Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Luz, Taciana Ramos | de Oliveira Echternacht, Eliza Helena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aims to describe the painfulness applied to situations of teaching-learning of a Big Band in a School of Music of a Brazilian Federal University. Moreover, the concept of what painful noise is will be developed, applied to this context. After Ergonomic Work Analysis [2], the following variables were selected to characterize the painful noise: volume, height, frequency, sound confluence and reverberation. To relate the influence of painful noise on modes operatives, were explained the operative strategies used by teacher and students during the performance in group of this Big Band.

Keywords: painful, insalubrities, noise, musicians, Big Band

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0420-1990

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 1990-1993, 2012

Authors: Smith, Jan R. | Lombard, Wesley R. | Shaba, Moses N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Accurate sound source localization has advantages for the performance of work by humans. The ability to accurately localize sound sources contributes to perception, decision making and task performance. Two studies were conducted to investigate the prevalence of accurate sound source localization and the enhancement that spatially separated sound source locations can have on speech perception. The first study was conducted to characterize the ability to detect the location of horizontal plane sound sources. A sample of 117 participants with the hearing capacity within the normal limits participated in the study. The results indicated that sound sources located towards the front …of the participant were identified more frequently than those sound sources located towards the rear positions. Based on the results found in the first study, a second study was conducted to assess performance within a listening task. Three different spatial configurations were used to assess if similar trends in performance translated to sound sources through headphones. Fifteen research participants performed a Coordinated Response Measure (CRM) task requiring the identification of a speech phrase and its associated information for a diotic configuration and two different spatial sound source configurations. Performance measured for the diotic configuration was significantly (p(0.05) less than for the two spatial configurations. The current studies indicate distinct advantages of utilizing localized sound sources to present auditory signal and speech to listeners. Show more

Keywords: diotic, binaural, CRM

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0421-1994

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 1994-2000, 2012

Authors: Campos, Izabel Carolina Martins | da Cruz Serafim, Alessandra | Custódio, Kamilla Valler | da Silva, Lizandra | Cruz, Roberto Moraes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Programs geared towards the occupational health of public workers, that include the prevention of moral harassment, have been created in Santa Catarina. Any institution identified for its poor records in regards to moral harassment will end up having its image tainted before society at large. This is due to its use of arbitrary and embarrassing means for accomplishing everyday tasks. This article aims to consider Workplace Psychological Harassment (WPH), its risks and implications for the health of public workers. The methodology chosen was a teacher’s case study, which consisted of document research, interviews, anamnesis and observation, all in order to …relate both theory and practice. The results indicate that WPH is a complex phenomenon, which can be studied in a variety of ways. WPH risks the biopsychosocial health of the worker, causing the deterioration in social-professional relations, illness, and incapacity, as well as higher costs and certain degradation in production. It is difficult to prove incidents and their impact. Nevertheless, this research concluded that WPH has harmful consequences for the physical and mental health of workers, and is in the ergonomic field, since part of this profession’s role is to seek understanding of work in order to reorganize it. Show more

Keywords: moral harassment, illness, teaching, public employee

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0422-2001

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2001-2007, 2012

Authors: Goossens, R.H.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: It is well known that people that sit or lie down for prolonged periods change their posture on a regular basis. Even when people are asleep on average 20-40 postural can be observed during an 8 hours period of night rest. One of the reasons that can be found in literature for this ‘urge to move’ is that these movements are necessary to persevere the blood flow in the tissue. The aim of this paper is to study the relation between tissue perfusion and pressure on the tissue and frequency of the load cycle. Each subject is subjected to a …treatment scheme that varies in pressure and frequency of the load on the tissue. The pressure levels that are used are 2.7 kPa, 4.0 kPa and 5.3 kPa and the frequency levels that are used are loading/unloading at intervals of 5 min., 10 min., 15 min. Statistics shows that for 2.7 kPa there is a significant reduction of blood flow between time intervals of 5 min. and 10 min. (P=0.028), and 5 min. and 15 min. (p=0.009). Statistics also shows that there is no significant reduction in blood flow at the time interval of 10 minutes, for every level of pressure. This series of measurements seems to suggest that at the time interval of 10 minutes for every level of pressure the blood flow does not decrease compared to the start situation. Show more

Keywords: bed, mattress, blood perfusion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0423-2008

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2008-2011, 2012

Authors: Draicchio, Francesco | Silvetti, Alessio | Forzano, Federico | Iavicoli, Sergio | Ranavolo, Alberto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study analyzed a post office clerk’s tasks, comparing two workstation models. The clerk was facing the client in one, and seated at 45° to the counter in the other. We analyzed the most frequent tasks and those presenting the most critical points: 1) payment of a postal order; 2) accepting a registered letter, breaking them down into subtasks. We used an optoelectronic system for kinematic analysis, and calculated the range of motion of the trunk and arms in the three spatial planes. The 45( position required less torsion of the trunk and head when using the printer, placed to …the left of the employee. A larger worktop improved the workstation, leaving more room for equipment and allowing the worker to sit frontally to the monitor. However, this solution involved a shorter distance between the worker and the client with longer extension of the shoulder and elbow and less trunk flexion. These findings suggested a modification in the layout that shortens the distance between the worker and client. Show more

Keywords: ergonomic redesign, biomechanics, posture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0424-2012

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2012-2016, 2012

Authors: Sá, Maria Manuel | Azevedo, Rui | Martins, Maria Cristina | Machado, Osvaldo | Tavares, João

