Pub Date : 2015-04-03DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.1003116
N. Black, Annie-Pier Fortin, G. Handrigan
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Two styles of sit–stand workstations were tested in an emergency (911) call center to quantify postural stress and perception variations. The usual manually adjusted electrically controlled sit–stand workstation was compared with a programmable workstation that automatically changed between seated and standing heights, made forward–backward adjustments, and rotated around the user regularly during a 20-minute cycle. Over 2 working days, neck and seated trunk postures improved with the programmable workstation. Manually controlled sit–stand workstations were not adjusted with the regularity recommended to minimize musculoskeletal discomfort. While seven perceptual measures did not significantly vary between workstations, two others worsened with the programmable workstation: general discomfort and back pain. Participant comments suggested opportunities for design refinements. User training was not included here but would normally further improve results. The programmable workstation improved posture over the manually adjusted workstation, although design refinements and user training in office ergonomics are recommended to maximize benefits. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Call center workers have high musculoskeletal discomfort, and emergency (911) center workers are among the most affected. Despite many centers including manually controlled sit–stand workstations that facilitate postural changes, these are not typically adjusted with the regularity recommended to minimize musculoskeletal discomfort. Thus, underuse or improper use may be barriers to preventing musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort. Purpose: This study investigates posture and perception of physical factors when using a powered dual-surface manually adjustable workstation and a powered programmable adjustable workstation. Methods: Twelve 911 call-center operators participated. For each workstation, postures were recorded using video cameras over a working day. Nine perception factors were captured at the end of each day using a visual analog scale. Results: Programmable workstation use resulted in significantly lower incidence of at-risk postures in the neck and back and more frequent standing. Perception did not vary significantly between workstations except for an increase in back pain and general discomfort with the programmable workstation. Conclusions: This limited sample exposure to a programmable moving workstation concept should be pursued, though with refinements in larger populations to improve musculoskeletal health of workers in high-stress sedentary environments and should be combined with training. Current observations may be applied to improve programmable workstation aspects that are contributing to perceived discomforts.
{"title":"Postural and Perception Variations When Using Manually Adjustable and Programmable Sit–Stand Workstations in an Emergency Call Center","authors":"N. Black, Annie-Pier Fortin, G. Handrigan","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2014.1003116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2014.1003116","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Two styles of sit–stand workstations were tested in an emergency (911) call center to quantify postural stress and perception variations. The usual manually adjusted electrically controlled sit–stand workstation was compared with a programmable workstation that automatically changed between seated and standing heights, made forward–backward adjustments, and rotated around the user regularly during a 20-minute cycle. Over 2 working days, neck and seated trunk postures improved with the programmable workstation. Manually controlled sit–stand workstations were not adjusted with the regularity recommended to minimize musculoskeletal discomfort. While seven perceptual measures did not significantly vary between workstations, two others worsened with the programmable workstation: general discomfort and back pain. Participant comments suggested opportunities for design refinements. User training was not included here but would normally further improve results. The programmable workstation improved posture over the manually adjusted workstation, although design refinements and user training in office ergonomics are recommended to maximize benefits. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Call center workers have high musculoskeletal discomfort, and emergency (911) center workers are among the most affected. Despite many centers including manually controlled sit–stand workstations that facilitate postural changes, these are not typically adjusted with the regularity recommended to minimize musculoskeletal discomfort. Thus, underuse or improper use may be barriers to preventing musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort. Purpose: This study investigates posture and perception of physical factors when using a powered dual-surface manually adjustable workstation and a powered programmable adjustable workstation. Methods: Twelve 911 call-center operators participated. For each workstation, postures were recorded using video cameras over a working day. Nine perception factors were captured at the end of each day using a visual analog scale. Results: Programmable workstation use resulted in significantly lower incidence of at-risk postures in the neck and back and more frequent standing. Perception did not vary significantly between workstations except for an increase in back pain and general discomfort with the programmable workstation. Conclusions: This limited sample exposure to a programmable moving workstation concept should be pursued, though with refinements in larger populations to improve musculoskeletal health of workers in high-stress sedentary environments and should be combined with training. Current observations may be applied to improve programmable workstation aspects that are contributing to perceived discomforts.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2014.1003116","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60123472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-04-03DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.968693
Xu Xu, Jia-Hua Lin
