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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: In this article we present a model of some functions and activities of the Brazilian Air traffic Control System (ATS) in the period in which occurred a mid-air collision between flight GLO1907, a commercial aircraft Boeing 737-800, and flight N600XL, an executive jet EMBRAER E-145, to investigate key resilience characteristics of the ATM. Modeling in some detail activities during the collision and related them to overall behavior and antecedents that stress the organization uncover some drift into failure mechanisms that erode safety defenses provided by the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), enabling a mid-air collision to be happen.
Keywords: air traffic, Brazilian Air traffic Control System (ATS), Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP)
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0162-232
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 232-239, 2012
Abstract: The objective of the present study is to propose a method to dynamically evaluate discomfort of a passenger seat by measuring the interface pressure between the occupant and the seat during the performance of the most common activities of a typical flight. This article reports the results of resting and reading studies performed in a simulator that represents the interior of a commercial aircraft.
Abstract: To predict the technology acceptance of a system before market release is one of the big challenges of today. Many models are concerned with the question if someone is going to accept the system or not. Within this work a first empirical investigation of a personal trait called Pleasure of Control (PoC) is presented. Pleasure of Control is a construct that divides people into those people enjoy having control over a technical system and those who do not. It is predicted that a high Pleasure of Control leads to a prolonged system usage and unwillingness to accept highly automated systems.…This paper presents a first empirical investigation of Pleasure of Control with 10 Persons with focus on usage durations. An experimental study revealed differences in the usage durations of a technical system (Apple iPad) between users with high and user with low Pleasure of Control measures.
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Keywords: technology acceptance, usage durations, pleasure of control, automated systems
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0164-246
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 246-251, 2012
Abstract: At present, the number of the vehicle requirements has been continuously increasing. These requirements can be related to the customer as well as the technical requirements. Among these, the “feeling of space” of the occupants inside the vehicles can be regarded as one of the most important factors. In this respect, the driver and passengers should be able to experience positive feeling of space inside the vehicle. There are numerous factors that can influence the sense of space inside the vehicle. These include geometry (vehicle dimensions), light exposure, ambient lights, colors, material selection and material surface. Depending on the selection,…the sense of space can be dramatically influenced by these factors. In general, human feeling is subjective and cannot be measured by any instrument. The measure can nevertheless be carried out by utilizing the method of subjective evaluation. Throughout the experiments, the method of evaluation is developed and the factors which can influence the interior feeling are analyzed. In this process, psychological perception, architectural aspects and anthropometry are considered and knowledge from the other domains is transferred in the form of a multidisciplinary approach. The experiments with an aim to evaluate the overall sense of space in the vehicle are carried out based on the physical mock up of BMW 1 series (E87). The space perception with different interior dimensions and anthropometric data of test persons are also analyzed. The use of Computer Aided Technology was shown by CATIA V5, PCMAN and RAMSIS. The results show a good correlation between the subjective evaluation and the geometric values.
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Keywords: sense of space, effect of space, space perception, PCMAN, objective evaluation of space effects
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0165-252
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 252-257, 2012
Abstract: Lack of system reliability has been repeatedly identified as a factor that decreases trust. However, aesthetics has an important role in the development of trust. Most of the research concerning the connection between aesthetics and trust focused on mobile commerce and websites while very little has been done in examining aesthetics in automated systems. This study integrated aesthetics manipulations into an imperfect in-vehicle automation system and focused on the power of aesthetics to decrease the negative effects of errors on trust, satisfaction, annoyance, and human-automation cooperation perceptions. Participants used the navigation system in either 100% or 85% accuracy levels with…an aesthetic or non aesthetic system (4 conditions). In both aesthetic and non aesthetic systems, perceptions of trust, satisfaction and human automation cooperation were decreased in the imperfect system compared to the perfect one. However, in the annoyance rating, this trend was found only in the aesthetic system while in the non-aesthetic system no difference was found between the two levels of accuracy. This single effect may indicate upon the possibility that in automated systems aesthetics affects trust and satisfaction more moderately compared to mobile commerce applications and websites. However, more research is needed to assess this assumption.
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Abstract: This article presents a study on the perception of fear related to the use of three different types of urban furniture, qualitatively evaluated based on interviews while people were using them in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil: the bus shelter, the playground, and the gymnastic equipment. The fear related to the lack of safety of the urban space was associated with the use of the three types of products. The fear experienced by the use of the playground and the bus shelter was related to the occurrence of accidents, since both products are often unsafe and do not fulfill…ergonomic parameters. The fear experienced from the use of the gymnastic equipment is related to the possibility of incorrect use of the product and the occurrence of harassment. Both ergonomics and emotion are important aspects to be considered in design, in order to make the use of social/ collective products a pleasant experience.
