IISE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors最新文献

Occupational ApplicationsRepetitive lifting is a major occupational risk factor for developing low back fatigue and pain. This review aimed to identify and summarize the available evidence on how trunk motor variability (MV) may serve both as a predictor of susceptibility to fatigue/pain as well as a response to fatigue/pain during repetitive lifting tasks. Higher MV may protect workers by distributing loads and preventing overuse of the same tissues, potentially reducing the incidence or severity of fatigue/pain. However, findings also indicate that the relationship between MV, fatigue, and pain is complex, with the direction of MV changing depending on task demands, pain chronicity, and adaptation. Future work should aim to understand and monitor MV in the workplace to inform interventions for injury prevention.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe compared offshore crane safety standards in the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway, focusing on human factors contributing to incidents. High similarity was found in maintenance procedures, hand signals, and communication, reflecting shared priorities like adhering to manufacturer recommendations and enforcing substance abuse policies. Moderate alignment was observed in inspection intervals, personal protective equipment requirements, and personnel roles, with some variation in specific practices. Notable gaps were identified in training, lift categorization, and personnel qualifications, with the United States emphasizing certification timelines, while the United Kingdom and Norway focus on ongoing competence. These findings highlight strengths in each standard and offer a roadmap for harmonizing global practices. Practitioners can use these results to benchmark current practices, address gaps, and reduce human error. By aligning international standards, practitioners can develop more effective training, improve communication protocols, and implement consistent safety measures, ultimately enhancing the reliability and safety of offshore lifting operations.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe investigated the effects of age and sex on cybersickness susceptibility during Virtual Reality (VR)-based forklift training, using an order picker forklift truck consisting of basic and common forklift driving scenarios. Cybersickness occurrence was assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and analyzed with the survival analysis method. Our analysis indicated strong vulnerability among older adults yet no significant influence of biological sex on cybersickness susceptibility. As emerging technologies like VR are being integrated into different domains of occupational training, the issue of cybersickness can disproportionately disadvantage certain demographic groups, making training programs inaccessible. We outline future design considerations to enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of VR forklift training platforms.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSIn this scoping review, we identified considerable mental health challenges among pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) providers, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) burnout, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and occupational stress. Among the 61 studies we analyzed, sleep disorders emerged as the most prominent contributing factor, frequently associated with PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety, and other poor mental health conditions. Other key risk factors included high workload, years of service, exposure to violence, and insufficient peer or social support. The cumulative toll of chronic stress was evident in increased prevalence rates of mental health disorders and burnout. Organizational and individual factors, such as emotional regulation, fatigue management, and availability of peer support, further shaped these outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions that address the root causes of mental health disorders and occupational stressors in EMS work environments.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSAmong the three commonly used mathematical models for estimating overhead position from inclination data, the trigonometry model showed the most consistent alignment with in-lab motion capture data, with no statistically significant differences observed. Strong correlations were found between accelerometer-based wearable and inclination outputs during upright drilling and hammering tasks involving shoulder elevation above 150°. While no statistically significant differences were observed between observational and inclination-based estimates of overhead frequency, discrepancies were present in overhead duration estimates. These findings suggest that, with appropriate signal processing and modeling techniques, inclination data collected at the upper arm may offer a practical approach for estimating overhead exposures in field research. This method could support more refined monitoring and assessment of overhead work, potentially informing interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal strain and improving worker safety.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe present empirical data on how perceived discomfort varies under different loading situations based on analyzed experimental data. We propose mathematical models to calculate endurance time and recovery needs based on employees' perceived physical discomfort. While this modeling approach needs further research and field trials, it opens the door for a novel, positively oriented approach for proactive ergonomics, supporting job design aimed at creating comfortable work.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe identified strategies to support the development or evaluation of technology solutions for a medical response in remote and austere environments. We conducted a systematic analysis of relevant tasks and potential errors within battlefield medical response and communicated the resultant system taxonomy for interdisciplinary application by both engineers and health care practitioners. Our paper contributes to continued advancements of technology support for remote casualty care through detailed insights into remote medical response, identification of system vulnerabilities, and a consolidated system analysis.

Occupational ApplicationsThirty-four percent of the Dutch working population work in physically demanding jobs, and this proportion remained relatively stable over time. Self-reported physical work demands were higher in those with a lower (compared to higher) education level. Specific self-reported physical work demands (substantial force exertion, repetitive movements, uncomfortable body postures, and vibrations) differ between genders, age groups, and occupational sectors. Our findings show that physical work demands remain prevalent in the Dutch working population, indicating the necessity for a better understanding of the health effects of these work demands and occupational interventions and policies targeting these work demands. Our results identify specific groups on which such interventions and policies could be focused.

Background: Paramedics experience high levels of stress, burnout, and mental health concerns that may also compromise safety for both workers and patients. Although these issues have been examined broadly, few qualitative studies have focused on rural U.S. paramedics.

Purpose: To explore how rural paramedics perceive sources of occupational stress, mental health challenges, and how these factors contribute to safety risks.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 paramedics in rural Louisiana. Interviews were guided by the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework and analyzed using thematic analysis to generate codes, subthemes, and overarching themes.

Results: Seven major themes were identified: work system processes, occupational stressors, organizational conditions, coping and support strategies, impacts on performance and safety, help-seeking and stigma, and mental health outcomes. Participants described excessive workloads, inadequate staffing, limited resources, and poor management practices as key stressors. Stress and fatigue were linked to cognitive errors, near misses, and driving incidents. Coping strategies relied heavily on individual or informal peer approaches, while stigma and cultural norms discouraged help-seeking. Reported mental health outcomes included burnout, emotional exhaustion, hypervigilance, and suicidal ideation.

Conclusion: Occupational stress among rural paramedics represents both a mental health concern and an occupational safety hazard. Addressing staffing, fatigue, stigma, and organizational support as safety priorities may reduce risks for paramedics and patients alike.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSJob rotation is one of the most recommended and practiced organizational interventions for injury prevention and health promotion; however, insufficient evidence is currently available to assess the effectiveness of this work organization approach due to limitations in study design and physical exposure assessment metrics used in prior studies. Future studies are required in which research and company/organizational partners collaborate to evaluate job rotation interventions using relevant metrics including assessment of the impact of job rotation on variation across the full duration of the JR cycle and, subsequently, health. Recommendations are proposed to help guide future study designs and exposure assessment metric selection to support the generation of sufficient data for evidence synthesis.