Work - Volume 51, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152020

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 389-390, 2015

Authors: Pope-Ford, Regina | Jiang, Zongliang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dental practitioners often suffer musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the upper extremity due to the static, repetitive and precise nature of work. Knowledge regarding muscle activation patterns in that region is essential in understanding the mechanism behind the upper extremity MSDs. However, the literature review has revealed few studies with such a focus. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the inter-relationship of the exertion levels of eleven upper extremity muscles during common dental procedures. This provides insights into the interactive utilization patterns of the targeted muscles and their implications in the development of MSDs. METHODS: …Twelve dentists were recruited. Electromyography (EMG) signals of sampled muscles were collected for 32 trials, i.e. combinations of independent variables (IVs) (and levels): posture (2), precision (2), line of vision (4), and grip type (2). Multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the effects of IVs on muscle coactivity patterns. RESULTS: MANOVA showed significant main effects and a 2-way interaction between precision and grip type. Most notably, the upper trapezius exhibited consistently higher utilization than other muscles during a seated posture. CONCLUSIONS: Seated postures, preferred by dentists as a way to relieve back stress, may contribute to the development of shoulder or neck MSDs due to elevated upper trapezius exertions. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, upper trapezius, neck and shoulder pain, myoelectric, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141883

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 391-399, 2015

Authors: Serranheira, Florentino | Sousa-Uva, Mafalda | Sousa-Uva, António

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hospital work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) symptoms are highly prevalent and nurses are considered the health care professional group more often affected by WRMSDs. OBJECTIVES: Understanding the effects of nursing tasks on WRMSDs symptoms. METHODS: Portuguese nurses answered to a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal symptoms Questionnaire. The increased likelihood of having WRMSDs symptoms was estimated from a daily working task schedule and the probability of suffering from lumbar WRMSDs symptoms intensity was also estimated. RESULTS: Hospital nurses studied (n= 1.396) were mainly females (75.8%), and most of them reported more than 1 …symptom (88%). Low-back pain was the most prevalent complaint (60.9%). Tasks performed more than 10 times a day, such as invasive procedures (OR = 2.142); care of hygiene and patient comfort in bed (OR = 2.484); patient mobilization in bed (OR = 2.022); and patient feeding (OR = 2.186) had an effect on dorsal and lumbar symptoms (p< 0.05). Those tasks involving invasive procedures were just the only ones producing symptoms simultaneously on every studied body part, such as lumbar, dorsal, wrist/hand and ankles/feet areas. CONCLUSIONS: Tasks with a greater effect on low-back pain intensity were patient bed feeding and patient hygiene and care. We found, when analysing simultaneously the effects of every task on the likelihood of having low-back symptoms, that involving invasive procedures were that only ones affecting simultaneously the presence of almost all WRMSDs symptoms studied. Show more

Keywords: Nursing, musculoskeletal symptoms, low-back pain, patient lifting, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141939

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 401-409, 2015

Authors: Yu, Shanfa | Lu, Ming-Lun | Gu, Guizhen | Zhou, Wenhui | He, Lihua | Wang, Sheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined demand-control-support (DCS) and effort-reward-overcommitment (ERI-OC) stress models in association with sickness absence due to low back symptoms (SA-LBS). METHODS: A total of 2,737 blue-collar workers recruited from 13 companies in the most populous province (Henan) of China were included in the study. Personal and physical job characteristics, psychosocial scales of the stress models, and SA-LBS data in the preceding year were collected by a self-reported questionnaire and analyzed by a multivariable logistic regression model. Tertile exposure levels (low, medium and high) were constructed to discriminate a risk level. Odds ratios (OR) …with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as the association with SA-LBS. RESULTS: A large percentage (84.5%) of the Chinese workers did not take sick leave after reporting low back symptoms during the preceding year. High job demand or medium-high reward was associated with SA-LBS. The association of the combined stress models and SA-LBS was not evident. CONCLUSIONS: The ERI-OC model appeared to be more predictive of SA-LBS than the DCS model in the study population. The advantage of using combined stress models for predicting SA-LBS is not evident. Show more

Keywords: Demand-control-support, efforts-reward-overcommittment, stress, low back symptoms, sickness absence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141881

