Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Fonseca, Bernardo Bastos | Aguilera, Maria Victoria Cabrera | Vidal, Mario Cesar Rodríguez

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, we analyzed two laboratories of liquid chromatography (LC), separation technique of mixtures and identification of its components, in order to identify projectual gaps relating to the environment and the working station. The methodology used was the ergonomic analysis with interactional and participatory techniques applied during the activity performance. This work incorporated and adapted the concept developed by Alexander (1979) - pattern languages - passing from architectural projects to workstations project and physical arrangement of the work environment. The adaptation of the concept resulted in a list of recommendations, requirements and concepts that have brought design solutions for …the problematic aspects observed in the ergonomic analysis. The employed methodology, strongly supported in ergonomics principles, and in interactional and participatory techniques, contributed to achieve our gold that is what we now call Conceptual Standards. The patterns go beyond of a usual model of book a of ergonomics specification, once incorporating the viewpoint of the end user, it is also a set of best project practices and of project management in conception ergonomics. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, good project practices, conceptual design patterns, project, workstations

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0243-797

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 797-803, 2012

Authors: Rodríguez, Claudia Isabel Rojas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This work describes the experience of application of a procedural initiative, which aimed to identify and address technical assistance needs progressively in therapy and rehabilitation activities. The proposal theoretical axes are the basics of participatory ergonomics and interdisciplinary work, was raised with the intention of addressing important issues for the entire design process including: perception, attention, memory and human being comfort, and the interrelationships that create objects in the context in which they are used. This project was done in collaboration with leading institutes for the rehabilitation of Colombia: Cirec and Roosevelt, through two investigative stages: a first ethnographic stage, …during which were observed one hundred forty four (144) procedures of rehabilitation and therapy to build a bank of assistive technology needs, justified on the project observation variables. And a second stage of action research in which they were designed elements that facilitate the implementation of rehabilitation procedures efficiently. Currently being developed experiential situations in different hospitals to examine the reliability of the proposed solutions. Show more

Keywords: Execution, Need, Therapy, Rehabilitation, Ergonomics participatory, Design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0244-804

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 804-808, 2012

Authors: Turja, Johanna | Kaleva, Simo | Kivistö, Marketta | Seitsamo, Jorma

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of the controlled longitudinal study was to determine the effect of a tailored early support intervention method on workers’ workplace ergonomics. The main areas of the early support intervention were training, guidance and support for supervisors in finding weak signals of impaired ergonomics. Supervisors were also trained to bring up these weak signals in discussion with employees and to make necessary changes at the workplace The data consisted of 301 intervention subjects and 235 control subjects working in the field of commerce. The questionnaires were carried out in 2008 and in 2010, and the response rates among …both groups were 45%. We used multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance (MANOVA) to test the difference in the groups at two points of time. The main result was that in the areas of work environment, the interaction between group and time was statistically significant (p=0.0004). The work environment improved in the intervention group, but deteriorated in the control. Working methods improved due to the interventions, but physical load factors increased over time in both groups. According to the study, tailored early support intervention has a generally beneficial impact on workers’ workplace ergonomics in the areas of work methods, work environment and accident factors. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, work ability, weak signals, work environment, health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0245-809

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 809-811, 2012

Authors: Elford, Wendy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ergonomics literature has often identified concerns about the difficulty of gaining support for ergonomics interventions. There appears to be a shift from the view that ergonomics issues can be made to be simple, towards a wider appreciation of the complexity of ergonomics problems in the real world. A framework from knowledge management – the Cynefin Framework – is recommended as providing a way of re-perceiving situations where ergonomics problems may be present or have already been identified. The framework uses multiple ontologies and indicates appropriate courses of investigation and action for each of four domains – the simple, the complex, …the complicated and the chaotic. This paper presents evidence of the need for a multi-ontology approach and shows how the Cynefin Framework can be applied to ergonomics. Show more

Keywords: Complex, complicated, system, interdisciplinary

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0246-812

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 812-817, 2012

Authors: Jones, Wendy | Haslam, Roger | Haslam, Cheryl

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Employed individuals from a range of jobs (n=18) were interviewed using a repertory grid technique, to explore the criteria they used to distinguish between different jobs. The concepts of ‘a good job’ and ‘a job good for health’ were also discussed. Interactions with others and the job itself were the most commonly used criteria and were also the most common features of a ‘good job’. Pay and security were mentioned frequently but were less important when comparing jobs and when defining a ‘good job’. Physical activity was rarely associated by interviewees with a ‘good job’ but was frequently associated with …a ‘job good for health’. A comprehensive definition of a ‘good job’ needs to take all these factors into account. Show more

Keywords: job quality, good job, repertory grid, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0247-818