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Keywords: emotion and design, ergonomics, collective product
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0167-266
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 266-271, 2012
Abstract: Past research showed that people are able to perceive the personality of others at zero acquaintances. There are two main ways, verbal and non-verbal methods, which play an important role for one in perceiving personality of others. Extensive research was conducted in relating personality with verbal, paralinguistic and gestures cues. However, there are not much research, to our knowledge, that relates the appearance and perceived personality of robots. The main objective of this research is to relate individual design features with big five perceived personality of the robots. We used the results of rated perceptions across 100 pictorial images of…robots and relate the results with the 40 individual design features using General Linear Model (GLM). The initial results of the GLM analysis showed that participants’ rating of personality of robot fell along the dimension of perceived friendliness which is a common rotation of extroversion and agreeableness. Some relationships were found between humanlike design features and perceived friendliness of robots. Since participants are more familiar with humans, participants perceived robots with humanlike features friendlier than the others. Some other findings such as color and surface material were found related with participants’ perceived friendliness as well. In the future, we will work on the analysis of the main and interaction effects of individual features on user’s perceived friendliness.
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Keywords: social robots, perceived personality, visual appearance, generalized linear model
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0168-272
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 272-276, 2012
Abstract: Several people buy products that they will never use or even know what for. Feelings associated with pleasure, spontaneity and possession of something are reasons why people buy products without considering if they really need it or not if it will be useful or not, etc.. The collective buying sites are going up and offer products and services with great discounts. This study aims to relate the emotional design and usability concerning to collective buying sites and identify the reasons that influence people when it comes to buy something online.
Keywords: user experience, interface analysis, simplification of purchasing processes
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0169-277
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 277-281, 2012
Abstract: This article presents a study on the identification of a setting whose arrangement of attributes could lead to the perception of pleasantness of a bus shelter: a product that should welcome people while waiting for the bus. Two different bus shelters typologies in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were evaluated, where four attributes were under consideration. The relation between the shelters subject of the study and the surroundings was significant for defining the attributes. The setting with curve shaped cover, bench, rear wall, and surrounding vegetation was considered the most pleasant one. The…seats and the rear wall were associated with the practical function of the product while the curve shaped cover and the surrounding vegetation were associated with the aesthetical function according to the participant users.
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Keywords: emotional design, pleasantness, bus shelter, product attributes, product functions
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0170-282
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 282-289, 2012
Abstract: This article addresses the love for shoes by the perspective of design and emotion. Reviewing the footwear history, we realize that it did not take too long for the shoes start to have new functions, aesthetic and symbolic, which eventually came to have greater relevance in the acquisition of women’s shoes. Today, these outweigh the importance of physical comfort for many women, that once feeling pretty, do not realize the discomfort of the shoe. Studies indicate that the objects we love have a strong influence on our sense of identity, especially when dealing with clothing articles that have the power…to show on our appearance our identity, tastes and preferences. Crossing the semiotics field, the footwear is analyzed as an object of feminine desire, imbued with symbolic relations. As a result, we propose a framework to describe the emotional relationship between women and shoes.
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Keywords: female footwear, design and emotion, love for products, protection, pleasure
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0171-290
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 290-294, 2012
Abstract: Comfort on automobile seats is lived daily by thousands of drivers. Epistemologically, comfort can be understood under the theory of complexity, since it emerges from a chain of interrelationships between man and several elements of the system. This interaction process can engender extreme comfort associated to the feeling of pleasure and wellbeing or, on the other hand, lead to discomfort, normally followed by pain. This article has for purpose the development of a theoretical model that favours the comfort feature on automobile seats through the identification of its facets and indicators. For such, a theoretical study is resorted to, allowing…the mapping of elements that constitute the model. The results present a comfort model on automobile seats that contemplates the (physical, psychological, object, context and environment) facets. This model is expected to contribute with the automobile industry for the development of improvements of the ergonomic project of seats to increase the comfort noticed by the users.
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Keywords: comfort, ergonomics, automobile, seat, model
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0172-295
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 295-302, 2012
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present Finnish employees’ opinions on continuing work until retirement pension and after the age of 63, and to find out if physical workload is related to these opinions. Altogether 39% of men and 40% of women had never had thoughts of early retirement, and 59% claimed (both men and women) that they would consider working beyond the age of 63. Own health (20%); financial gain such as salary and better pension (19%); meaningful, interesting and challenging work (15%); flexible working hours or part-time work (13%); lighter work load (13%); good work community (8%);…and good work environment (6%) were stated as factors affecting the decision to continue working after the age of 63. Employees whose work involved low physical workload had less thoughts of early retirement and had considered continuing work after the age of 63 more often than those whose work involved high physical loads. Own health in particular was stated as a reason to consider continuing work by employees whose work was physically demanding.
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Keywords: retirement intentions, postponing retirement, physically demanding work, work posture
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0173-303
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 303-306, 2012
Abstract: In many countries of the world, retirement is mandatory at the age at which persons who hold certain jobs or offices are required by employment law to leave their employment, or retire (60 to 65 years). Typically, this is justified by the argument that certain occupations are either too dangerous or require high levels of physical skills and mental work. Every worker has to leave the workforce at that age. However, starting from the last two decades of the last century, it is observed that retirees live more years in retirement than ever before. This relatively long retirement as well…as retirees’ body fitness made many of them engage in new jobs which are either similar to their career jobs, or completely different from them. In this new type of employment which is called “bridge employment’, the retired worker may spend more than ten years. But, to what extent these new jobs are fitted to the aged worker? Considering that experiencing any type of event increases the risk of worse health outcomes over time, bridge employment should be ergonomically designed if it is to fit the aged worker characteristics (physical, mental and affective).