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 411-421, 2015

Authors: Khalaf, Tamer | Karwowski, Waldemar | Sapkota, Nabin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human responses at work may exhibit nonlinear properties where small changes in the initial task conditions can lead to large changes in system behavior. Therefore, it is important to study such nonlinearity to gain a better understanding of human performance under a variety of physical, perceptual, and cognitive tasks conditions. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the human trunk kinematics data during a manual lifting task exhibits nonlinear behavior in terms of determinist chaos. METHODS: Data related to kinematics of the trunk with respect to the pelvis were …collected using Industrial Lumbar Motion Monitor (ILMM), and analyzed applying the nonlinear dynamical systems methodology. Nonlinear dynamics quantifiers of Lyapunov exponents and Kaplan-Yorke dimensions were calculated and analyzed under different task conditions. RESULTS: The study showed that human trunk kinematics during manual lifting exhibits chaotic behavior in terms of trunk sagittal angular displacement, velocity and acceleration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the importance of accounting for nonlinear dynamical properties of biomechanical responses to lifting tasks. Show more

Keywords: Manual lifting, low back, trunk kinematics, deterministic chaos

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141880

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 423-437, 2015

Authors: Azevedo, Rui | Mourão, Paulo | Abade, Eduardo | Carvalho, Alberto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lifting objects without knowing its weight may result in postural imbalances and be a risk factor for falls. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the load knowledge in postural balance when lifting different weight loads. METHODS: Thirteen male subjects (23.8 ± 3.1 years; 73.5 ± 7.8 kg; 179.1 ± 7.5 cm; foot length, 25.7 ± 1.2 cm) participated in the study. The effect of the weight overestimation on the postural stability was measured by the Index of Proximity to Stability Boundary (IPSB) and through the anterior-posterior and …medio-lateral lengths displacements of the Center of Pressure (CoP). RESULTS: The results showed an increase in the IPSB when the 5 kg lifting task was performed with load knowledge. Moreover, the length of the antero-posterior and medio-lateral CoP displacement was reduced in the 5 kg lift with knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that the lack of the loads' knowledge may lead to balance loss. Thus, when the preparation processes are not adequate, picking up similar objects with different loads may increase the risk of fall, mainly when a light weight is suddenly lifted up after a heavy one. Show more

Keywords: Postural stability, center of pressure, occupational safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152009

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 439-444, 2015

Authors: Rodrigues, Nelson J.O. | Oliveira, Ricardo F. | Teixeira, Senhorinha F.C.F. | Miguel, Alberto Sérgio | Teixeira, José Carlos | Baptista, João S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies concerning indoor thermal conditions are very important in defining the satisfactory comfort range in health care facilities. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the evaluation of the thermal comfort sensation felt by surgeons and nurses, in an orthopaedic surgical room of a Portuguese hospital. METHODS: Two cases are assessed, with and without the presence of a person. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tools were applied for evaluating the predicted mean vote (PMV) index locally. RESULTS: Using average ventilation values to calculate the PMV index does not provide a correct and enough descriptive …evaluation of the surgical room thermal environment. As studied for both cases, surgeons feel the environment slightly hotter than nurses. The nurses feel a slightly cold sensation under the air supply diffuser and their neutral comfort zone is located in the air stagnation zones close to the walls, while the surgeons feel the opposite. It was observed that the presence of a person in the room leads to an increase of the PMV index for surgeons and nurses. That goes in line with the empirical knowledge that more persons in a room lead to an increased heat sensation. CONCLUSIONS: The clothing used by both classes, as well as the ventilation conditions, should be revised accordingly to the amount of persons in the room and the type of activity performed. Show more

Keywords: Numerical study, hospital personnel, surgeon, nurse

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141882

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 445-456, 2015

Authors: Oliveira, A. Virgílio M. | Gaspar, Adélio R. | Raimundo, António M. | Quintela, Divo A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The assessment of heat stress in the ceramic industry is a matter of great concern for safety and health of workers. For this purpose working conditions in the last two decades are analysed. OBJECTIVE: To study occupational hot thermal environments in the Portuguese ceramic activity sector in 8 industrial units and 21 workplaces. METHODS: In order to characterise the level of heat exposure, the method proposed by ISO 7243 (1989) based on the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index was adopted. RESULTS: Two field surveys, one carried out in 1994 and the …other in 2012 are considered. The WBGT mean values varied between 23.7 and 37.8°C in the 1994 survey while in 2012 those values ranged from 21.5 to 30.5°C. In the 1994 evaluations 5 out of 8 (62.5%) of the workplaces present heat stress conditions whereas in the 2012 assessments the corresponding value is 46.2% (6 out of 13 workplaces). CONCLUSIONS: Despite two decades between the two surveys, the results highlight that the overall thermal conditions of the workplaces in the ceramic sector are still quite similar, suggesting that the working conditions have not changed enough, a conclusion that asks for further analysis and improvements. Show more

