Work - Volume 72, issue 4

Authors: Khanehshenas, Farin | Mazloumi, Adel | Jalaldehi, Pourya Ahmadi | Kaveh, Mahdieh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Drivers’ drowsiness is a significant issue globally known as a contributing factor to crashes in various transportation operations. Although there is evidence that suburban bus drivers experience drowsy driving, most previous studies are quantitative, which means that drivers experiencing drowsiness have not had the opportunity to explain their direct views and thoughts. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative exploratory study subjectively investigates the contextual factors influencing fatigue among suburban bus drivers. METHODS: Collecting data was conducted through 14 in-depth interviews with suburban bus drivers working in Tehran province’s transportation system, Iran. The interview recording was transcribed by the …research team and entered into the qualitative data analysis software. Two independent coders with qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis approach analyzed transcripts. RESULTS: Four themes emerged, including human factors (with categories of individual characteristic and lifestyle), vehicle factors (with categories of design and performance), job factors (with categories of task requirement, quantity and quality of sleep, and circadian rhythm,) and environmental factors (with categories of the physical and economic environment). We found a more significant number of codes and categories and thus more contextual factors associated with job factors. The participants emphasized the importance of sleep deprivation, long driving hours, and even time of the day as factors influencing fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The study results can provide beneficial information for both ergonomists and car manufacturers in developing more accurate fatigue detection models and effective educational and technical interventions to maintain road user’s health and reduce road accidents and mortality rates due to drowsiness. Show more

Keywords: Interview, road safety, drowsy driving, human factors, traffic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210755

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1481-1491, 2022

Authors: Brandl, Christopher | Nitsch, Verena

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223639

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1493-1496, 2022

Authors: Scheepers, Louisa | Kaiser, Saskia | Buchner, Axel | Dragano, Nico | Angerer, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digitalisation is reaching German craft enterprises which must increasingly deal with complex software. The usability of the software is crucial for the effective use in everyday work and insufficient usability is associated with increased stress and strain. It thus seems necessary to identify possible usability-related stressors in craft-enterprise software. OBJECTIVE: Here we examine how users evaluate the usability of craft-enterprise software and whether usability is associated with perceived work-related stress. METHODS: To assess the perceived usability of German craft-enterprise software, an online survey was conducted with 161 participants from craft enterprises using a validated usability …questionnaire based on ISO 9241-110. In addition, 26 guideline-based interviews were conducted to identify the experience of managers and employees with craft-enterprise software, possible usability-related stress and strain. RESULTS: Both studies show that craft enterprises use software but only to a limited extend. While back-office administrative processes are routinely supported by software, mobile software support to manage customer service is used less frequently. Increasing complexity of craft-enterprise software is posing growing demands on the users. Software usability was rated to be crucial in the online survey, but the available software is only rated to be acceptable. This was also reflected in the interviews. Participants described usability problems and their relevance as stressors during software use. In consequence, the users experience strain such as feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that improving the usability of craft-enterprise software should reduce work-related stress and support craft enterprises to master the digitalisation process. Show more

Keywords: Software ergonomics, work-stress, usability-related stressors, business software

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211257

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1497-1511, 2022

Authors: Mehler, Lisa | Certa, Mathias | Wischniewski, Sascha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A main goal in the advancing digitalization is to offer employees support in coping with large amounts of information and to process it context-sensitively and according to their needs. Augmented reality (AR) as an emerging technology has great potential in this regard. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to generally highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various technologies and in particular to point out the potential of AR-based technologies. METHOD: A comparison of different technologies by assessing various technology characteristics and the level of digital stress caused by the use of these technologies was …conducted based on survey data. RESULTS: The results of the conducted study show that technologies such as stationary PC, laptop or smartphone are assessed better in terms of various technology characteristics than AR. Furthermore, digitally induced stress is reported when using AR. CONCLUSION: AR as a mobile digital assistance system still seems to fall short of its potential for human-centered work design. One reason for this may be the low degree of popularity of AR and the not fully developed technological maturity. Show more

Keywords: Virtual and augmented reality, digital stress, work assistance systems, context-sensitive provision of information

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211258

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1513-1520, 2022

Authors: Peschl, Anika | Altun, Ufuk | Conrad, Ralph W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mobile, time-flexible work provides advantages for companies and employees. However, those opportunities have so far been used primarily in the administrative sector. OBJECTIVE: In a joint practice-oriented project, the possibilities for flexibilization in the production sector are being investigated. Therefore, practical aids of action are to be developed. In this paper the procedure and first results are shown. METHODS: To obtain initial indications of the opportunities and limitations of mobile, time-flexible work in the production sector, interviews were conducted with employees of the company project partners. An analysis tool was developed based on the results …of the interviews. The development follows an iterative process of practice testing and discussion rounds with the project partners. RESULTS: The preliminary analyses show that small and medium-sized companies (SME) need a practical tool for identifying flexibilization potentials in the production sector. In addition, it has been shown that there are several factors that determine or promote the possibilities of mobile, time-flexible work in the production sector. Those factors are considered in the analysis tool. The structure, contents and application of the analysis tool are presented in this paper. CONCLUSION: The presented procedure and analysis tool provide valuable implications for practice. It shows practical ways of analyzing flexibilization potentials of companies and individual jobs. This provides a basis for discussions between the employer and employees, works councils, and applicants for the occupation of job positions in the production sector. Show more

Keywords: Flexibility, compatibility of work and private life, securing skilled workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211263

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1521-1534, 2022

Authors: Bläsing, Dominic | Hinrichsen, Sven | Wurm, Susanne | Bornewasser, Manfred