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Keywords: retirement, aged worker, career jobs, bridge employment, ergonomics
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0174-307
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 307-312, 2012
Abstract: At present the health of people in theirs 60s is the same as in theirs 50s around fifty years ago. Using older academics is a topical problem for universities in remaining efficient. Data regarding academics’ scientific productivity at universities were collected and questionnaires compiled in the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia. Studies showed that the productivity of academics at university increases as they grow older (into their 60s). These academics are valuable to the university. The choice of academics should be made according to the candidates’ knowledge and ability to work.
Keywords: ability to work, research, academics
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0175-313
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 313-315, 2012
Abstract: Nursing personnel is essential in hospital, health centers and enterprises and is the large work force in health system. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a large city in two public hospitals and five health centre with the objective of to evaluate the work ability and health aspects of nursing staff. The sample was composed by 570 workers. The Work Ability Index – WAI and a questionnaire with socio-demographic, health and life style data was applied. The majority of workers was women (83%), married (50.4%), and was working in night shift work (65.6%); 61.4% was auxiliary nursing, 22.3% was registered…nurses (RN). The average age was 38.9 years (SD 7.8) and the Body Mass Index mean was 25.8 (SD 5.3). Only 17.2% referred to practice at least 150 minutes of physical exercise five times per week or more. 26.8% had a second job. The work ability mean was 39.3 (SD 5.3) points. Age had a negative correlation with WAI (p=0.0052). Public hospital and health centre workers had poor work ability score when compared with workers from another branches. Public policies related to workplace health promotion need to be implemented in public hospital and health centre to improve the work ability.
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Keywords: life style, work ability, aging, nursing staff
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0176-316
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 316-319, 2012
Abstract: Knowing the users is capital for building user-friendly digital interfaces. One way to think about the users is considering their familiarity with this technology. This article presents the results of twelve interviews with elderly people residing in the so-called South Zone of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) who have used mobile phones over at least one year. It is part of the Doctor’s Thesis “Mobile phones for elderly people — usability for social integration” (“Celulares para idosos — usabilidade a serviço da integração social”), which is targeted at ascertaining if the current mobile phones are user-friendly for elderly people. Through the…technique of Guided Interviews, we found usage time, criteria for choice of phones, reasons for changes, preferences, and manners of use. Preliminarily, we have noticed differences in the behavior of the participating users and performed a qualitative analysis according to groups of age and gender.
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Keywords: Elderly users, mobile phones, usage, features and preferenes
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1003-320
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 320-327, 2012
Abstract: Older adults have been facing usability problems every day, and with the increasing of life expectation those issues will be more and more frequent. The study of this group capacities and limitations could help designers to project systems more usable to everyone.
Abstract: The ability of older adults to use a domestic appliance depends on their comprehension of the appliance’s operation. This may depend on transfer of understanding from similar, more familiar technology. While this may assist their interaction with the new device, it may constrain the discovery of new functionality not represented in the familiar technology, and, thereby, constrain the discovery of advanced functionality. Older adults experience declining cognitive abilities associated with attention, perceptual encoding, and memory (cueing and recall). Designing appliances to extend cognitive abilities provides opportunity to prolong functional independence. Concepts from cognitive psychology, human factors, and gerontology are reviewed…to explain age-related behavior towards technology to support innovative product development of technologies for older adults.
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Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO), as well as researchers of the whole world, it has been demonstrating concern with the subject of the aging related to the work and it recognizes that modifications in the several systems of the human body take to the gradual decrease in the effectiveness of each one of them, because the aging caused by the work advances apprenticeships of the cycle of the man’s life, not respecting the natural state of that process. In this sense, it was aimed at with this research to investigate the relative aspects to the capacity for the work and…to the workers’ with responsibility to realize the work in the laundries service, verifying if they present signs of precocious functional aging.
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Keywords: Capacity for the work, Precocious functional aging, Laundry, Workers
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0179-340
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 340-348, 2012
Abstract: Internet-based telemedicine is becoming an effective tool to deliver home-healthcare services and health information on demand, especially in rural areas, where there is often a large elderly population with greater rates of preventable chronic diseases. However, the designs of current interfaces for these internet-based telemedicine systems do not take elderly user characteristics into consideration. This study conducted usability testing on the interface of an internet-based telemedicine system using two different age groups, young adults and older adults. Differences in overall performance and satisfaction between the two groups were identified. Based on these results, a future direction is suggested for the…interfaces of internetbased telemedicine systems.
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Abstract: Telemedicine has emerged as an effective tool for providing high quality healthcare service and health-related information, especially in rural areas. Rural areas often have a larger elderly population with greater rates of preventable disease. These areas also have fewer medical resources and specialists, and have limited access to health services, all of which can influence overall health. An internet-based telemedicine system can be one solution to provide the rural elderly with the proper health information when needed. The elderly obviously have limited capabilities compared with younger adults in the use of internet technology. However, the interfaces of the currently existing…internet-based telemedicine systems are not specifically developed for elderly users. This paper suggests future interface design research for an internet-based telemedicine system specifically for the elderly.