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aims to create awareness, both within the scientific community and among providers of sports facilities, for individuals with impaired or reduced mobility, promoting the development of technical solutions that allow greater autonomy and social integration of people with disabilities. The purpose of this work is, on the one hand, to evaluate the accessibility of sports facilities for people with reduced mobility and, on the other hand, to investigate why this user group has such low rates of participation in sporting activities. Firstly, using the Portuguese norms and legislation transcribed from European Community directives, a check list was created …comprising all the items that sports facilities should abide by in order to provide accessibility and safety to people with reduced mobility. Another questionnaire was designed aimed at this user group, with questions pertaining to their desire and ability to use sports facilities. This questionnaire was distributed in Portugal, in the greater metropolitan area of Porto, to users of Rehabilitation Centres and Physiotherapy Clinics. The results obtained from the check-list showed the compliances and non-compliances of the respective sports facilities, proving that many barriers preventing the participation of people with reduced mobility still exist. Twenty-four people with permanent impairment of the lower extremities (paraplegia) answered the questionnaire pertaining to the desire and ability to perform physical activity. Two individuals (8%) had sporting activities available to them in their area of residence and only five (21%) performed any physical activity. The main reason given for not taking part in any activity was the lack of adapted sports facilities. All the participants felt that taking part in sports is beneficial. The benefits stated were: general well-being and development of the psychomotor component (e.g. coordination, balance, body posture), of physical condition (e.g. strength, resistance, flexibility) and social integration and quality of life. Besides wellbeing, they also mentioned social interaction, a way of occupying their time and an escape from the routine as the main motives for which they would like to take up physical exercise. Show more

Keywords: accessibility, safety, sports facilities, conditioned mobility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0425-2017

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2017-2023, 2012

Authors: Tosetto, Thaís | Orsi, Flávia Giuntini

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Among the indicators of Decent Work in Brazil, the one referring to the "Safe Working Environment" was the only which had no improvement in the time series analyzed by the International Labor Organisation. There is an increased number of accidents with significant economic and social impacts. Given that many of these accidents involve the hands and cause functional sequels, this paper presents an integration between the approaches of Hand Therapy and Ergonomics in order to facilitate the process of rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as acting to prevent further accidents, thus contributing to the promotion of Decent Work in the …country, particularly with regard to safety and health at work and equal opportunities. Show more

Keywords: integration, vocational rehabilitation, hand therapy, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0426-2024

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2024-2029, 2012

Authors: Fraysse, François | Daniell, Nathan | Paul, Gunther

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Bedsores (ulcers) are caused by multiple factors which include, but are not limited to; pressure, shear force, friction, temperature, age and medication. Specialised support services, such as specialised mattresses, sheepskin coverings etc., are thought to decrease or relieve pressure, resulting in a lowering of pressure ulcer incidence [3]. The primary aim of this study was to compare the upper/central body pressure distribution between normal lying in a hospital bed versus the use of a pressure redistribution belt. The study involved 16 healthy voluntary subjects lying on a hospital bed with and without wearing the belt. Results showed that the use …of a pressure redistribution belt results in reduced pressure peaks and prevents the pressure from increasing over time. Show more

Keywords: pressure ulcers, bedsores, pressure mapping, pressure redistribution

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0427-2030

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2030-2036, 2012

Authors: Park, Sung | Yim, Jinho | Lee, Goeun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Long-term use of medical imaging devices requires significant improvements to the user experience. One factor that impact upon such experience is whether the device is ergonomically built, ecologically designed, and leverages the current medical practice. In this research, we took a holistic and systematic approach to design an effective and biomechanically-fit ultrasound system. Research methods from behavior science (e.g., contextual inquiry, pseudo experiments) had been adopted to involve the users (sonographers) early in the design process. The end results – product design guideline for a cart type ultrasound system and control panel layout – were reviewed by the users and …adjusted so that the design is within the range of an acceptable learning curve while maintaining innovativeness, a differentiated value over competitor’s ultrasound devices. Show more

Keywords: antropometrics, biomechanics, contextual inquiry, ergonomics, medical device, product design, user experience, user research, system design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0428-2037

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2037-2042, 2012

Authors: Marquezea, Elaine C | Lemosa, Lucia C | Soaresa, Nilson | Lorenzi-Filhob, Geraldo | Morenoa, Claudia R.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the relationship between working at night and increased body weight in nursing. In addition, we evaluated the differences in the proportion of variables sociodemographic, work and health, according to the work shift and their association with body mass index. Methods: Based on questionnaires, we obtained data from 446 nursing professionals about aspects of their job, health and lifestyle. We performed linear and logistic regression analysis. Results: Working at night is associated with a weight gain greater than (β=0.24 kg/m2) working during the day (β=0.15 kg/m2), as well as with aging (β=0.16 kg/m2) and duration of working in …nursing (β=0.18 kg/m2). Night workers have a higher educational level, have been working for more years in nursing and also in the current shift, do not have diabetes and have reported longer sleep than day workers. There are also a higher number of smokers among the night workers than day workers. Logistic regression analysis also showed the more time to work in nursing and as an assistant was more likely to develop overweight/obesity. Conclusion: Working at the night contributes to more weight gain than the day shift, aging and duration of working in nursing. Show more

Keywords: shift work, weight gain, nursing professionals, night work, body mass index

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0429-2043

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2043-2048, 2012