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 818-821, 2012

Authors: Carusi, Alessandra | Mont’Alvão, Cláudia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Graphic representation of clickable areas in computer interfaces should allow mental representations that facilitate system´s navigation during the cognitive process. If it doesn´t happen users can feel lost. When thinking about websites designed to children with both entertainment and educational intention these systems must stimulates this kind of users. As many other activities for children nowadays, many system are commonly used as support for contents explored in school, as a complement. The design of theses educational systems must have the compromise to allow these users navigate and feel capable to explore every part of these interfaces. This paper is focusing …the results of Ticese and Pedactice methods and shows the importance of these results as an exploratory phase in a bigger research that evaluates interfaces with children. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected related to structuring the user’s mental model, influenced by the graphic representation of hypertext areas in a children’s educational site. Show more

Keywords: educational site, navigation, design, graphic representation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0248-822

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 822-826, 2012

Authors: Hashim, Adila Md | Dawal, Siti Zawiahmd Md | Yusoff, Nukman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The objective of this study is to compare the evaluation of postural analysis between a self-report questionnaire and physical assessments methods for students aged 13 to 15 years old in school workshop. 336 students were volunteered as participants to fill in the questionnaire and being observed in the workshop. Total of 104 positions were selected and analyzed while students performing their tasks. Questionnaire data was examined to specify the prevalence of postural stress symptoms. The relationship of postural stress by physical assessment methods (RULA and REBA methods) was defined to identify the risk level of students’ working posture. From the …results, comparison of four factors categorized from total of 22 questions among ages, the mean values were lower for 13 years old students meaning that they were faced higher posture problems while using the workstation. The obtained results from both physical assessment methods and questionnaire analysis have identified 13 years old students faced higher risk exposure. Analysis results emphasized the fact that self-reports questionnaire method has almost accurate as postural evaluation methods to identify physical risks in workplace. The result also shows that an intervention is needed to overcome the posture problems. Show more

Keywords: working posture, self-reported questionnaire, physical assessment method, school workshop, student

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0249-827

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 827-831, 2012

Authors: de Porto Alegre Muniz, Maria Isabella | de Moraes, Anamaria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This project is about the usability of Learning Management Systems (LMS), focusing on the specific case of the open source system Moodle. Specifically, this project is about communication and collaboration tools that are used by teachers on the system. This study investigates whether usability problems hamper the use teachers make of these tools. Focused interviews were conducted with professionals working in distance education and the answers of the respondents were subjected to techniques of content analysis in order to obtain data for developing the tools needed to prove the hypothesis.

Keywords: usability, human computer interaction, distance education, learning management systems, content analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0250-832

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 832-837, 2012

Authors: Harris, C. | Straker, L. | Smith, A. | Pollock, C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Children’s computer exposure is rapidly growing. Several studies have suggested children using computers may be at risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. General models and theories relating to the causality of negative musculoskeletal outcomes in adult workers demonstrated relationships between workplace factors and musculoskeletal outcomes. When examining children’s computer exposure it is evident that their use is different. Even though risk factors may be similar, due to the nature of children and their computer environments, the potential risk factors and thus a proposed model of causal relationships between exposure and outcomes may differ. Objective: To develop a model of factors influencing …computer exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms in children. Methods: 1351 children (or their parents for Year 1 children) in school Years 1, 6, 9 and 11 (ages ~ 6,11,14,16 years) from 10 schools in Western Australia were surveyed on a range of user characteristics, computer exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: Potential risk factors for childrens’ computer exposure and musculoskeletal outcomes were multivariable. Factors such as age, gender, somatic complaints, flow, computer anxiety, computer, TV and physical activity exposure, and SES were related to computer exposure and children’s reports of musculoskeletal symptoms. Significance: Developing a child-related computer exposure model to understand relationships between potential risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms will assist academics, teachers and parents to develop a better understanding of the risk factors for children’s computer exposure. Show more

Keywords: children, computers, ergonomics, models, musculoskeletal outcomes

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0251-838

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 838-845, 2012

Authors: Hughes, Erin E. | Johnson, Peter W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Studies have shown that increased computer use among adults in occupational settings is associated with the development of cumulative trauma disorders; however, the need to address how adult-sized mice and keyboards are affecting children is becoming increasingly important as both access to and use of computers is increasing among today’s youth. To address the potential mismatch that exists between child stature and computer input device size and activation force, we have applied existing, age-specific, anthropometric data to elements of device design, including mouse size (length, width, height, switch location), and mouse-button activation forces. Trends supported the development of smaller computer …input devices with lower activation forces for smaller statured individuals including children. Distinct and consistent trends in size delineations were seen across gender and age groups—trends that correlate well with grades and schooling in the United States education system . Three to four mouse sizes would be recommended: a mouse sized for adult and high school males; one for adult and high school females and junior high males; one for elementary school children, aged 6 to 10 years; and possibly a mouse for the smallest users who are less than six years old. Show more

Keywords: design, mouse, keyboard, stature, standards

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0252-846

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 846-850, 2012