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Powered hand tools are widely used during assembly operations. The hand displacement during powered hand-tool use has been identified as a potential risk factor for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. In the current study, the mechanical properties of the upper extremity were identified, which represent muscle capacity to react to an impulsive power tool torque loading and affect the responsive hand displacement. These properties were obtained from among experienced and inexperienced participants under various operating configurations, including working heights, horizontal working distances, tool moments of inertia, and joint type. The results indicated that operating configurations and experiences affected the mechanical properties of upper extremities in different ways. This research may help in future studies on powered hand-tool work-station design, for example by improving parameters in biomechanical models. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Rationale: Hand-tool displacement during powered hand-tool use is a potential risk factor for upper extremity injuries and is correlated to the subjective discomfort level. The upper extremity has been modeled as a second-order linear system to describe the hand-tool response. While previous studies have found that working environment factors and operator experience significantly affect the hand-tool response during powered tool use, how those factors affect the mechanical properties of the upper extremity has not been investigated. Purpose: This study assessed the mechanical properties of the upper extremity under various working environment factors and operator experience levels. Method: A least-squares method was used to identify the mechanical properties of the upper extremity during powered hand-tool use, directly from the dynamics of hand-tool response. Results: Working heights, horizontal working distances, hand tool moments of inertia, joint type, and experience significantly affected some mechanical properties of the upper extremities in various operating configurations. In addition, stiffness and damping coefficients of the upper extremities were greater than those values identified from a free oscillation system in a previous study. Conclusions: Mechanical properties of the upper extremities can be used to predict hand displacement during powered hand-tool use. The current results provide additional information to improve the understanding of operator reactions to powered hand tools.
{"title":"Effects of Working Environment Factors and Operator Experience on Upper Extremity Mechanical Properties During Powered Hand Tool Use","authors":"Xu Xu, Jia-Hua Lin","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2014.968693","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2014.968693","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Powered hand tools are widely used during assembly operations. The hand displacement during powered hand-tool use has been identified as a potential risk factor for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. In the current study, the mechanical properties of the upper extremity were identified, which represent muscle capacity to react to an impulsive power tool torque loading and affect the responsive hand displacement. These properties were obtained from among experienced and inexperienced participants under various operating configurations, including working heights, horizontal working distances, tool moments of inertia, and joint type. The results indicated that operating configurations and experiences affected the mechanical properties of upper extremities in different ways. This research may help in future studies on powered hand-tool work-station design, for example by improving parameters in biomechanical models. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Rationale: Hand-tool displacement during powered hand-tool use is a potential risk factor for upper extremity injuries and is correlated to the subjective discomfort level. The upper extremity has been modeled as a second-order linear system to describe the hand-tool response. While previous studies have found that working environment factors and operator experience significantly affect the hand-tool response during powered tool use, how those factors affect the mechanical properties of the upper extremity has not been investigated. Purpose: This study assessed the mechanical properties of the upper extremity under various working environment factors and operator experience levels. Method: A least-squares method was used to identify the mechanical properties of the upper extremity during powered hand-tool use, directly from the dynamics of hand-tool response. Results: Working heights, horizontal working distances, hand tool moments of inertia, joint type, and experience significantly affected some mechanical properties of the upper extremities in various operating configurations. In addition, stiffness and damping coefficients of the upper extremities were greater than those values identified from a free oscillation system in a previous study. Conclusions: Mechanical properties of the upper extremities can be used to predict hand displacement during powered hand-tool use. The current results provide additional information to improve the understanding of operator reactions to powered hand tools.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2014.968693","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60124002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-04-03DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.1001501
J. Pollard, J. Heberger, P. Dempsey
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Grated walkway materials are used to discourage accumulation of debris in environments where spillage is likely. Several types of grated walkway materials exist and the choice of walkway material impacts the likelihood of a slip event. In this research, the normalized coefficients of friction were examined for three commonly used grated metal walkways at 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°, during both contaminated and dry conditions, and for uphill and downhill walking. Slips were found to occur at inclines as low as 10° from the horizontal, with a high proportion of slips occurring at 20° in the contaminated conditions. The fewest slips occurred during trials for the diamond weave grating. As such, the authors suggest that this grating is preferable for preventing slips, compared to serrated bar or perforated gratings similar to those examined here. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: No specific guidelines or regulations are provided by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for the use of inclined grated metal walkways in mining plants. Mining and other companies may be using walkway materials that do not provide sufficient friction, contributing to slip and fall injuries. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are significant differences in the required friction for different grated metal walkways during walking in diverse conditions. Methods: The normalized coefficients of friction were measured for 12 participants while walking up and down an instrumented walkway with different inclinations (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°) and with and without the presence of a contaminant (glycerol). Self-reported slip events were recorded and the required coefficients of friction were calculated considering only the anterior/posterior components of the shear forces. Additionally, the available coefficients of friction for these walkway materials were measured at the 0° orientation using a tribometer, with and without the presence of the contaminant, using a boot heel as well as Neolite as the test feet. Results: The number of slips increased when the inclination angle reached 10° and above. Of all materials tested, the diamond weave grating was found to have the best performance at all inclines and when contaminated or dry. A high number of slips occurred for the perforated grating and serrated bar grating at 20° when contaminated. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that the diamond weave grating provides significantly better friction compared to serrated bar and perforated gratings, especially at inclines greater than 10°.
