Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Barros, Helda Oliveira | Soares, Marcelo Márcio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study identified the factors existing in the methods and techniques used in the anthropometric analysis of wheelchair users which may adversely affect inter-population comparisons. Five studies of anthropometric analysis of wheelchair users were examined: Nowak (1996), Jarosz (1996), Das and Kozey (1999), Kozey and Das (2004) and Paquet and Feathers (2004). All the selected studies presented intra- and inter-population data. After having identified the methods and techniques cited, a comparison was made between the procedures used by these authors and those adopted by Barros (2007). The results indicate that inter-population comparison is valid only when there is similarity between …the procedures and techniques used to collect data and the functional characteristics of the people evaluated. Show more

Keywords: anthropometric analysis, disable people

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0702-4091

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4091-4097, 2012

Authors: Paquet, Victor | Joseph, Caroline | D’Souza, Clive

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Anthropometric studies typically require a large number of individuals that are selected in a manner so that demographic characteristics that impact body size and function are proportionally representative of a user population. This sampling approach does not allow for an efficient characterization of the distribution of body sizes and functions of sub-groups within a population and the demographic characteristics of user populations can often change with time, limiting the application of the anthropometric data in design. The objective of this study is to demonstrate how demographically representative user populations can be developed from samples that are not proportionally representative in …order to improve the application of anthropometric data in design. An engineering anthropometry problem of door width and clear floor space width is used to illustrate the value of the approach. Show more

Keywords: anthropometry, engineering anthropometry, computer re-sampling

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0703-4098

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4098-4101, 2012

Authors: de Jesus Pereira da Silva, Terezinha | Neto, Augusto Eugenio Paashaus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Abstract This paper aims to demonstrate the situation of the buildings declared a historical landmark by the government spheres in the state of Pernambuco, and how they attend the norms of accessibility for those with special needs. The methodology of the research contemplated a sample of 46 heritage buildings, approximately 16% of the universe of properties, which are around 268. In turn, these were limited to Recife’s Metropolitan Region Area - RMR comprising 30% of the 153 properties of the municipalities of: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Igarassu, Itamaracá, Ipojuca, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Moreno, Olinda, Paulista, Recife and São Lourenço da …Mata. From the specific forms set up based on the theoretical reference, as well as graphics and photographic records were assessed the aspects of both internal and external accessibility, displacement, (visual) orientation, and the use of space and equipment. In the analysis of different types was assembled a summary table ranking the samples in accessible, partially accessible and not accessible. As general results were found that from the 46 properties examined, 2 (5%) are accessible, 16 (35%) are partially accessible and 28(60%) are not accessible. Such data, although sample, shows that the majority of heritage properties does not provide access to people physically disabled or with reduced mobility signaling for professionals, managers and society institutions on the need to reduce physical barriers in such heritage. Show more

Keywords: accessibility, ergonomics, Fundarpe, heritage, Pernambuco

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0704-4102

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4102-4110, 2012

Authors: Wiberg, Viveca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: For the coming years SWEA is planning for communication and information actions. One of the sectors concerned is the building and construction industry. Focus of the information is to avoid accidents and injuries, and how companies by themselves can prevent risks. The objective of the information is to increase awareness among all stakeholders in order to secure that they are willing and able to reduce risks for workers. At the conference two brochures will be presented. They are designed to provide information and knowledge about specific risks of occupational accidents and occupational diseases which occur frequently during construction work and …how they can be prevented. They are directed to all those who are involved in the construction process at different stages and who are subject to SWEAs rules and regulations. New identified risk groups are e.g. students, apprentices, self-employed, and foreign workers temporarily working in Sweden. We also see that work is still being carried out in narrow installation spaces during erection stage of buildings because the people responsible for the drawings do not take notice of the need for sufficient space to do the work. SWEA experienced that it is difficult to reach all the groups concerned with the message about how to avoid injuries and unnecessary musculoskeletal disorders. Show more

Keywords: building and construction, communication, risks, training, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1038-4111

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4111-4115, 2012

Authors: Duca, Gabriella | Attaianese, Erminia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Literature shows incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in bricklaying workers as well as the relevance of good designed hand-held tools in musculoskeletal disorders prevention. In this framework, it can be supposed that providing usable hand-held tools and material in construction worksites will help to improve bricklayers’ working conditions. Here a study is presented aimed at framing a methodology for usability assessment of bricklayers handled objects, in order to provide employers with practical indicators for choosing tools and materials best fitting workers needs, under the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction perspective. On the basis of a task analysis, usability requirements for bricklaying hand-held …tools and materials have been detailed and related, quantitative and qualitative, technical specifications have been elicited. Theoretical framework and usability assessment methodology are presented and, finally, findings from a field application are discussed. Show more

