 participants. The purpose was to find how change blindness appears for web pages, and which changes are easier to detect. The task was to detect if a change had occurred and to show this by the means of the cursor. Rensink's flicker paradigm was used, where four categories of changes were presented. It was easier to detect a change not consisting of a person than one with a person. It was easier to detect a change to the left than to the right. The complexity of the web pages did not …appear to have an effect, while large changes were easier to detect than small. The results may indicate that focused attention is differently sensitive for different kinds of changes. They also show that change blindness is a general phenomenon that can be applied to the perception of web pages. Show more

Keywords: Change blindness, attention, perception, web pages, reaction time

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1067-6098

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6098-6102, 2012

Authors: Orenha, Eliel Soares | Naressi, Suely Mutti Carvalho | Teixeira, Symone Cristina | Rosetti, Enzo | Plácido da Silva, José Carlos | Bormio, Mariana Falcão | Fontana, Artemis Rodrigues | Meneghim, Marcelo de Castro | Soares, Angélica Cristiane Búlio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aimed to describe how to evaluate and quantify the ergonomic satisfaction level of dental clinics rooms. Requirements for design, production and selection of dental equipment as described in ISO/TC-106/SC-6-N-411, support more comprehensive studies for an ergonomic evaluation and ergo design of the dental workstations. It was created a checklist of ergonomics requirements which is supported by Standards ISO/FDI and acquired by mean of a literature review. According to information exposed at the document of the Ergonomics Society of Dental Ergonomics - ESDE we can consider that the elaboration of an ergonomic evaluation protocol regard to the dental workstation …is an important demand for the ergonomics, particularly in relation to the performance of the ergonomic design which presents qualified to assist to dental equipment manufactures. By this means, the identification of the evaluation factors pointed in ISO/TC 106/SC 6 N 411 offers the basic information to the process of elaboration of this protocol addressed by the described general guidelines. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics, design, dental equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1068-6103

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6103-6106, 2012

Authors: Rasmussen, John | Boocock, Mark | Paul, Gunther

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper investigates new opportunities for ergonomic design based on advanced computer simulated musculoskeletal modeling. The approach is inspired by the influence that other advanced computer-aided engineering technologies have had on product design. The background to the musculoskeletal modeling approach (AnyBody Modeling System) is briefly explained and illustrated by means of a hand sawing task. Simple design modifications to the handle of the saw provide empirical data about muscle forces on which designers can use to enhance product design. It is concluded that musculoskeletal simulation has the potential to significantly improve ergonomic design of many tools and products that derive …their value from interfacing with the human body. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal simulation, Ergonomic design, Anybody Modeling System, Hand saw. Design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1069-6107

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6107-6111, 2012

Authors: Widanarko, Baiduri | Legg, Stephen | Stevenson, Mark | Devereux, Jason

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Although there is strong evidence that single physical, psychosocial and organisational risk factors are each independent predictors of low back symptoms (LBS) and its consequences, little is known about their combination/interaction. A preliminary study was conducted among 673 workers as part of a larger study (n=1294) in a coal mining company in Indonesia. A self-reported questionnaire was used to obtain physical and psychosocial exposures, and organisational factors. Each participant was grouped into one of four combination exposure groups: 1) high physical (working with bent trunk, whole body vibration exposure, lifting) and high psychosocial (high effort, low reward, work stress), 2) …high physical and low psychosocial, 3) low physical and high psychosocial, 4) low physical and low psychosocial (as the reference group). Individuals in the high physical and high psychosocial group were the most likely to report LBS (OR 3.47 95% CI 1.81-6.64), reduced activities (OR 6.94 95% CI 1.58-30.49) and absenteeism (OR 7.01 95% CI 2.04-24.10). Permanent workers were more likely to report LBS and its consequences whereas night shift work increased the risk of LBS consequences. Interventions to reduce LBS and its consequences should address both physical and psychosocial factors, with a focus on permanent and night shift workers. Show more

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, back pain, developing country, blue-collar worker, disability, sick leave

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1070-6112

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6112-6119, 2012

Authors: Spada, Stefania | Sessa, Fabrizio | Corato, Francesco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The paper show an application of Virtual Reality (VR) tools and Digital Human Modeling (DHM) methods to improve simulation of assembly tasks in order to achieve an ergonomic optimization of future workcells in car assembly plants. The goal is to perform the simulation in the very early phase of product and process development, when changes to project solutions are easy and costless. Generating synthetic motion with a Digital Human Modeling (DHM) tool that is ergonomically optimized for (eventually different) ergonomic indexes is a longstanding problem in the simulation analysis of ergonomics aspects of workcells. An ergonomic criterion which allows to …classify a movement as a ergonomic or not, could be very useful to develop a new approach to synthetic motion generation in postural analysis. The application described is based on Motion Tracking techniques that allow to acquire human movements during a common assembly operation and to obtain the most important kinematic and information to characterize the movements. The results allow to evaluate ergonomics aspects of the synthetically generate motion on the base of statistical and wavelet analysis. By moving a 3D human model, it is possible to verify if the simulation of an assembly task is within an ergonomic criterion. Show more

Keywords: Virtual simulation, motion capture, ergonomic classification, digital human modeling, statistical analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1071-6120

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6120-6126, 2012

Authors: Sznelwar, L. I. | Hubault, F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper proposes a discussion about the possibilities to link strategic decisions to working activities performed by workers. In that sense contributions from activities analysis could be considered in order to design and manage production.