{"title":"Slip Potential for Commonly Used Inclined Grated Metal Walkways","authors":"J. Pollard, J. Heberger, P. Dempsey","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2014.1001501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2014.1001501","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Grated walkway materials are used to discourage accumulation of debris in environments where spillage is likely. Several types of grated walkway materials exist and the choice of walkway material impacts the likelihood of a slip event. In this research, the normalized coefficients of friction were examined for three commonly used grated metal walkways at 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°, during both contaminated and dry conditions, and for uphill and downhill walking. Slips were found to occur at inclines as low as 10° from the horizontal, with a high proportion of slips occurring at 20° in the contaminated conditions. The fewest slips occurred during trials for the diamond weave grating. As such, the authors suggest that this grating is preferable for preventing slips, compared to serrated bar or perforated gratings similar to those examined here. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: No specific guidelines or regulations are provided by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for the use of inclined grated metal walkways in mining plants. Mining and other companies may be using walkway materials that do not provide sufficient friction, contributing to slip and fall injuries. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are significant differences in the required friction for different grated metal walkways during walking in diverse conditions. Methods: The normalized coefficients of friction were measured for 12 participants while walking up and down an instrumented walkway with different inclinations (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°) and with and without the presence of a contaminant (glycerol). Self-reported slip events were recorded and the required coefficients of friction were calculated considering only the anterior/posterior components of the shear forces. Additionally, the available coefficients of friction for these walkway materials were measured at the 0° orientation using a tribometer, with and without the presence of the contaminant, using a boot heel as well as Neolite as the test feet. Results: The number of slips increased when the inclination angle reached 10° and above. Of all materials tested, the diamond weave grating was found to have the best performance at all inclines and when contaminated or dry. A high number of slips occurred for the perforated grating and serrated bar grating at 20° when contaminated. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that the diamond weave grating provides significantly better friction compared to serrated bar and perforated gratings, especially at inclines greater than 10°.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2014.1001501","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60123722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-04-03DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2015.1005775
Saif K. Al-Qaisi, F. Aghazadeh, L. Ikuma
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS From investigating the maximum isometric torque exertions of participants on a handwheel set at different heights and angles, it was determined that torque production capability is greatest when the handwheel is set overhead at 45° and is lowest when overhead at 0°. The mean torque production capacity of the participants was substantially lower than the torque demands in the field and in existing standards. Therefore, maximum recommended torque that accommodates the strength of most of the male population was determined for each handwheel height and angle investigated. The findings of this study may be useful for forming guidelines for handwheel-valve system designs, such as in standardizing the height and angle of a handwheel and defining a maximum recommended torque for handwheel-valve systems. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Handwheel-valve operation is a common task in many workplaces, including power, chemical, water, and oil industries. Handwheels of various angles and heights are common in a typical plant. The torque required to turn a handwheel differs from one valve to another, and there are no well-established torque standards derived specifically from operators' capabilities. Purpose: The purpose of this research was (1) to determine the effects of handwheel height and angle on torque production and (2) to propose maximum recommended torque limits for valve systems. Methods: Sixty male and female college students participated. Handwheel heights included knee, elbow, shoulder, and overhead levels, while handwheel angles included 0°, 45°, and 90°. At each height–angle combination, maximum isometric torque exertions on a handwheel were measured. These data were used to compute maximum recommended torque limits using the 25th percentile torque strength values of the female participants. Results: The mean maximum torque exertions ranged from 51.6 Nm (overhead at 0°) to 74.9 Nm (overhead at 45°). The height–angle and height–gender interaction effects were statistically significant. Male participants produced significantly greater torques (88.1 Nm) than the female participants (44.7 Nm). The 25th percentile torque strength values ranged between 25.2 and 38.9 Nm, depending on the height and angle of the handwheel. Conclusions: The relationship between torque production and handwheel height depends on the handwheel angle and vice versa. Overall, torque production was greatest when the handwheel was at shoulder or overhead levels, at either 45° or 90°, and lowest when overhead at 0°. The mean torque production capacity of the participants was substantially lower than torque demands in the field and even existing standards (about 40% lower). Maximum recommended torque limits for handwheels that would accommodate most of the male population's strength are proposed.