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Abstract: Gerontolinguistic obtains a growing importance with the increase of elderly users due to Demographic Change. Since acceptance and ease of use of supportive systems for elderly, such as “E-Nursing-Assistants“, are highly dependent on the age suitable design of readable instructions, an age-appropriate linguistic concept is of high value for usability. There has been only little research on the relevance of foreign words, signal words, textual arrangement, optical accentuation of key terms and temporal iconicity concerning older users. Thus, an efficient design of age suitable manual instructions within a medical context still remains to be done. The objective of this research…was to evaluate the relevance of the previously mentioned factors in the context of written instructions. For this, an empirical survey was designed which was given to 45 study participants. The subjects of the experiment were given 4x3 instructions after a pretest questionnaire. The aim was to execute these instructions as correctly and quickly as possible. Furthermore the instructions were rated regarding comprehensibility with a retrospective questionnaire.
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Keywords: readability, 50+, temporal iconicity, linguistic factors, layout factors
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0182-357
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 357-361, 2012
Abstract: As the world population is ageing, studies on the socio-economic and health consequences are proliferating. Little has been done on the effectiveness and impact elderly may benefit from the use of technology in their everyday life. The pilot study, implemented within a funded project aimed at identifying sustainable actions to promote Seniors’ quality of life, intended to investigate this kind of interaction in terms of accessibility and acceptability that senior citizen experience with technological devices promoting motor and cognitive training. In the hypothesis, interfaces and technological artifacts, that still take in little account the seniors’ physical characteristics (e.g. physiological limitations…in sight, hearing, movement) and cognitive processes (selective memory often driven by practical needs), can cause elderly to mistrust technology. Study participants were twenty over seventy-year-old people, who were observed and interviewed in context in a two-hour training session regarding the technological devices user experience. The results are presented with scenario-based techniques that help represent typologies of users in different use situations. Findings confirm the hypothesis, highlighting that elderly may accept technological artifacts when they perceive them as bringing benefits in terms of well-being and health.
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Keywords: ageing, quality of life, usability, interaction design
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0183-362
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 362-369, 2012
Abstract: The elderly are at an increased risk for being diagnosed with diabetes. While previous studies have examined technique errors when a patient used his or her current blood glucometer or a single novel glucometer, no study has measured errors as a patient transferred to using a second, novel experimental glucometer. Results support findings that older adults perform more slowly and less accurately than younger adults when transferring between pieces of equipment. Implications for future blood glucometer design and training are discussed.
Keywords: healthcare, aging, medical devices, blood glucose monitor
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0184-370
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 370-373, 2012
Abstract: This study was conducted with older adults living in a long-stay institution in the city of Foz do Iguacu, Parana, Brazil with the objective of assessing the influence of muscle strength loss in the risk of falls. The sample consisted of 65 elderly who walk without the aid of support for locomotion, 37 women and 28 men, aged between 67 and 80 years. The risk of falls was assessed through the TUG test. To determine the handgrip strength, a hand dynamometer model Jamar ( was used, which provides the result in kg / force (kgf), being held only with the…dominant hand. The results showed that in the last 12 months, only 32% of the elderly surveyed had no fall and the average handgrip strength was 24.32 ( 11.22 kgf; 40% had one fall and the average handgrip strength was 23.82 ( 10.18 kgf; 8% had two falls and the average handgrip strength was 19.48 ( 8.21 kgf and 20% had more than one fall and the average handgrip strength of 18.13 ( 7.33 Kgf., indicating that the force levels are statistically lower among elderly at high risk of falls (p> 0.05). It was concluded that the lower the force level, the greater the likelihood of falls. Thus, it is important to stress that due to the loss of muscle strength, all ergonomic hazards and architectural barriers must be removed so that older adults can perform their tasks more easily, with comfort and safety.
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Keywords: aging, ergonomics, accident
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0185-374
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 374-379, 2012
Abstract: The EU and its Member States have identified population ageing as one of the key economic and social challenges to be faced. A high employment rate for older workers is essential. The ability to work is a prerequisite for a high employment rate for older workers. From 1965-2000, we carried out physiological and ergonomic studies in enterprises in Estonia, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova and proposed measures to avoid health risks. Our investigations were commissioned by industrial enterprises to improve the workplace and working conditions. The most interesting finding was that it was possible to markedly postpone the development of ageing…changes in workers’ bodies by up to 20 years without major investments.
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Keywords: ergonomics, youth, ageing
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0186-380
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 380-382, 2012
Abstract: French companies are legally required to develop action plans to improve employment and work conditions for older workers (“plans seniors”). These plans contain measures oriented towards recruiting, career evolution, skills developme1nt, knowledge transmission and improvement of work conditions. A tool for assessing work situations experienced by council buildings caretakers (“gardiens”) was used in such a plan on behalf of the main agency of council housing in Paris, and we developed. This assessment tool was developed after ergonomic work analysis on a sample of 36 older caretakers (age > 57 y.o). The technical inspectors in charge of technical interventions on buildings…and managing caretakers were trained to use the assessment tool and apply it to all caretakers aged 50 and over.
