Occupational Ergonomics - Volume 5, issue 2

Authors: Fredriksson, Kerstin | Bildt, Carina | Toomingas, Allan | Alfredsson, Lars

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In 1969 a population-based study was conducted in Stockholm. From the 2579 randomly selected participants (age 18–65 in 1969), the youngest subsets were asked to participate in a re-examination in 1993. In 1997 a second follow-up was performed. The aim of the present study was to identify work- and leisure-time-related conditions that contribute to the development of chronic neck/shoulder pain. Variables regarding both physical, psychosocial and lifestyle conditions from the 1993 re-examination were included in the analyses. Women were more likely to developed chronic neck/shoulder pain than men. Among women, poor coping strategies, lack of social support, time pressure at …work and work with hands above shoulder level were found to be associated with chronic neck/shoulder pain. No associations were found among men. Signs at a medical examination could only predict chronic pain to a minor extent. The results from this study shows that both work- and leisure-time-related conditions contribute to the development of chronic neck/shoulder pain among middle aged women. Show more

Keywords: Occupational factors, chronic neck and shoulder pain, lifestyle factors, prognosis, medical examination

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2005-5201

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 79-88, 2005

Authors: Callaghan, Jack P. | Keown, Kiera | Andrews, David M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study examined the error induced in estimating cumulative low back loading for exposure to dynamic manual materials handling tasks by using either static or quasi-dynamic biomechanical models when compared to a dynamic model. Ten male subjects performed three sagittal plane lifting tasks at three different lifting speeds and using three different hand loads. Digitized video recordings and measured hand forces were collected in order to calculate cumulative L4/L5 spinal loading (compression, moment, joint shear, and reaction shear) using rigid link and single muscle equivalent biomechanical models. Cumulative loading was calculated using three modeling approaches: static, quasi-dynamic, and dynamic. The …calculation of cumulative loading using the dynamic model was set as the "gold standard" and error in the static and quasi-dynamic approaches was determined by comparison with the dynamic model. The use of a quasi-dynamic model resulted in an average error of −2.76% across all 10 subjects, 3 tasks, 3 lifting speeds and 3 masses. The static model had an average error of −12.55%. The error in both modeling approaches was significantly effected by the type of task performed, mass lifted, speed of lift, and model variable examined indicating that neither model produced consistent errors across the lifting parameters. The small errors associated with the quasi-dynamic model indicates that it holds promise as a method to reduce the amount of data required to estimate cumulative loading yet still preserve the dynamic loading exposure of a manual materials handling task. Show more

Keywords: Static and dynamic biomechanical spine models, manual materials handling, cumulative spinal load

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2005-5202

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 89-97, 2005

Authors: Willquist, Petra | Örtengren, Roland

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Industrial production of food is a branch of industry suffering from many occupational accidents. This paper aims at identifying risks and safety measures in three production systems within this industrial sector. A qualitative exploratory case study with three embedded sub cases was performed. Methods for safety analysis were utilized for data collection and analysis. Risks were mostly handled by reactive technical solutions such as physical barriers and organization of working methods, separation in time and preventive maintenance. Still, relying on human conduct was customary. It was found that there was a lack of overview of the system which gave rise …to safety problems. Furthermore, the focus was on product and not production, meaning that production development is handled on operational level, leading to ad-hoc solutions. Safety of machines and automated systems are still not satisfactory when it comes to tasks outside the planned work such as production disturbance handling and cleaning. Documentation, education and information are not used as much as one could expect to improve safety. The results are compiled in a table showing sources of accident risk, exposure control and control of human conduct. Show more

Keywords: Occupational safety, accidents, risk, safety analysis, food industry, manufacturing, production

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2005-5203

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 99-110, 2005

Authors: Reilly, Tara | Kozey, John | Brooks, Chris

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study provides information on structural dimensions of offshore workers with and without a helicopter passenger suit. Forty-one structural measures, with and without a helicopter passenger suit, were obtained from 42 subjects (38 M, 4 F). The structural dimensions of the subjects demonstrate an increase with suit, circumferences increased by as much as 246 mm, vertical measures (stature) increased by 14 mm to 41 mm, and horizontal measures (breaths) increased by 15 mm to 37 mm. The difference (suit vs. no suit) in waist circumference is less for a larger subject compared to a smaller subject indicating suit sizes need …further consideration. Show more

Keywords: Offshore workers, structural anthropometry, immersion suits

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2005-5204

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 111-120, 2005

Authors: Kozey, John | Reilly, Tara | Brooks, Chris

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study provides information on the affects of immersion suit wear on the maximum reach envelope of industrial offshore workers. In this study the total maximum reach envelope was measured using a computerized potentiometric system which records the 3-dimensional reach volume. The reach volume was then partitioned into vertical and horizontal sectors to closely examine the effect of the suit on the reach. Specific regions of the maximum reach envelope were significantly affected by the use of the suit. The changes were documented in terms of the linear changes in vertical reach and angular changes in shoulder motion.

Keywords: Offshore workers, functional anthropometry, immersion suits, methodology

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2005-5205

Citation: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 121-129, 2005