{"title":"Effect of Handwheel Height and Angle on Operators' Torque Production Capabilities","authors":"Saif K. Al-Qaisi, F. Aghazadeh, L. Ikuma","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2015.1005775","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2015.1005775","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS From investigating the maximum isometric torque exertions of participants on a handwheel set at different heights and angles, it was determined that torque production capability is greatest when the handwheel is set overhead at 45° and is lowest when overhead at 0°. The mean torque production capacity of the participants was substantially lower than the torque demands in the field and in existing standards. Therefore, maximum recommended torque that accommodates the strength of most of the male population was determined for each handwheel height and angle investigated. The findings of this study may be useful for forming guidelines for handwheel-valve system designs, such as in standardizing the height and angle of a handwheel and defining a maximum recommended torque for handwheel-valve systems. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Handwheel-valve operation is a common task in many workplaces, including power, chemical, water, and oil industries. Handwheels of various angles and heights are common in a typical plant. The torque required to turn a handwheel differs from one valve to another, and there are no well-established torque standards derived specifically from operators' capabilities. Purpose: The purpose of this research was (1) to determine the effects of handwheel height and angle on torque production and (2) to propose maximum recommended torque limits for valve systems. Methods: Sixty male and female college students participated. Handwheel heights included knee, elbow, shoulder, and overhead levels, while handwheel angles included 0°, 45°, and 90°. At each height–angle combination, maximum isometric torque exertions on a handwheel were measured. These data were used to compute maximum recommended torque limits using the 25th percentile torque strength values of the female participants. Results: The mean maximum torque exertions ranged from 51.6 Nm (overhead at 0°) to 74.9 Nm (overhead at 45°). The height–angle and height–gender interaction effects were statistically significant. Male participants produced significantly greater torques (88.1 Nm) than the female participants (44.7 Nm). The 25th percentile torque strength values ranged between 25.2 and 38.9 Nm, depending on the height and angle of the handwheel. Conclusions: The relationship between torque production and handwheel height depends on the handwheel angle and vice versa. Overall, torque production was greatest when the handwheel was at shoulder or overhead levels, at either 45° or 90°, and lowest when overhead at 0°. The mean torque production capacity of the participants was substantially lower than torque demands in the field and even existing standards (about 40% lower). Maximum recommended torque limits for handwheels that would accommodate most of the male population's strength are proposed.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2015.1005775","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60124902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-04-03DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.994791
L. Chau, R. Wells
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Based upon the endurance of their hand and forearm, the maximum duration for holding a computer tablet statically with one hand was less than 10 minutes for many users. In everyday situations, users would likely change posture before this time, but for users whose options are more limited, such as during enterprise use, high levels of fatigue could develop. Therefore, for people in situations where holding a tablet for extended periods of time is required, it would be prudent to change grips frequently, support the tablet on a surface, use aids (such as a stand or strap), hold it with both hands, switch to alternative tasks, and/or take breaks. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: The use of tablet computers at home and in the workplace has rapidly increased in recent years. Tablet users may hold them for extended periods, increasing the risk of developing fatigue and potential musculoskeletal disorders. Purpose: The goals of this study were to estimate the biomechanical loading on the forearm and hand when holding a tablet computer and to assess the effects of orientation, mass, and the execution of touch gestures on this loading. Methods: Multiple parallel approaches were used to assess an unsupported single-handed grip: maximum load, maximum holding time, biomechanical models to estimate strength demands, ratings of perceived exertion, and grip pressure. Ten males and 10 females participated. Results: A majority (75%) of the participants adopted a modified lateral pinch grip. Using the maximum load method, females exerted a significantly higher percentage of their maximum voluntary contraction than males in landscape orientation (18.5% versus 13.5% maximum voluntary contraction) but not in portrait orientation. In portrait orientation, maximum holding time was 11.5 minutes for females and 15.9 minutes for males. Orientation, but not gesturing, had statistically significant main effects on loading. Conclusions: Holding a tablet one-handed for an extended period of time, as might be found in some enterprise settings, was found to be very fatiguing for the hand; it would thus be prudent for such users to use both hands, support aids, frequent posture changes, or breaks involving rest or alternative tasks.