Keywords: Health and safety, heat stress, WBGT index, industrial units, ceramics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141938

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 457-470, 2015

Authors: Joines, Sharon | James, Tamara | Liu, Siwen | Wang, Wenjiao | Dunn, Rebecca | Cohen, Shane

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lighting is a part of every work task in the office environment, yet it is often overlooked. Research links direct and indirect glare to increased risk of visual discomfort among office workers with symptoms ranging from dry eyes to blurry vision or headaches. Researchers have been primarily concerned with those characteristics of task lighting that cause glare including luminance level, position (line of sight), and control. It is unknown what the benefits of adjustable task lights are and whether or not their use has an effect on musculoskeletal comfort or posture. No comprehensive field evaluations of this …type were found among peer-reviewed, indexed journals. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the ergonomic and calculated utility power consumption benefits of adjustable LED task lighting in an office environment using a control/intervention experiment design. METHODS: One hundred participants were originally recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Self-reported data was collected on level of eye fatigue, perception of job content, intervention usability, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Data was also collected on workspace level of illumination and posture during standardized tasks (assessed using RULA). RESULTS: Comparing baseline data to follow-up data for the intervention group, the use of the adjustable, LED task lights provided statistically significant, positive impacts on users' rating of discomfort, eye fatigue, perception of job content, and posture between baseline and the short-term follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Significant benefits to musculoskeletal comfort, posture, and visual comfort were documented when participants used the adjustable task lights. Participants' assessments of the light's usability, usefulness and desirability were positive. There were no negative results found with adjustable task light use. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal, vision, usability, posture, discomfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141879

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 471-481, 2015

Authors: Boustras, Georgios | Hadjimanolis, Athanasios

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ergonomics in Cyprus is a rather neglected area of safety. The size of the country, the lack of scientific expertise, the nature of the economy and the nature of the majority of the enterprises make it a case, different from the average. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the survey were to examine the views and perceptions of employees and owners/managers on safety issues of micro-firms in Cyprus, to collect information on accidents and other aspects of safety performance in micro-firms and to cross-check the above data with data collected from safety inspectors for the above firms. …METHODS: The authors with the collaboration of the Department of Labour Inspection of the Republic of Cyprus collected information from a relatively large number of micro companies in a National survey. Information from employees, employers and labour inspectors was drawn. RESULTS: Particular emphasis is paid on the exploration of the relationship of the non-use of personal protection equipment with a number of factors. Results show the resistance of employees to the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and GPM (General Protective Measures). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey are in line with the relevant literature. Micro firms illustrate several interesting findings that are discussed in detail in the paper. Show more

Keywords: Use of PPE, use of GPM, ergonomic factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152008

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 483-493, 2015

Authors: Ramos, Delfina G. | Arezes, Pedro M. | Afonso, Paulo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: When an organization performs an integrated analysis of risks through its Occupational Health and Safety Management System, several steps are suggested to address the implications of the identified risks. Namely, the organization should make a detailed analysis of the monetary impact for the organization of each of the preventive measures considered. However, it is also important to perform an analysis of the impact of each measure on society (externalities). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to present a case study related to the application of the proposed economic evaluation methodology. METHODS: An …analysis of the work accidents in a hospital has been made. Three of the major types of accidents have been selected: needle stings, falls and excessive strain. Following the risk assessment, some preventive measures have been designed. Subsequently, the Benefit/Cost ratio (B/C) of these measures has been calculated, both in financial terms (from the organization's perspective) and in economic terms (including the benefits for the worker and for the Society). RESULTS: While the financial ratio is only advantageous in some cases, when the externalities are taken into account, the B/C ratio increases significantly. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider external benefits to make decisions concerning the implementation of preventive measures in Occupational Health and Safety projects. Show more