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Keywords: work analysis, aging, social housing, management training
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1004-383
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 383-387, 2012
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a regression equation that, incorporating the potential energy of the load in the hands, was capable of improved predictions of spinal compression forces. A stepwise polynomial equation was developed from EMG profiles of 15 muscles, and its spinal joint loading predictions at L4/L5 were compared to current methods of calculating spinal compression. Absolute muscle activation was shown to increase with increased loading height, indicating that the central nervous system responds to changes in spinal stability. The inclusion of potential energy into the calculation of spinal disc compression at L4/L5 improved estimates of…the compressive forces acting on the spine. This is the first model to incorporate potential energy into a predictive model for lumbar spine compression without the use of electromyography. It was concluded that potential energy plays a vital role in dictating the recruitment patterns of the trunk.
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Keywords: lifting, compression, low back loading
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0187-388
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 388-393, 2012
Abstract: Physical workload is a continuous problem, even in modern workplaces. The purpose of the survey was to determine the effect of support on employees’ physical load factors at workplaces. Training, guidance and support were the main focus areas of the early support intervention, which aimed to enable supervisors to find weak signals of impaired ergonomics. The survey was carried out in the form of a controlled longitudinal study, and the material was gathered via a questionnaire in both 2008 and 2010 from two co-operative trade groups. The final sample was 301 intervention subjects and 235 control subjects, and the…response rate was 45% in both groups. We applied factor analysis to reduce the number of items. The physical load factors’ sum score consisted of six items. We used logistic regression in the statistical analysis. Encouragement to improve processes at the workplace increased the probability of positive change (i.e. decrease) in physical load factors. The same applied to working pace, if individuals could control it themselves. In contrast, workload and the support of supervisors had a reversed impact on workers’ physical load factors. Focusing on promoting workers’ ergonomics is still important in workplaces when aiming to decrease physical load factors.
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Keywords: ergonomics, weak signals, effects, intervention, follow-up study
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0188-394
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 394-396, 2012
Abstract: Recently, an equation was developed to predict maximal acceptable effort (MAE) for repetitive tasks based on the product of task frequency and effort duration (ie. duty cycle). This equation has been shown to closely match data from psychophysical studies of the upper extremities. In the current paper, the applicability of this equation was tested on lifting and lowering data from Snook and Ciriello (1991) and was found to fit closely, even at very low duty cycles.
Keywords: psychophysics, strength, maximum acceptable effort, ergonomic limits
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0189-397
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 397-400, 2012
Abstract: Aonla is an important Indian fruit crop with great potential for processing into various quality products. Aonla preserve making is an important economic activity in our country. The pricking methods are age old, hence a hand operated aonla pricking machine was introduced in preserve making industries to speed up the pricking task. OWAS and RULA two of the most commonly used ergonomic assessment tools were evaluated for their efficacy in the assessment pricking along with Rating of perceived exertion scale. Analysis of working posture using RULA revealed that the pricking task with existing methods i.e. fork and hand tool requires…immediate investigation and changes in working posture while with machine pricking investigations and changes are required soon. The results of OWAS indicated that the posture maintained while pricking with existing methods need to be changed in future planning while with machine was acceptable. The subjective assessment revealed that machine pricking was less exerting activity as compared to the existing methods. The preserve prepared from machine pricked fruit was most acceptable among consumers. Hence, in the form of machine ergonomic intervention was brought about in preservation industries which have proved beneficial for workers in terms of their safety and productivity.
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Abstract: The use of boiler wood-fired is fairly common equipment utilized in steam generation for energy production in small industries. The boiler activities are considered dangerous and heavy, mainly due to risks of explosions and the lack of mechanization of the process. This study assessed the burden of physical labor that operators of boilers are subjected during the workday. Assessment of these conditions was carried out through quantitative and qualitative measurements. A heart rate monitor, a wet-bulb globe thermometer (WBGT), a tape-measure and a digital infrared camera were the instruments used to collect the quantitative data. The Nordic Questionnaire and the…Painful Areas Diagram were used to relate the health problems of the boiler operator with activity. With study, was concluded that the boiler activity may cause pains in the body of intensity different, muscle fatigue and diseases due to excessive weight and the exposure to heat. The research contributed to improve the boiler operator’s workplace and working conditions.
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Abstract: The current article aims to analyse the activity and the repercussions in the health of the artisan fishermen who use rafts in the urban Beach of Ponta Negra in Natal – RN, with emphasis on the physical demands at the step of hauling the nets from the ocean. It has been taken as a reference the methodology of Work Ergonomic Analysis-WEA. 21 fishermen participated in the study (50% of the population). It was used applying observational techniques and methodologies (open and sistematic observations and simulations) interactional ( social and economic questionnaire, conversational actions, verbalizations, self confrontations and collective analysis) and…health assessment (static postural assessment, movement flexibility of flexo extension of the shoulder and the ischiotibial muscle, lumbar region and hang grip. Applying the diagram of painful areas and the Nordic Questionnaire of mucleskeletal symptoms). The results were submeted to restitutions and validations with the raftmen. The hauling of the nets represents a high muscleskeletal risk, joining physical effort, adopting forced postures with the rotation of the spine and movement repetition, mainly flexo extension of vertebral spine, aggravated by the demand of strength fo the stabilizing muscles of the human body to keep the poise. The impacts of the activity of the fisherman of Ponta Negra, related to postures and strength demand were observed in the postural assessment and are related to the activity.