{"title":"Biomechanical Loading on the Hand, Wrist, and Forearm When Holding a Tablet Computer","authors":"L. Chau, R. Wells","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2014.994791","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2014.994791","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Based upon the endurance of their hand and forearm, the maximum duration for holding a computer tablet statically with one hand was less than 10 minutes for many users. In everyday situations, users would likely change posture before this time, but for users whose options are more limited, such as during enterprise use, high levels of fatigue could develop. Therefore, for people in situations where holding a tablet for extended periods of time is required, it would be prudent to change grips frequently, support the tablet on a surface, use aids (such as a stand or strap), hold it with both hands, switch to alternative tasks, and/or take breaks. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: The use of tablet computers at home and in the workplace has rapidly increased in recent years. Tablet users may hold them for extended periods, increasing the risk of developing fatigue and potential musculoskeletal disorders. Purpose: The goals of this study were to estimate the biomechanical loading on the forearm and hand when holding a tablet computer and to assess the effects of orientation, mass, and the execution of touch gestures on this loading. Methods: Multiple parallel approaches were used to assess an unsupported single-handed grip: maximum load, maximum holding time, biomechanical models to estimate strength demands, ratings of perceived exertion, and grip pressure. Ten males and 10 females participated. Results: A majority (75%) of the participants adopted a modified lateral pinch grip. Using the maximum load method, females exerted a significantly higher percentage of their maximum voluntary contraction than males in landscape orientation (18.5% versus 13.5% maximum voluntary contraction) but not in portrait orientation. In portrait orientation, maximum holding time was 11.5 minutes for females and 15.9 minutes for males. Orientation, but not gesturing, had statistically significant main effects on loading. Conclusions: Holding a tablet one-handed for an extended period of time, as might be found in some enterprise settings, was found to be very fatiguing for the hand; it would thus be prudent for such users to use both hands, support aids, frequent posture changes, or breaks involving rest or alternative tasks.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2014.994791","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60124773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-02-27DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.989339
A. Naweed, Sophia Rainbird
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS The effects of performance pressure were explored by investigating how train drivers (i.e., Locomotive Engineers) perceived time, conceptualized its loss and recovery, and mitigated time pressure. Different perspectives of time as a fixed or an uncontrollable entity were identified, but the perception that time was being patrolled (i.e., policed) was unanimous. Mitigations associated with reprioritizing tasks and molding time were identified and related specifically to the different views. This study illustrates the problems associated with self-regulation when the contributing risk factors are a normal and everyday part of the organization and task environment. This study also provides new information regarding how train drivers view the time requirement in their task and manage their interactions with other functional groups. The results may be used as a basis for further work to glean insights into the types of error that find their way into the ‘driver misjudged’ category of critical failures. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: A signal passed at danger happens when a train passes a rail signal set to a stop indication and encroaches into a railway where it does not have authority to be. In this respect, it is rather like a car going through a red light. Signal passed at danger events continue to impact safety-risk on railways, despite the introduction of technologies aimed at addressing their cause and effect. Previous work has identified time pressure and certain aspects of the way train drivers (Locomotive Engineers) and controllers (Dispatchers) interact as key risk factors. Exposure to these could give rise to distraction and/or inattention from safe driving, distort service delivery requirements, and fundamentally alter the driver's perception of risk. Purpose: This study undertook a new and more specialized analysis of existing data to investigate how drivers perceived time and conceptualized its loss and recovery within their driving task, and how they mitigated time pressure. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with train drivers from eight urban passenger rail organizations across Australia and New Zealand using a generative scenario simulation task. Results: Drivers had varying perspectives of time, either as a fixed aspect of the task, or as something that was uncontrollable. However, every driver perceived time as an aspect of the task that was being patrolled. Time pressure mitigation strategies associated with reprioritizing tasks and molding time were identified, both of which had specific relationships with other themes. A conceptual model is given integrating the findings of this study to previous work. Conclusions: Train drivers have diverse perspectives of the time requirement of their task, which influences their understanding of time loss and recovery. While some strategies to mitigate time pressure aim to reprioritize sub-tasks, others aim to remove time requirements from service delivery goals al