Keywords: Cost-benefit analysis, financial analysis, occupational accidents, externalities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141884

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 495-504, 2015

Authors: Castro, Marta | Carvalhais, José | Teles, Júlia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Beyond workload and specific environmental factors, flight attendants can be exposed to irregular working hours, conflicting with their circadian rhythms and having a negative impact in sleep, fatigue, health, social and family life, and performance which is critical to both safety and security in flight operations. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the irregular schedules of cabin crew as a trigger of fatigue symptoms in a wet lease Portuguese airline. The aim was to analyze: what are the requirements of the cabin crew work; whether the schedules being observed and effective resting timeouts are triggering factors of …fatigue; and the existence of fatigue symptoms in the cabin crew. METHODS: A questionnaire has been adapted and applied to a sample of 73 cabin crew-members (representing 61.9% of the population), 39 females and 34 males, with an average age of 27.68 ± 4.27 years. RESULTS: Our data indicate the presence of fatigue and corresponding health symptoms among the airline cabin crew, despite of the sample favorable characteristics. Senior workers and women are more affected. CONCLUSIONS: Countermeasures are required. Recommendations can be made regarding the fatigue risk management, including work organization, education and awareness training programmes and specific countermeasures. Show more

Keywords: Aviation, health, seniority, working time

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141877

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 505-511, 2015

Authors: Gomes, José Orlando | Huber, Gilbert J. | Borges, Marcos R.S. | Carvalho, Paulo Victor R. de

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Air transportation of personnel to offshore oil platforms is one of the major hazards of this kind of endeavor. Pilot performance is a key factor in the safety of the transportation system. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to identify the ergonomic factors present in pilots' activities that may in some way compromise or enhance their performance, the constraints and affordances which they are subject to; and where possible to link these to their associated risk factors METHODS: Methodology adopted in this project studies work in its context. It is a merging of Activity Analysis …(Guerin et al. 2001) of European tradition with Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA - www.ctaresource.com) articulated with the recent approaches to cognitive systems engineering developed by Professors David Woods and Erik Hollnagel. Fifty-five hours of field interviews provided the input for analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen ergonomic constraints were identified, some cognitive, some physical, all considered relevant by the research subjects and expert advisers CONCLUSIONS: Although the safety record of the personnel transportation system studied is considered acceptable, there is low hanging fruit to be picked which can help improve the system's safety. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive ergonomics, cognitive task analysis, safety, helicopter operation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152021

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 513-535, 2015

Authors: Agnello, Patrizia | Ansaldi, Silvia | Bragatto, Paolo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: At a large chemical park maintenance is contracted by the major companies operating the plants to many small firms. The cultural and psychological isolation of contractor workers was recognized a root cause of severe accidents in the recent years. That problem is common in chemical industry. OBJECTIVE: The knowledge sharing has been assumed a good key to involve contractors and sub contractors in safety culture and contributing to injuries prevention. The selection of personal protective equipment PPE for the maintenance works has been taken as benchmark to demonstrate the adequateness of the proposed approach. …METHOD: To support plant operators, contractors and subcontractors in PPE discussion, a method has been developed. Its core is a knowledge-base, organized in an Ontology, as suitable for inferring decisions. By means of this tool all stakeholders have merged experience and information and find out the right PPE, to be provided, with adequate training and information package. RESULTS: PPE selection requires sound competencies about process and environmental hazards, including major accident , preventive and protective measures, maintenance activities. These pieces of knowledge previously fragmented among plant operators and contractors, have to be pooled, and used to find out the adequate PPE for a number of maintenance works. CONCLUSIONS: The PPE selection is per se important, but it is also a good chance to break the contractors' isolation and involve them in safety objectives. Thus by pooling experience and practical knowledge, the common understanding of safety issues has been strengthened. Show more

Keywords: Personal protection equipment, ontology, cognitive ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141940