Keywords: bricklayers, ergonomic assessment, task analysis, workers, performances

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0705-4116

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4116-4120, 2012

Authors: Callado, J. | Poletto, A

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper summarizes a study of the accessibility conditions held in the Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa (Florianópolis, SC, Brazil), in early 2010, where the goals were analyze the components of accessibility and identify possible solutions to the problems found there. Were used several methods, that complement one with others, to confirm the need for interventions in the fortress and helps the identification of barriers and to making recommendations.

Keywords: accessibility, historical heritage, Fortress of São José, da Ponta Grossa

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0706-4121

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4121-4123, 2012

Authors: Acioly, A.S.G. | Oliveira, M.D. | Freitas, V.H.F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article presents a description of a study experience developed in the Discipline of Supervised Internship of the Industrial Design Course of the Federal University of Paraíba. The study is based on focused on ergonomics analysis and accessibility as an object of study, access into and out of buildings of classrooms and laboratories of the same institution. Among the buildings selected, which encompass where the course is established, is a contemporary building and a renovated building of historical and artistic values for current use. The study is characterized by a description of the objects of study, analysis of the reference …literature and recommendations for adjustments in the event of any inconsistency with the accessibility standards. The experience of this supervised training provided an opportunity to perform design activities to a group of students in applied ergonomics, as well as enabling contact with professional practice, adding the contact with the appropriate guidelines governing intervention in historic heritage buildings. Show more

Keywords: accessibility, supervised practice, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0707-4124

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4124-4129, 2012

Authors: Filho, J.M. Jackson | Fonseca, E.D. | Lima, F.P.A. | Duarte, F.J.C.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of organizational factors on occupational accident causation. A field study was undertaken and focused on the phase of concreting the floors of a residential block in a building project in Brazil. The methodological approach was based on the analysis of carpenters’ work practices and of the workers’ accounts of minor falls. Observations were noted on work practices over this stage. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the workers hired by the subcontractors and with professionals working for the main contractor. The results show that falls were related to the introduction of …new building technology and its use by the workforce. The production planning and organization of activities by the subcontracted firms also led to temporary demands that were additional determining factors for falls on site. The work analysis reveals the need to consider organizational factors in prevention practices. Show more

Keywords: occupational safety, ergonomic work analysis, accident analysis, organizational factors, outsourcing, fall

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0708-4130

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4130-4136, 2012

Authors: Holte, Kari Anne | Kjestveit, Kari

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Studies have found that young workers are at risk for injuries. The risk for accidents is high within construction, indicating that young workers may be especially vulnerable in this industry. In Norway, it is possible to enter the construction industry as a full time worker at the age of 18. The aim of this paper was to explore how young construction workers are received at their workplace with regards to OHS-training. The study was designed as a qualitative case study. Each case consisted of a young worker or apprentice (< 25 years), a colleague, the immediate superior, the OHS manager, …and a safety representative in the company. The interviews were recorded and analyzed through content analysis. The results showed that there were differences between large and small companies, where large companies had more formalized routines and systems for receiving and training young workers. These routines were however more dependent on requirements set by legislators and contractors more than by company size, since the legislation has different requirements with impact on OHS. Show more

Keywords: young workers, occupational health and safety, construction industry, safety training, apprentices

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0709-4137

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4137-4141, 2012

Authors: Costa, Ana Paula Lima | Campos, Fábio | Villarouco, Vilma

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article provides an overview of academic research in the scientific discipline of ergonomics in the context of the built environment, from data collected from journals, conferences and research groups whose focus is the theme of the Ergonomics of Built Environment. Starting from the context of the Ergonomics of Built Environment, it identifies the broadcast media who publish work in this area and its scientific production, seeking to recover from the first published papers to the production of the most recent scientific journals and conferences to be launched 2010. From this mapping, we identified the major outstanding and open issues …in these studies, outlining the state of the art Ergonomics Built Environment, in order to inform those interested and intend to develop scientific research in this field. Show more

Keywords: architecture, environmental comfort, human factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0710-4142

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4142-4148, 2012