{"title":"Recovering Time or Chasing Rainbows? Exploring Time Perception, Conceptualization of Time Recovery, and Time Pressure Mitigation in Train Driving","authors":"A. Naweed, Sophia Rainbird","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2014.989339","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2014.989339","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS The effects of performance pressure were explored by investigating how train drivers (i.e., Locomotive Engineers) perceived time, conceptualized its loss and recovery, and mitigated time pressure. Different perspectives of time as a fixed or an uncontrollable entity were identified, but the perception that time was being patrolled (i.e., policed) was unanimous. Mitigations associated with reprioritizing tasks and molding time were identified and related specifically to the different views. This study illustrates the problems associated with self-regulation when the contributing risk factors are a normal and everyday part of the organization and task environment. This study also provides new information regarding how train drivers view the time requirement in their task and manage their interactions with other functional groups. The results may be used as a basis for further work to glean insights into the types of error that find their way into the ‘driver misjudged’ category of critical failures. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: A signal passed at danger happens when a train passes a rail signal set to a stop indication and encroaches into a railway where it does not have authority to be. In this respect, it is rather like a car going through a red light. Signal passed at danger events continue to impact safety-risk on railways, despite the introduction of technologies aimed at addressing their cause and effect. Previous work has identified time pressure and certain aspects of the way train drivers (Locomotive Engineers) and controllers (Dispatchers) interact as key risk factors. Exposure to these could give rise to distraction and/or inattention from safe driving, distort service delivery requirements, and fundamentally alter the driver's perception of risk. Purpose: This study undertook a new and more specialized analysis of existing data to investigate how drivers perceived time and conceptualized its loss and recovery within their driving task, and how they mitigated time pressure. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with train drivers from eight urban passenger rail organizations across Australia and New Zealand using a generative scenario simulation task. Results: Drivers had varying perspectives of time, either as a fixed aspect of the task, or as something that was uncontrollable. However, every driver perceived time as an aspect of the task that was being patrolled. Time pressure mitigation strategies associated with reprioritizing tasks and molding time were identified, both of which had specific relationships with other themes. A conceptual model is given integrating the findings of this study to previous work. Conclusions: Train drivers have diverse perspectives of the time requirement of their task, which influences their understanding of time loss and recovery. While some strategies to mitigate time pressure aim to reprioritize sub-tasks, others aim to remove time requirements from service delivery goals al","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2014.989339","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60124896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.918911
Justin E. Weidman, Deborah E. Dickerson, C. Koebel
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Prevention through Design is the first U.S. macroergonomic initiative to address occupational and environmental risks associated with work operations. In the Prevention through Design approach, all aspects of the work operation (worker, equipment, materials, environment, processes) are evaluated, inherent risks identified, and design solutions generated. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health launched an initiative in 2008 to disseminate Prevention through Design methods in all industrial sectors. Innovative design solutions are being developed to reduce injury, illness, and pollution arising from agriculture, construction, manufacturing, commercial fishing, healthcare, and mining. Diffusion of new design solutions and adoption within the industries, though, remain major hurdles to implementation. Therefore, this article describes a conceptual model to predict industry acceptance of these innovations. Practicing ergonomists and occupational safety and health professionals can employ the constructs of this model in developing intervention strategies within the workplace.
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Pub Date : 2015-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.979304
Vanessa Kubek, K. Fischer, K. Zink
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This article addresses the consequences of the sustainability paradigm for the field of human factors/ergonomics. It describes the state of the art in research and practice. Further, since the term “sustainable work system” not only refers to one socio-technical system or organization, the “traditional” definition of macroergonomics is also discussed. After addressing which requirements have to be fulfilled for work systems to be considered “sustainable,” the consequences for the human factors discipline—and with it the consequences for ergonomics and human factors practitioners—are discussed as well. Since one has to examine the entire value creation chains and life cycles of products, it becomes obvious that a development such as this one will change our understanding of “traditional” ergonomics as a whole, and of macroergonomics in particular. This leads to a broadening of the discipline, demanding new insights and new role definitions. As sustainability or sustainable development is closely related to corporate social responsibility, ergonomists are able to support the respective activities within organizations, particularly by advising purchasing departments on the consequences of specific demands placed on work systems in developing countries, for example, or along the entire life-cycle of a product.