Keywords: Working activities, Ergonomic Work Analysis, Strategic decisions, Organization Design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1072-6127

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6127-6132, 2012

Authors: Achleitner, H. | Álvarez-Casado, E. | Zhang, B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are extremely common health problem and have important consequences for the individual and the society which are affecting millions of European workers across all employment sectors. One of the main objectives of TIAM is to collect good practices in prevention of WMSDs and disseminate the good practice to all the regions. Three documents related to collect good practices (Good practices definition, Good practices report form and Questionnaire form for regional policy) had been sent to all the participant regions. Good practices and successful experiences or innovations in WMSDs prevention have been collected from 5 European regions. …A good practice database has been developed based on 8 categories: TIAM region; Sector; Topic; WMSDs relevance; Work activities; Risk assessment methodology; Results of reassessment and Impact on performance. Finally, the database has been successfully uploaded onto the website (www.TIAM.eu) in order to share knowledge and promote good practices in WMSDs prevention. Collecting good practices based on a collaborative platform for preventing WMSDs will not only help companies improve and maintain healthy and safe working conditions, but will also promote the creation of new solutions in the field of WMSD and injuries prevention. Show more

Keywords: Good practice, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), occupational risk prevention, toolkits, safety and health in workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1073-6133

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6133-6138, 2012

Authors: Quaresma, Manuela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aims to present an assessment of the visual demand of typical data entry tasks in two popular navigation systems among iPhone Brazilians users - TomTom App and iGO Primo App. Applying the extended KLM technique, the total times to perform the tasks with interruptions were estimated, with which it was possible to evaluate the potential for driver distraction as per criteria established by some recommended practices of automotive industry. With the results obtained, it was identified that the main issues that lead to increased visual demand afforded by the systems are related to the amount of screens that …are required in the process of data entry and the failure to implement iOS features in applications developed for it. Show more

Keywords: interface design, usability, navigation systems, driver distraction, task analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1074-6139

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6139-6144, 2012

Authors: Caroly, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: As part of research into occupational doctors' practices in the field of MSD prevention, the objective is to explore the differences between occupational health physicians in practices between men and women employees' ability to return to work. Diagnosis is based on what they are able to do or not do in their day-to-day life. The way the employees are questioned is often stereotypical depending on family roles and gender-related characteristics: housework for women, doing DIY or gardening for men. A part from this stereotypical style of questioning, the occupation health physician' actions when writing out ability restrictions for men and …women are often linked to the employees' work context. Indeed, employees can be exposed unequally to MSDs, and this sometimes leads to real job issues. Yet, underlying these common practices, the way the back-to-work medical visit with a female or male employee is organised differs according to the occupational doctor's gender. One of the main differences is the way the doctors manage their relationship with the employees. Show more

Keywords: gender, MSD, occupational health physician, activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1075-6145

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6145-6152, 2012

Authors: Silverstein, Barbara | Howard, Ninica | Adams, Darrin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Washington State passed Safe Patient Handling legislation (ESHB 1672) for hospitals in 2006 with full implementation by 2010. We assessed the impact of the legislation by comparing workers compensation claims rates for Washington State hospitals (with) nursing homes (without) over this period, focusing on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). We also compared implementation of SPH in Washington State hospitals (with legislation) to comparable hospitals in Idaho (no legislation) via focus groups and surveys. Over the study period, hospital WC rates for WMSDs declined more rapidly than nursing home WC rates. Washington hospital nursing staff reported significantly greater SPH implementation than Idaho …nursing staff. Show more

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, hospitals, legislation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1076-6153

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6153-6155, 2012

Authors: Cunha, Liliana | Lacomblez, Marianne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The focus of the present analysis is on the work of drivers in the public road passenger transportation sector in Portugal and on its specific contribution to local development. This approach dissociates itself from the one that places mobility as a “paradigm” of the contemporary societies and considers that the increase in mobility registered in the latter years is, in itself, revealing of development. For field work, a public transportation line, in an urban context, and a network of lines, in a rural context were chosen. In each of these contexts, the drivers' work was analyzed in real situations and …semi-structured interviews were held with 16 of them: ten drivers in an urban context and six in a rural context. Considering the point of view of the work activity, enabled us to abandon the dominant perspectives that tend to highlight the social inequality of the mobility conditions (between those who use a private vehicle and those who need to use public transportation), to reflect on the characteristics of the mobility spaces which benefit or limit it, contributing to other inequalities. What is the importance of the space for mobility besides its support? How is it considered in the drivers' work? Show more

Keywords: Transportation, Mobility, Drivers, Territory, Inequalities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1077-6156

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6156-6161, 2012

Authors: Gemma, S. F. B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study discusses issues related to work in the certification process of Organic Production Units (OPU). Data was collected from ten producers in the region of Campinas, Sao Paulo Brazil, which represent the majority of producers of certified organic vegetables and fruits. The methodology used was an adaptation of Ergonomic Work Analysis method, and structured interviews. As OPU are small and most people perform many tasks related to the various work systems, there is little specialization. Their activities are uncomfortable, awkward physical postures and significant efforts are necessary to perform the work in horticulture. Tasks are predominantly manual and just …a few of them can count on the help of mechanization. The certification process and it's maintenance have several implications for farmers, on top of the paperwork, there is an universe of work already so full of activities demanded by the production and marketing systems. The complex context of production, mainly because of its diversity, associated with lack of financial resources and technology, demands from organic farmers to build multiple strategies for business survival. Certification can, contrary to what is expected represent another barrier to the expansion of organic production. Show more

Keywords: organic agriculture, ergonomics, ergonomic work analysis, certification processes, certifiers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1078-6162

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 6162-6167, 2012