Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Berthelon, Catherine | Damm, Loïc

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In order to prevent the over-representation of young drivers in car crashes, France instated an early driver training from the age of 16, but the positive effects of this opportunity have not yet been proven. Three groups of male drivers (12 subjects each) were confronted with some prototypical accident scenarios introduced in a simulated urban circuit. The first and second groups were composed of young drivers having less than one month of driving licence; twelve have had a traditional learning course, and twelve had followed, in addition to the initial course, an early driver training under the supervision of an …adult. The third group was composed of experienced drivers. Strategies of the three groups were analyzed through their response time, speed and maneuvers. No difference appeared across groups regarding obstacle detection. But traditionallytrained drivers’ position control was more conservative than the two others groups, which were more likely to involve efficient evasive action. The exposure gained during early training could thus increase the development of visuo-motor coordination and involve better skills in case of difficult situations. Others accidents’ scenarios could be used to confront young drivers with difficult situations not commonly encountered in natural driving. Show more

Keywords: driving experience, simulator, scenario of accident, early training

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0784-4907

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4907-4909, 2012

Authors: Boudrifa, H. | Bouhafs, A. | Touil, M. | Tabtroukia, F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A questionnaire to measure factors and motives of unsafe behaviors of road users was constructed. This study tool was applied on a final sample of 5586 drivers in twelve out of forty eight districts in Algeria. The aim of the present study was to sort out the different factors and motives that make road users opt for the unsafe behaviors. The latter were determined mainly on the results of a previous study carried out on a final sample of 7058 drivers in twelve out of forty eight districts in Algeria in order to find the most frequent and dangerous unsafe …behaviors of road users. The main unsafe and dangerous behaviors were then used in the present study. Friedman ranking means test was applied to rank the factors and motives selected under each unsafe behavior of road users. The whole results were summarised in seven axes of factors and motives causing: dangerous manoeuvrings by drivers, aggressive behaviors by drivers, negligence and ignorance of maintenance principals by drivers, lack of responsibility and engagement by drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists and their companions, as well as pedestrians and workers of road maintenance. The results are discussed in view of the previous studies and many recommendations have been made. Show more

Keywords: unsafe behavior, Factor, motive, Road users, Road accidents

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0785-4910

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4910-4918, 2012

Authors: Bengler, Klaus | Kohlmann, Martin | Lange, Christian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The increase of driver information and infotainment systems includes also interaction technologies like speech interaction that minimize visual-manual demand and put the focus to cognitive demand. The question is whether this could lead to distraction effects and decreased traffic safety. This study presents an evaluation methodfor cognitive demand based on different detection paradigms in a dual task setting. A listening and a backward counting task are realized on three difficulty levels as simulations of cognitively loading secondary tasks and investigated using a visual versus a tactile detection paradigm. The results show that both detection paradigms are able to discriminate the …task levels and that subjects successfully apply compensation strategies in the dual task setting especially during the listening task. Show more

Keywords: Detection Response Task, Driver Distraction, Cognitive workload, Mental workload, Peripheral Detection, Tactile Detection

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0786-4919

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4919-4923, 2012

Authors: Ahmed, Madiha | Campbell-Kyureghyan, Naira | Frost, Karen | Bertocci, Gina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies guidelines covering the securement system and environment for wheeled mobility device (WhMD) passengers on the public bus system in the United States, referred to as the wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint system (WTORS). The misuse or disuse of the WTORS system can be a source of injury for WhMD passengers riding the buses. The purpose of this study was to quantify the risks posed to the bus driver while performing the WTORS procedure using traditional ergonomic analysis methods. Four bus drivers completed the WTORS procedure for a representative passenger seated in three different …WhMDs: manual wheelchair (MWC), scooter (SCTR), and power wheelchair (PWC). Potential work-related risks were identified using the four most applicable ergonomic assessment tools: PLIBEL, RULA, REBA, and iLMM. Task evaluation results revealed high levels of risk to be present to drivers during the WTORS procedure. The securement station space design and equipment layout were identified as contributing factors forcing drivers to adopt awkward postures while performing the WTORS task. These risk factors are known contributors to injury and the drivers could opt to improperly secure the passengers to avoid that risk. Show more

Keywords: Wheelchair transportation safety, ergonomics, task evaluation, disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0787-4924

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4924-4930, 2012

Authors: Barreto, Marcia M. | Ribeiro, Selma L.O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the complex aeronautical environment, the efforts in terms of operational safety involve the adoption of proactive and reactive measures. The process of investigation begins right after the occurrence of the aeronautical accident, through the initial action. Thus, it is in the crisis scenario, that the person responsible for the initial action makes decisions and gathers the necessary information for the subsequent phases of the investigation process. Within this scenario, which is a natural environment, researches have shown the fragility of rational models of decision making. The theoretical perspective of naturalistic decision making constitutes a breakthrough in the understanding of …decision problems demanded by real world. The proposal of this study was to verify if the initial action, after the occurrence of an accident, and the decision-making strategies, used by the investigators responsible for this activity, are characteristic of the naturalistic decision making theoretical approach. To attend the proposed objective a descriptive research was undertaken with a sample of professionals that work in this activity. The data collected through individual interviews were analyzed and the results demonstrated that the initial action environment, which includes restricted time, dynamic conditions, the presence of multiple actors, stress and insufficient information is characteristic of the naturalistic decision making. They also demonstrated that, when the investigators make their decisions, they use their experience and the mental simulation, intuition, improvisation, metaphors and analogues cases, as strategies, all of them related to the naturalistic approach of decision making, in order to satisfy the needs of the situation and reach the objectives of the initial action in the accident scenario. Show more

Keywords: Accident investigation, decision making, natural environment, naturalistic decision making, initial action

