International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics最新文献

This research utilizes data from the Taiwan railway to investigate the applicability of the SHELL (software, hardware, environment, liveware) model and psychometric multidimensional Rasch methods in evaluating train drivers' risk perceptions across various hazardous scenarios. The study establishes a systematic approach to identify which risks are challenging to perceive and to characterize the traits associated with risky train drivers. Our findings indicate that certain drivers may be more prone to incurring higher risks. Safety supervisors can leverage this information to identify these high-risk individuals and implement tailored training programs aimed at mitigating potential risks proactively. Furthermore, the proposed methodology for assessing train drivers' risk perception can be adapted for application in other railway systems. The results derived from Rasch analysis provide railway safety managers with valuable insights, enabling them to minimize the likelihood of railway accidents.

Objectives: Qualitative research on electronic monitoring in relation to occupational health remains limited. This study aimed to explore managers' and safety representatives' perspectives on how electronic monitoring in the transport and logistics industries has influenced the work environment, including job demands and available resources.

Methods: A qualitative study design employing semi-structured interviews was used to collect open-ended data and explore the views of managers and safety representatives regarding electronic monitoring. Data were analysed using content analysis and consisted of 16 semi-structured interviews with participants from 15 organizations within the transport and logistics industries in Sweden.

Results: The content analysis identified two main categories: electronic monitoring and organizational culture (with sub-categories: purpose of electronic monitoring; and electronic monitoring and the social work environment); and electronic monitoring and employee well-being (with sub-categories: electronic monitoring and employee impact; and ethical surveillance practices).

Conclusions: Although electronic monitoring in the transport and logistics sectors offers security advantages, it may also adversely affect recovery, autonomy and team cohesion. To mitigate these risks, monitoring systems should be implemented ethically, with transparency and an emphasis on support rather than control. Furthermore, ensuring sufficient recovery time within driver schedules and workflows is essential for promoting occupational health.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of wearing double gloves during surgery on the surgical team's dexterity, tactile sensitivity and comfort.

Methods: The crossover randomized controlled included 80 surgical team members. Four different procedures were implemented in 320 surgeries: A, own-size glove on the inside and outside; B, own-size glove on the inside and half a size larger outside; C, half a size larger glove on the inside and own-size glove outside; D, single gloves of own size.

Results: Mean scores for dexterity, tactile sensitivity and comfort level were higher in Procedure D than in all other procedures (p < 0.05). In double-gloving, mean scores for dexterity, tactile sensitivity and comfort level were higher in Procedures A and B compared to Procedure C (p < 0.05). Perspiration, discomfort and reduced mobility experienced during surgical glove usage were less pronounced using single-layered gloves (p < 0.05). For glove preferences, the first choice was Procedure D (81.3%; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Use of single gloves is more effective for surgical teams in terms of dexterity, tactile sensitivity, comfort and satisfaction. There is no significant difference in effectiveness among double-gloving procedures, but healthcare professionals tend to prefer wearing own-size gloves on the inside and half a size larger outside. Clinical trial registration: NCT06042088.

Objectives: Bus drivers are exposed to various health, safety, and ergonomic risks, making them vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers.

Methods: This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024509249). Relevant studies were identified up to February 12, 2024, through databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index, and a random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14.

Results: Out of 723 initially identified studies, 22 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers was 73.87% (95% confidence interval [CI] [64.37, 83.36], I2 = 98.2%, p < 0.001). Prevalence by the body region was as follows: lower back (50.22%), neck (39.88%), shoulder (38.72%), upper back (32.42%), knee (31.74%), foot (28.29%), hip/thigh (14.86%), hand (14.74%), and elbow (9.36%).

Conclusions: MSDs are highly prevalent among bus drivers, especially in the lower back. Given the presence of various ergonomic risk factors, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies, including targeted training, ergonomic assessments, accessible healthcare, and effective rehabilitation programs, to manage and mitigate the progression of MSDs in this population.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate patient acceptance of the lying position during dental care. Dentists are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which can affect both their professional and personal lives. The care of patients in a totally supine position appears to be an effective and simple method for limiting the development of MSDs. Nonetheless, it is important to assess and investigate the patient's propensity to modify their posture on the dental chair.

Methods: The study included 104 participants aged 18-26 years, randomly divided into two groups of 52. Each participant underwent two chair position tests: eyes open then closed for group 1; eyes closed then open for group 2. Using a Spaceline EMCIA (Morita, Japan) dental chair, participants were asked to stop the recline at their personal comfort limit.