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Keywords: ergonomics, artisanal fishery, rafts, physical demands, health assessment
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0191-414
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 414-421, 2012
Abstract: This paper describes the findings associated with the ability of an individual to perform the United States Army’s Common Soldier Tasks of: “Maintaining an M16-Series Rifle” , “Protect Yourself from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Injury or Contamination with Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Gear”, and “Protect Yourself from Chemical and Biological (CB) Contamination Using Your Assigned Protective Mask.” The analysis was conducted using data compiled from videos of a Soldier performing the given tasks at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The findings reflect the opinions of researchers in identifying potential elements, which impose abnormal, irregular, and/or extraneous effort when…performing the tasks as outlined in STP-21-1-SMCT – Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks: Skill Level I.
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Abstract: The study was performed in a sample of 39 firemen. The state of health for each fire fighter was evaluated by means of a clinical examination and also through some specific exams. Aerobic capacity was estimated as an indicator of physical fitness. In each load, cardiac frequency and oxygen consumption were measured under a steady state condition. Additionally, body composition was calculated using a Tanita professional scale. Physical effort at work was determined by measuring cardiac frequency using a telemetric unit. Evaluations were carried out during night shifts, registering information under the following conditions: night shifts without emergency, fire simulation,…training exercises and real fire fighting. In general terms, it is possible to state that fire fighters are healthy according to the result of the clinical examination. However, it is very important to highlight that 70% of the firemen consume alcohol and 80% were smokers. The average aerobic capacity of the sample was 2.6 l/min or 34.5 ml/kg/min. In terms of overweight and obesity, the body mass index was 25.7, whereas the percentage fat mass reached an average of 22.9 %. The cardiovascular load in the night shifts without emergencies did not surpass 40%, which in Chile is considered the highest limit for sustained work. However, during training, simulations and real fires, the firemen had higher cardiac frequencies, reaching peak levels close to 100% cardiovascular load
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Keywords: aerobic capacity, fire fighters, cardiovascular load
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0193-432
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 432-436, 2012
Abstract: The sustainable development is a challenge to all areas of knowledge. In the field of design, it motivates an enhanced discussion about the functions of systems, products and services. Accordingly, this paper presents a theoretical contribution to the sustainable articulation of the functions of industrial products from principles of cognitive ergonomics. This paper is based on an exploratory literature about the functions of industrial products and further study of the relationship between man and object of Cognitive Ergonomics, specifically linked the aesthetic perception and symbolic. Presents qualitative results of this correlation, which indicates the feasibility of a better articulation in…product development. The paper argues that in the practical field of design, the best articulation of the functions may influence the effectiveness of product performance in its relationship with the user. Already, on theoretical grounds, this new articulation can help designers to understand the nature of the transdisciplinary functions and the insights into product design.
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Abstract: This paper explores the extent of the physiological stresses of female workers at kitchen workstation while performing the various activities. For this a survey of eighty homemakers and experiment on sixteen respondents having similar physical and physiological parameters was done. Five activities in which the respondents faced maximum problems were selected and were standardized. Physiological stresses including cardiovascular, muscular, and energy expenditure during these activities were then assessed. Study revealed that fatigue during the selected five activities i.e. cutting, grating, rolling, kneading, dish washing, was felt mainly at the wrist, fore arm, followed by discomfort in the shoulders, upper arm,…lower back and neck. Energy expenditure for these activities ranged from 7.0 to10 kJ\min, total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) was between 200.81 to 364.30 beats, physiological cost of work (PCW) was 12.82 to 26.26 beats\min; maximum for grating and minimum for rolling. The percent increase in heart rate was maximum for grating 38.56 and minimum for rolling 16.20. Reduction in grip and pinch strength of right hand was found more as compared to the left hand.
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Keywords: Ergonomics, Physiological stress, Cooking activities, Energy expenditure, Workstation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0194-441
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 441-446, 2012
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between self-reported pain, muscular activity and postural load during cleaning tasks. Eighteen cleaners performed usual cleaning tasks in both a laboratory and a lecture room. The level of perceived pain in the neck-shoulder region during the last 7 days was recorded. Bipolar surface electromyography (SEMG) was recorded bilaterally from upper trapezius and erector spinae muscles during cleaning. Root mean square (RMS) and permutation entropy (PE) values representing amplitude and complexity of SEMG time-series were estimated. A tri-axial accelerometer package was mounted on the low back (L5-S1) to measure postural…changes during cleaning tasks. The 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles of the angular distributions were computed to characterize postures and movements. Pain tended to play a significant role on RMS of left/right trapezius and left erector spinae muscles (P≤0.08). Cleaners with low pain level exhibited higher muscular activity during cleaning. Pain played or tended to play a significant role on PE of left and right erector spinae muscles (P≤0.08). Pain played a significant role on the 10th , 50th and 90th percentile (P<0.05) of lateral flexion angle (side bending). The present study emphasizes biomechanical adaptations occurring in presence of neck-shoulder pain during cleaning tasks.