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 537-548, 2015

Authors: Meliá, José L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The construction industry is one of the sectors with the highest accident rates and the most serious accidents. A multi-agent safety response approach allows a useful diagnostic tool in order to understand factors affecting risk and accidents. The special features of the construction sector can influence the relationships among safety responses along the model of safety influences. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to test a model explaining risk and work-related accidents in the construction industry as a result of the safety responses of the organization, the supervisors, the co-workers and the worker. …METHODS: Sample: 374 construction employees belonging to 64 small Spanish construction companies working for two main companies participated in the study. Instruments: Safety responses were measured using a 45-item Likert-type questionnaire. Methodology: The structure of the measure was analyzed using factor analysis and the model of effects was tested using a structural equation model. RESULTS: Factor analysis clearly identifies the multi-agent safety dimensions hypothesized. The proposed safety response model of work-related accidents, involving construction specific results, showed a good fit. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-agent safety response approach to safety climate is a useful framework for the assessment of organizational and behavioral risks in construction. Show more

Keywords: Accident prevention, risk prevention, safety climate

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141886

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 549-556, 2015

Authors: Rodrigues, Matilde A. | Arezes, Pedro M. | Leão, Celina P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Furniture companies can analyze their safety status using quantitative measures. However, the data needed are not always available and the number of accidents is under-reported. Safety climate scales may be an alternative. However, there are no validated Portuguese scales that account for the specific attributes of the furniture sector. OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to develop and validate an instrument that uses a multilevel structure to measure the safety climate of the Portuguese furniture industry. METHODS: The Safety Climate in Wood Industries (SCWI) model was developed and applied to the safety climate analysis …using three different scales: organizational, group and individual. A multilevel exploratory factor analysis was performed to analyze the factorial structure. The studied companies' safety conditions were also analyzed. RESULTS: Different factorial structures were found between and within levels. In general, the results show the presence of a group-level safety climate. The scores of safety climates are directly and positively related to companies' safety conditions; the organizational scale is the one that best reflects the actual safety conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The SCWI instrument allows for the identification of different safety climates in groups that comprise the same furniture company and it seems to reflect those groups' safety conditions. The study also demonstrates the need for a multilevel analysis of the studied instrument. Show more

Keywords: Furniture, multilevel, safety climate, safety conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152010

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 557-570, 2015

Authors: Näswall, Katharina | Burt, Christopher D.B. | Pearce, Megan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of workload demands on perceived job risk using the Job Demand-Control model as a research framework. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that employee control over work scheduling and overtime would moderate the relationship between workload demands and perceived job risk. METHOD: Ninety-six participants working in a variety of industries completed measures of workload demands, and of control over work scheduling and overtime, and a measure of perceived job risk. RESULTS: Workload demands predicted higher perceptions of job risk. However, the results also …suggest that control over overtime moderated this relationship, where those with the combination of high workload demands and low control over overtime reported higher levels of perceived risk. The results indicate that the JDC model is applicable to safety research. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that employee control over workload demands is an important variable to consider in terms of managing workplace safety. The present study also points to important areas for future research to explore in order to further understand the connection between demands and safety. Show more

Keywords: Occupational safety, perceived job risk, job demands, control over work scheduling and overtime

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141885

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 571-577, 2015

Authors: Barros, Carla | Carnide, Filomena | Cunha, Liliana | Santos, Marta | Silva, Catarina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most developed countries have considered population ageing as one of the economic challenges that need to be overcome. Managing ageing has led to consideration of a number of policies where it is essential to increase the employment rate for older workers. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the working conditions which tend to be perceived as hindering continuity in the workplace at the age of 60. PARTICIPANTS: 1234 workers from different sectors and socio-professional categories (52% men and 48% women; 64.5% younger than 45 years old). METHODS: A quantitative overview was …adopted with the use of logistic regression models. The INSAT was used (Work and Health Questionnaire). RESULTS: Apart from factors of great physical constraint, other less visible aspects play a role in the idea of workers not being able to continue to work by the age of 60, namely factors linked to work organizational options and relationships with others. CONCLUSIONS: Working conditions have a great influence in the idea of inability to perform the same type of work at 60. This notion does not only apply to older workers. In fact, even younger workers under certain working conditions hold the same view, thus raising social concerns that should be taken into account by public policies. Show more

Keywords: Ageing in and due to work, organization and working conditions, workers' perspective, work constraints, early-retirement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152011