Results: More than 90% of participants stopped the recline before reaching the fully horizontal position. Both groups preferred to select their stop position with eyes open. Around 79% found the lying position less comfortable than their chosen stop position. However, 85.6% found the lying position acceptable when placing themselves into it.

Conclusion: The lying position is better accepted when the patient independently settles into it.

This study defines the competencies, structured as behavioural markers, that lead to an excellent performance by high-speed workboat crews in cockpit work and can promote maritime safety and operational efficiency. A need to better understand crew performance in cockpit work has been identified in this maritime specialty. The behavioural marker taxonomy is based on aviation standards, further reasoned by human factor models and maritime knowledge. It was formed utilizing content analysis and validated at the prototype level using observation data from actual cockpit work. The tested behavioural markers modelled crew behaviours in eight competency areas. This study contributes to improving crew and operative performances and safety, and to developing socio-technical systems in the field. The study also reveals further research topics for supporting cockpit and bridge crews in safety-critical high-speed maritime environments.

Direct contact with a small motorboat engine handle exposes operators to high vibration levels, risking hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This study investigates handle vibration transmissibility and applies dual-dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) to reduce vibration within targeted frequencies. A laboratory-scale rig simulates engine operation under varying speeds and gear conditions. Without DVAs, high vibrations occur at 45-50 Hz (Speed 1) and 95-100 Hz (Speed 2). The handle's natural frequencies (70-78 and 92-96 Hz) shift closer to target ranges with DVAs applied. Vibration is reduced by 42.08% in neutral gear (Speed 1) and 53.56% in forward gear (Speed 2). Transmissibility within 0-100 Hz shows a significant drop (T_s < 1), indicating reduced vibration from engine to hand. Standard No. ISO 5349-1-based weighting confirms that DVAs substantially lower vibration risks, helping to prevent HAVS in motorboat operators.

Objectives: Knitted protective garments with reliable thermal and functional properties are the subject of intense research. However, achieving both attributes is quite challenging and necessary at the same time, especially when the fabrics are employed for undergarments. Hence, this research aims to develop fire protection clothing liners and undergarment fabrics integrating thermal comfort, fire resistance, antibacterial and antistatic properties.

Methods: Knitted textiles have been engineered using two different protective yarns with different blend ratios of cotton and Protex fibers. Two variable plating threads of multifilament and channeled polyester (Sorbtek) were also employed to escort thermal comfort with protective action. Specialty treatments of the fabrics were performed imparting antimicrobial and antistatic properties.

Results: Thermal characterization revealed a noticeable change in fluid transmission and heat retention characteristics with knitting and plating yarn variation. Better fluid transfer and considerable heat retention were observed in Sorbtek plated protective fabrics. However, the flame endurance was improved by reducing the cotton percentage in the primary knitting protective yarns during vertical flame retardancy characterization. Moreover, one-way analysis of variance showed that the treatment component was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the variation of thermal characteristics.

This study investigates how sustained governance of hidden hazards influences safety performance in port systems, using data from 54 production and key non-production enterprises within the Tianjin Port Group. Employing correlation analysis, regression modeling and mediation-moderation analysis, the study finds that both systematic hazard governance and standardized safety management significantly improve safety outcomes. Basic management-level governance directly reduces the frequency of incidents, while site-level governance enhances safety performance indirectly by promoting standardization. Moreover, the overall risk level of hidden hazards moderates the effectiveness of these governance strategies. The study confirms the alignment between hazard inspection frameworks and safety management systems, and proposes a closed-loop model to support continuous improvement and long-term risk control in high-risk port environments.

Objectives: In a competitive banking environment, emotional intelligence (EI) is recognized as a driver of managerial success and organizational commitment (OC). This study explores the relationships between EI, managerial performance (MP) and OC among bank managers in Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A quantitative structured questionnaire was distributed using purposive sampling to 773 bank managers. This study employed a descriptive design, with data analyzed using SPSS. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the effects of EI on MP and OC.

Results: EI showed a significant positive influence on MP and OC. MP was mediated by leadership efficacy, job satisfaction and interpersonal relationships, while OC was mediated through perceived organizational support, emotional labor and autonomy. Demographics such as age, gender and education, along with contextual factors like organizational culture and industry type, moderated these relationships.

Conclusion: This study integrates both mediating and moderating mechanisms in the EI, MP and OC relationship. The focus on Tamil Nadu's banking sector and dual emphasis on performance and commitment offer fresh insights into EI application in managerial settings. EI is essential in enhancing both MP and OC. Developing EI among bank managers can lead to stronger organizational outcomes.