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Keywords: complexity, electromyography, inclinometry, motor adaptations
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0195-447
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 447-452, 2012
Abstract: Considering the importance of posture to the workers’ health in the production of charcoal, this paper presents an ergonomic research based on a biomechanical focus that aims to evaluate the posture adopted by these workers on the production of charcoal in vertical metallic cylinders. Thus, it was verified the incidence of pain and/or musculoskeletal injuries to these workers. Also, it was evaluated the weight carried by them and the positions taken in their daily tasks. Applying the Ergonomic Analysis of Labor, the data collection was done by directly observing the workers, registering images, by interviews, and posture analysis based on…the OWAS method. The main results of the research show that there are postures with risks in the four levels of musculoskeletal injuries classified by OWAS, concluding that the method is imperative for ergonomic recommendations for minimization or eradication of suffering injury and worker’s postural constraints.
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Abstract: The increased generation of garbage has become a problem in large cities, with greater demand for collection services. The collector is subjected to high workload. This study describes the work in garbage collection service, highlighting the requirements of time, resulting in physical and psychosocial demands to collectors. Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA) - a method focused on the study of work in real situations was used. Initially, technical visits, global observations and unstructured interviews with different subjects of a garbage collection company were conducted. The following step of the systematic observations was accompanied by interviews conducted during the execution of tasks,…inquiring about the actions taken, and also interviews about the actions, but conducted after the development of the tasks, photographic records and audiovisual recordings, of workers from two garbage collection teams. Contradictions between the prescribed work and activities (actual work) were identified, as well as the variability present in this process, and strategies adopted by these workers to regulate the workload. It was concluded that the insufficiency of means and the organizational structure of management ensue a situation where the collection process is maintained at the expense of hyper-requesting these workers, both physically and psychosocially.
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Abstract: The Brazilians educational institutions need a large energy demand for the operation of laundries, restaurants and accommodation of students. Much of that energy comes from steam generated in boilers with wood fuel. The laboral activity in boiler may present problems for the operator’s health due to exposure to excessive heat, and its operation has a high degree of risk. This paper describes an analysis made the conditions of thermal environment in the operation of a B category boiler, located at a Higher Education Institution, located in the Zona da Mata Mineira The equipments used to collect data were Meter WBGT…of the Heat Index; Meter of Wet Bulb Index and Globe Thermometer (WBGT); Politeste Instruments, an anemometer and an Infrared Thermometer. By the application of questionnaires, the second phase consisted of collecting data on environmental factors (temperature natural environment, globe temperature, relative humidity and air velocity). The study concluded that during the period evaluated, the activity had thermal overload.
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Abstract: Many authors studied work situations and, mainly, ergonomics projects concerning the financial benefit point of view. At the same time seems to be little information available concerning these financial benefits in manufacturing companies’ processes. The aim of this article is to identify if there enough information available within a company to quantify the financial benefits of an ergonomic project. The study was applied on two manufacturing companies, one in Brazil and other in Portugal. A literature review based checklist and a manager interview was applied on each company in order to identify if the information was available and how were…been used. The two companies have revealed a good quantity of available information regarding ergonomics benefit calculation. The interviews showed that managers are not aware of the financial savings possibility with investments in ergonomics projects.
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Keywords: ergonomics, project, financial benefits, information
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0199-476
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 476-483, 2012
Abstract: The effectiveness of ergonomics application is achieved in the course of this research by reviewing ergonomics literature, internet searches and case studies of a number of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD’s) and other ergonomic related workplace incidence rate. The results of ergonomic intervention control measures such as engineering controls, administrative controls and personnel protective equipment were also studied. The findings in this paper may help to development model for analysing and solving ergonomic problems in the workplace. It concludes on the need for management to support ergonomics intervention programme for effective cost saving, litigation avoidance and better productivity.
Keywords: Risk Factors, Intervention, Management Review and Control Measure
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0200-484
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 484-486, 2012
Abstract: In Human Factors and Ergonomics Science (HFES), it is difficult to identify what is the best approach to tackle the workplace and systems design problems which needs to be solved, and it has been also advocated as transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary the issue of “How to solve the human factors and ergonomics problems that are identified?”. The proposition on this study is to combine the theoretical approach for Sustainability Science, the Taxonomy of the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) discipline and the framework for Evidence-Based Medicine in an attempt to be applied in Human Factors and Ergonomics. Applications of ontologies are…known in the field of medical research and computer science. By scrutinizing the key requirements for the HFES structuring of knowledge, it was designed a reference model, First, it was identified the important requirements for HFES Concept structuring, as regarded by Meister. Second, it was developed an evidence-based ergonomics framework as a reference model composed of six levels based on these requirements. Third, it was devised a mapping tool using linguistic resources to translate human work, systems environment and the complexities inherent to their hierarchical relationships to support future development at Level 2 of the reference model and for meeting the two major challenges for HFES, namely, identifying what problems should be addressed in HFE as an Autonomous Science itself and proposing solutions by integrating concepts and methods applied in HFES for those problems.
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Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present an ergonomic evaluation of a situation of co-exposure to solvents and noise in a flexible packaging printer. We discuss how such an approach carried out in the field of printing industry work has made it possible to highlight serious shortcomings in the effectiveness of the prevention actions that are supposed to protect workers from chemicals risks and noise. The ergonomic analysis identified a strain working conditions. Indeed, some jobs expose to noise and toxic risk. Lamination operations, winding and cutting are purveyors of noise. Some physical and spatial factors contribute to amplify…the toxic risk. The not wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the operators maybe explained by the fact that it doesn’t any possibility to do “otherwise”. Indeed, operators adopt a compromise to achieve the objectives of production to the detriment of their health and safety. These constraints are causing gene and psychosocial factors. The interviews revealed a state of psychosis in the workshop, which was accentuated by the reclassification of an operator which has created a climate of panic and anxiety especially for older operators who have more than 20 years exposed to handling of toxic and more exposure to high noise level.