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Pub Date : 2015-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2015.1027638
Richard J. Holden, A. Joy Rivera, P. Carayon
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Hal Hendrick's (1980) report to the US Human Factors Society, considered by some as the origin of macroergonomics as a formal subdiscipline of human factors/...
今年是Hal Hendrick(1980)向美国人因学会(US Human Factors Society)发表报告35周年，该报告被一些人认为是宏观人体工程学作为人因学的正式分支学科的起源。
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Pub Date : 2015-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2014.1001042
N. Larson, H. Wick, S. Hallbeck, P. Vink
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS The application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Increasingly, academic and practitioner research demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. This article examines whether it is possible to identify business benefits achieved through ergonomics interventions via an ergonomics award process. The projects, conducted independently at numerous manufacturing locations and submitted to a global company's internal ergonomics award process, were reviewed for effect upon both work-related musculoskeletal disorders and operational efficiency. The results suggest the award process was successful in gathering relevant information about the projects, and that a macroergonomics program methodology along with a participatory approach supported successful results. A cost-benefit estimation showed positive effects in operational efficiency and work-related musculoskeletal disorders reduction. Possible improvements to the award submission process were identified. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: As documented by academics and practitioners, and generally accepted by the popular media, application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Research increasingly demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. Purpose: To expand the body of practitioner-based knowledge related to the benefits that may be realized through implementing an ergonomics program in industry, focusing on the physical aspects of work. Specifically considered is the importance of a macroergonomic, company-wide process to define how risk assessments are conducted, how interventions are chosen and measured, and how results are summarized. Method: Eighteen case studies, selected from among 166 submitted to a global manufacturing company's internal ergonomics award process were reviewed. Results: A macroergonomics program methodology, in combination with a participatory approach, supported success in terms of reduced work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk and operational efficiency. Specifically, information about how projects were identified and who participated as team members demonstrates the importance of a participatory approach to achieve positive results. Conclusion: The case study results, based upon a practitioner perspective, suggest that operational efficiency and work-related musculoskeletal disorder reduction are often both improved by ergonomic interventions in the workplace, which is consistent with similar findings in earlier research. However, requiring more specific and standardized cost and benefit information in an award submission process is likely to provide more complete information about project results in a manner of value to practitioners, acad
{"title":"Corporate Ergonomics Programs: Identifying Value through a Company Award Process","authors":"N. Larson, H. Wick, S. Hallbeck, P. Vink","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2014.1001042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2014.1001042","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS The application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Increasingly, academic and practitioner research demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. This article examines whether it is possible to identify business benefits achieved through ergonomics interventions via an ergonomics award process. The projects, conducted independently at numerous manufacturing locations and submitted to a global company's internal ergonomics award process, were reviewed for effect upon both work-related musculoskeletal disorders and operational efficiency. The results suggest the award process was successful in gathering relevant information about the projects, and that a macroergonomics program methodology along with a participatory approach supported successful results. A cost-benefit estimation showed positive effects in operational efficiency and work-related musculoskeletal disorders reduction. Possible improvements to the award submission process were identified. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: As documented by academics and practitioners, and generally accepted by the popular media, application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Research increasingly demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. Purpose: To expand the body of practitioner-based knowledge related to the benefits that may be realized through implementing an ergonomics program in industry, focusing on the physical aspects of work. Specifically considered is the importance of a macroergonomic, company-wide process to define how risk assessments are conducted, how interventions are chosen and measured, and how results are summarized. Method: Eighteen case studies, selected from among 166 submitted to a global manufacturing company's internal ergonomics award process were reviewed. Results: A macroergonomics program methodology, in combination with a participatory approach, supported success in terms of reduced work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk and operational efficiency. Specifically, information about how projects were identified and who participated as team members demonstrates the importance of a participatory approach to achieve positive results. Conclusion: The case study results, based upon a practitioner perspective, suggest that operational efficiency and work-related musculoskeletal disorder reduction are often both improved by ergonomic interventions in the workplace, which is consistent with similar findings in earlier research. However, requiring more specific and standardized cost and benefit information in an award submission process is likely to provide more complete information about project results in a manner of value to practitioners, acad","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2014.1001042","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60123897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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