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 579-590, 2015

Authors: Carvalho, F. | Melo, R.B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform a risk assessment. Despite its advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of this type of applications. OBJECTIVE: This paper reports a study about risk assessments' reliability, namely both inter-coder (reproducibility) and intra-coder (stability) reliability of the semi-quantitative approach. METHODS: This study comprised 4 fundamental stages. Data collection relied on free and systematized observations and made use of video recording, documental research, analysis grids and questionnaires specifically developed for this purpose. …A set of different analysts were asked to use four semi-quantitative risk assessment methods (in two different moments) to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. The Krippendorff's Alpha Coefficient (α K ) was the agreement measure selected to evaluate both inter-coder and intra-coder consensus. RESULTS: The preliminary results revealed a general low concordance (α K < 0.6) for both reliability evaluations. Apparently there are no relevant differences between the risk assessment results obtained by individuals with different levels of experience or expertise. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the use of the semi-quantitative approach should be done with caution. Show more

Keywords: Reliability, inter-coder assessment, intra-coder assessment, Krippendorff's alpha coefficient

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141878

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 591-600, 2015

Authors: Nunes, Cláudia | Santos, Joana | da Silva, Manuela Vieira | Lourenço, Irina | Carvalhais, Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The hospital environment has many occupational health risks that predispose healthcare workers to various kinds of work accidents. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare different methods for work accidents investigation and to verify their suitability in hospital environment. METHODS: For this purpose, we selected three types of accidents that were related with needle stick, worker fall and inadequate effort/movement during the mobilization of patients. A total of thirty accidents were analysed with six different work accidents investigation methods. RESULTS: The results showed that organizational factors were the group of causes which …had the greatest impact in the three types of work accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The methods selected to be compared in this paper are applicable and appropriate for the work accidents investigation in hospitals. However, the Registration, Research and Analysis of Work Accidents method (RIAAT) showed to be an optimal technique to use in this context. Show more

Keywords: Hospital, risk assessment, occupational accidents analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152007

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 601-609, 2015

Authors: Ionica, Andreea | Leba, Monica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work system is defined by its components, their roles and the relationships between them. Any work system gravitates around the human resource and the interdependencies between human factor and the other components of it. Researches in this field agreed that the human factor and its actions are difficult to quantify and predict. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to apply a method of human actions evaluation in order to estimate possible risks and prevent possible system faults, both at human factor level and at equipment level. METHODS: In order to point …out the importance of the human factor influence on all the elements of the working systems we propose a fuzzy logic based methodology for quality evaluation of human actions. This methodology has a multidisciplinary character, as it gathers ideas and methods from: quality management, ergonomics, work safety and artificial intelligence. RESULTS: The results presented refer to a work system with a high degree of specificity, namely, underground coal mining and are valuable for human resources risk evaluation pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The fuzzy logic evaluation of the human actions leads to early detection of possible dangerous evolutions of the work system and alarm the persons in charge. Show more

Keywords: Work system, human factor, risk, MatLab simulation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152012

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 611-620, 2015

Authors: Anand, Yogesh K. | Srivastava, Sanjay | Srivastava, Kamal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In labor-intensive manufacturing units, workers in general subject themselves to extreme work conditions due to economic reasons and are exposed to high risk of occupational health hazard (RoOHH). OBJECTIVE: We design and implement a methodology for assessment and minimization of RoOHH while maintaining workers' earnings. METHODS: Proposed method, consisting of two phases, employs a job-combination strategy (JCS) wherein workers doing a high risk job (HRJ) also perform a low risk job (LRJ) having undergone sufficient training on it within their scheduled work day thereby reducing their exposure to HRJ. Phase 1, called `composite …discomfort score with factor rating' (CDSwFR), assesses RoOHH for different job-combination schedules while phase 2, called evolutionary multiobjective optimization with JCS (EMOwJCS), finds out schedules which simultaneously optimizes CDS and earnings of HRJ workers doing a LRJ as well. Method is demonstrated with a case study in a brick manufacturing unit. RESULTS: Risk assessment method is verified using real life data. Results of minimization of RoOHH provide a huge flexibility to supervisors to choose a suitable schedule considering CDS and earnings of workers, while meeting production targets. CONCLUSION: A unifying method amalgamating CDS wFR and EMOwJCS in a unique way turns out to be a powerful scheme without losing its simplicity. Show more

Keywords: Risk assessment, job-combination strategy, multiobjective optimization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141937

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 621-632, 2015