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Abstract: Infrared imaging has been used to visualize superficial temperatures in industrial employers standing and working in an indoor environment at 22°C. Temperature distributions and changes have been recorded digitally and analyzed. Mean skin temperatures determined by this method have been compared with superficial temperatures obtained with a probe thermocouple. During working hours, surface temperatures were higher over extensor muscles than over other structures and their spatial distributions differed dramatically from those observed before working hours. The authors also analyzed the cold water immersion of the hands during work. This paper showed that working generates different thermal effects on human skin…that reflect physiological and pathological occupational conditions and can be monitored by infrared imaging.
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Abstract: The Authors make a detailed analysis of the introduction of the OCRA Methodology in Brazil that started in August 2008 with the launching of the “OCRA Book” translated to Portuguese. They evaluate the importance of the assessment of the exposure of the upper limbs to the risk due to repetitive movements and efforts, according to the national and international legislation, demonstrating the interconnection of the OCRA Methodology with the Regulating Norms of the Ministry of Labor and Work (NRs – MTE), especially with the NR-17 and its Application Manual. They discuss the new paradigms of the OCRA Method in relation…to the classic paradigms of the ergonomic knowledge. They indicate the OCRA Method as the tool to be used for the confirmation or not of the New Previdentiary Epidemiologic Nexus NTEP/FAP. The Authors present their conclusions based on the practical results the “participants certified by the OCRA Methodology” achieved in the application on different laboral activities in diverse economic segments, showing the risk reduction and the productivity of the companies.
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Keywords: ergonomics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, risk assessment x repetitive movements
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0204-510
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 510-511, 2012
Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are common in computer professionals worldwide. Studies have shown that there is an association between the working posture and the development of musculoskeletal disorders. The IT professionals are exposed to different awkward posture while working. Therefore, it is expected that workers may develop different kinds of musculoskeletal discomfort/pain. This study aimed at to find out the relationship between the musculoskeletal discomfort and the postural score. RULA was used for postural analysis. Results of the postural analysis revealed that 30% of the participant’s posture need to “modify soon” and 15% need to modify “immediately”. 78% of the…participants were using computer for more than 8 hours in a day. The major workstation risk factors were reported as improper keyboard height and mouse tray height (32%), improper monitor height (27%) and improper chair height (12%). Results also revealed a significant association between the regional body pain and the RULA score. Musculoskeletal pain was significantly associated with workstation keyboard/mouse surface (r=0.55) and duration of computer use (r=0.64). Intervention programme was recommended for the participant to modify the workstation and the working posture.
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Keywords: workstation Information, RULA, pain
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0205-512
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 512-515, 2012
Abstract: Goal - remote online ergonomic assessment in the office environment as compared to face-to-face ergonomic assessment and examination of the applicability of remote online ergonomic assessment to office workers. 40 employees from a large Israeli hi-tech company were ergonomically assessed per the University of California computer usage checklist, according to the two assessment types (face-to-face and remote). An additional Ergonomist “assessor 2” examined the credibility of the process. Results: Research hypothesis 1 was verified: 21 out of 22 questions (95.45%) from the checklist indicated compatibility between “assessor 1” to the “Gold Standard” at an 80% level. Research hypothesis 2: examining…the credibility between the assessors with regard to remote assessment. This hypothesis was partially verified, the correlation between the assessors was measured at 0.54. Research hypothesis 3: examining the extent of deviation of natural posture between distal body parts assessment (distant from the center of the body) and proximal body parts (close to the center of the body). This hypothesis was clearly verified. It has been proven that there is statistical significance between the results. Conclusions: The current research has proved that there is an additional method to assess musculoskeletal disorders risk factors remotely online at office environment.
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Keywords: work related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD), ergonomics postural assessment, remote assessment, online assessment, office ergonomics assessments
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0206-516
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 516-523, 2012
Abstract: The measurement of performance is a current topic in the management of people in companies, used as a parameter of effectiveness of processes and operations of production. The methods and models of the indicators of current use in the production have concentrated in the assessment of people's performance as determinative resource of the organizational success in the search for the competitiveness. Associated with the classic indicators of performance assessment of the production proceeding, other indicators are used in the assessment of risks and hazards, however with methods focused in the tasks, without connection with the real work activity. The present…article explores literature on the models of performance measurement in use in companies and a field research to understand how companies interpret and use indicators that relate health and work, to direct future studies on the subject. Regarding the literature review, one can see that health indicators can be basically divided into two major groups: the legal and managerial indicators. When conducting case studies, it can be realized that companies do not have precisely the concept of health indicator, or were unable to define which of the indicators could be considered indicators of health, considering that absenteeism was the indicator mentioned by the four companies.
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Keywords: ergonomics, ambulatory complaints, absenteeism, frequency accidents
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0207-524
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 524-531, 2012