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0788-4931

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4931-4935, 2012

Authors: Kremser, Florian | Guenzkofer, Fabian | Sedlmeier, Claudia | Sabbah, Olaf | Bengler, Klaus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: One of the most important factors influencing aircraft seating comfort in economy class, is legroom. In an airline interior mock up, with the ability to adjust the seat pitch in a range of 28 inches to 43 inches, a study to investigate the influence of seat pitch on passengers’ well-being was conducted. In a pre-study, aspects of subjective postural sensations and spatial perception were identified, and a questionnaire was developed. In the main study, 30 subjects rated at different seat pitch settings the spatial perception and the ability of adopting and changing sitting postures. As a result a functional relationship …between overall well-being, the subjects’ anthropometry and seat pitch was developed. Furthermore it was identified, that there is a maximum overall well-being at a seat pitch of 34 inches to 40 inches, depending on the passengers’ anthropometry. A further enlargement of seat pitch, led to a reduction of well-being. Show more

Keywords: seat pitch, legroom, spatial perception, sitting posture, economy class

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0789-4936

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4936-4942, 2012

Authors: Zunjic, Aleksandar | Sremcevic, Vladimir | Sijacki, Vera Zeravcic | Sijacki, Ana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this study, a research of injuries of passengers in city buses is presented, which are not a consequence of collision of buses with other objects. The number of injured passengers in the territory of Belgrade was registered, during three consecutive years. Most frequently injured body part was the head, while women over the age of 60 are the most vulnerable population of passengers. The most often reason for the appearance of injuries was the effect of acceleration. Also, it is pointed out to the importance of consideration of the problem of multiple injuries. These injuries are more complex than …the individual ones, and they may indicate to the existence of greater omissions in the design of the interior of the bus. Proposals for certain system solutions, as well as some recommendations for designing are given, which can improve the safety of passengers who use the city bus as a means of transportation. Show more

Keywords: city bus transport, passenger injuries, bus interior design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0790-4943

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4943-4950, 2012

Authors: D’souza, Clive | Paquet, Victor | Lenker, James | Steinfeld, Edward | Bareria, Piyush

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Low-floor buses represent a significant improvement in accessible public transit for passengers with limited mobility. However, there is still a need for research on the inclusive design of transit buses to identify specific low-floor bus design conditions that are either particularly accommodating or challenging for passengers with functional and mobility impairments. These include doorway locations, seating configuration and the large front wheel-well covers that collectively impact boarding, alighting and interior movement of passengers. Findings from a laboratory study using a static full-scale simulation of a lowfloor bus to evaluate the impact of seating configuration and crowding on interior movement and …accessibility for individuals with and without walking aids are presented (n=41). Simulated bus journeys that included boarding, fare payment, seating, and alighting were performed. Results from video observations and subjective assessments showed differences in boarding and alighting performance and users’ perceptions of task difficulty. The need for assistive design features (e.g. handholds, stanchions), legroom and stowage space for walking aids was evident. These results demonstrate that specific design conditions in low-floor buses can significantly impact design preference among those who use walking aids. Consideration of ergonomics and inclusive design can therefore be used to improve the design of low-floor buses. Show more

Keywords: Transportation, low-floor bus, accessibility, walking aids, inclusive design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0791-4951

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4951-4956, 2012

Authors: de Souza, Amaury Paulo | Minette, Luciano José | Sanches, André Luis Petean | da Silva, EmíLia Pio | Rodrigues, Valéria Antônia Justino | de Oliveira, Luciana Aparecida

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: There are several forest operations involved in Eucalyptus timber harvesting. This study was carried out during brush-cutting; tree felling, bucking, delimbing, piling and manual extraction operations, with the following objectives: a) analyzing, ergonomically, two systems of brush-cutting: one manual and the other semi-mechanized, using two different machines; b) ergonomically evaluating three different brands of pruner machines used in delimbing felled trees. c) determining the feasible target of productivity as a function of ergonomic factors relevant to establish the time of resting pauses for workers in manual and semi-mechanized timber harvesting systems in mountainous terrain. Brush-cutting, either manual or semimechanized, is …an activity carried out prior to timber harvesting. It is usually a hard work, with low productivity when compared with mechanized systems. Pruner machines have been used by forest companies, due to the great possibilities to improve productivity, quality and the health of workers. Ergonomics is a discipline that promotes the adequacy of work to the physical and mental characteristics of human beings, seeking to design production systems and products considering relevant aspects, including social, organizational and environmental factors. Companies should consider the ergonomic factor in the determination of daily worker production targets. Show more

Keywords: Productivity, forest workers, work performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0038-4957

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4957-4962, 2012

Authors: Abrahão, R.F. | Gonzaga, M.C. | Braunbeck, O.A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Problems related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), specially the use of protective gloves for the manual sugar cane cutting, motivated this research, made possible by a tripartite negotiation involving the Ministry of Labor, the Union of Rural Workers and the Employer’s Association of sugarcane agribusiness. The main objective was to evaluate, from an ergonomics perspective, the impact of use of the gloves during the manual cane sugar cutting, raising questions on safety, effectiveness and comfort. The research was carried in a sugarcane industry of São Paulo for two seasons involving 47 workers who made a qualitative analysis …of acceptance of four models of protective gloves. The methodology included the use of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and field observations and the experimental determination of the coefficient of static friction developed between the gloves and the surfaces of the machete handle. The main results indicate the general inadequacy of the gloves currently used forcing the employees to improvise. Workers found the glove of leather and nylon scraping the best reported for comfort in use. The overall results highlight the problem of detachment of test standards for the manufacture of PPE, ignoring users and the activity to be performed. Show more

Keywords: PPE, protective gloves, coefficient of friction, manual cutting, sugar cane

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0039-4963

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4963-4966, 2012