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The future of work in Germany is shaped by megatrends like globalization, automatization, digitization, and the demographic change. Furthermore, mass customization and the increasing usage of AI even in manual assembly offers new opportunities as well as it creates new challenges. OBJECTIVE: The trend towards mass customization in turn leads to increased complexity in production, which results in additional mental workload. This effect will continue in the foreseeable future. METHOD: Especially for small and medium sized companies, the backbone of Germany’s economy, automatization and Human-Robot-Collaboration will take time to develop. Information assistance systems are and …will be a bridging technology to help organizations to manage increasing complexity and the mental workload of their employees to not only boost productivity but also keep their workforce healthy. The ongoing demographic change further underlines the need to use information assistance systems to compensate possible age-associated deficits, but also keep older employees committed to their work and avoid effects of disengagement or disenfranchisement through participatory ergonomics. RESULTS: Information assistance systems can only develop their inherent potential if they are designed to support employees of varying age, competence levels, and affinity for technology. Participatory development and early engagement are key factors for an increased acceptance and usage of the systems as well as the individualization to make it suitable for each individual employee. CONCLUSION: Expanding the functionalities to an adaptive assistance system, using physiological correlates of mental workload as an input, is conceivable in the future. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive ergonomics, aging workforce, complexity, mixed-model assembly

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211283

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1535-1548, 2022

Authors: Auweiler, Lisa | Lemmens, Vera | Hülsheger, Ute | Lang, Jessica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rapidly changing stressful working conditions put new challenges on mental health in future work, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which need to be addressed on an organisational level. To promote, secure and sustain a healthy workforce in the long run, primary prevention of psychosocial risks is needed. Still, 70% of EU companies and over 85% of German SMEs lack the legally required implementation of psychosocial risk assessment (PRA) in their occupational safety and health (OSH) management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the digital training PsyHealth worXs! as a suitable approach to …teach OSH stakeholders how to conduct PRA. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal evaluation study with two measurement times in the first and last week of the digital training based on N  = 312 questionnaires. RESULTS: After the training, participants’ knowledge of the PRA process was significantly higher, and they felt significantly more competent to derive OSH interventions. Overall, the process of PRA and the involvement of stakeholders were perceived as significantly easier. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the digital training provides an easily accessible opportunity for SMEs to successfully enable their OSH management to implement PRA strategies. Future research will have to evaluate the overall long-term implementation increase of PRA in German SME companies. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial risk assessment training, training evaluation, organisational prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211264

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1549-1561, 2022

Authors: Goppold, Marvin | Herrmann, Jan-Phillip | Tackenberg, Sven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Errors can have dangerous consequences, resulting in a preventive strategy in most company-based technical vocational education and training (TVET). On the contrary, errors provide a useful opportunity for learning due to mismatches of mental models and reality and especially to improve occupational safety and health (OSH). OBJECTIVE: This article presents a didactic concept for developing a learning system based on learning from errors. Learners shall directly experience the consequences of erroneous actions through presenting error consequences in augmented reality to avoid negative, dangerous, or cost-intensive outcomes. METHODS: Empirical data prove errors to …be particularly effective in TVET. A formal description of a work system is systematically adopted to outline a connection between work, errors concerning OSH, and a didactic concept. A proof-of-concept systematically performs a use case for the developed learning system. It supports critical reflections from a technical, safety, and didactical perspective, naming implications and limitations. RESULTS: By learning from errors, a work-based didactic concept supports OSH competencies relying on a learning system. The latter integrates digital twins of the work system to simulate and visualise dangerous error consequences for identified erroneous actions in a technical proof-of-concept. Results demonstrate the ability to detect action errors in work processes and simulations of error consequences in augmented reality. CONCLUSION: The technical learning system for OSH education extends existing learning approaches by showcasing virtual consequences. However, capabilities are limited regarding prepared learning scenarios with predefined critical errors. Future studies should assess learning effectiveness in an industrial scenario and investigate its usability. Show more

Keywords: Vocational education, digital twin, work system design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211243

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1563-1575, 2022

Authors: Mayer, Tobias A. | Harsch, Ann-Kathrin | Koska, Daniel | Hensel-Unger, Ralph | Maiwald, Christian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Bioservo Ironhand® is a commercially available active hand exoskeleton for reducing grip-induced stress. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at quantifying the effect of the Ironhand® exoskeleton on the myoelectric muscle activity of forearm flexor and extensor muscles in three relevant assembly grip tasks: 2-Finger-grip (2Finger), 5-Finger-grip (5Finger) and Full grip (FullGrip). METHODS: Twenty-two subjects were tested in three different exoskeleton conditions for each grip task (overall 3×3×10 = 90 repetitions in randomized order): Exoskeleton off (Off), Exoskeleton on, “locking tendency” 0% (On_LT0), and Exoskeleton on, “locking tendency” 85% (On_LT85). Muscle activity was …measured at 25% of the participant’s maximum grip force using two EMG sensors at the M. flexor digitorum superficialis (M.FDS) and one at the M. extensor digitorum (M.ED). RESULTS: The effect of the Ironhand® exoskeleton varied depending on the grip task and the participant’s sex. A statistically significant reduction in muscle activity of the M.FDS was found only for male subjects in the FullGrip condition. No reduction of muscular activity in the M.FDS was found for the other grip tasks (2Finger, 5Finger). For the females in the 2Finger condition, mean muscle activity of M.FDS even increased significantly in On_LT0 compared to Off. Besides differences between grip tasks and sex, the current study revealed substantial individual differences. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to testing for statistical significance, a detailed exploratory analysis of exoskeleton effects at subject level should be performed to evaluate these from a safety and regulatory perspective. Show more

Keywords: Exoskeleton, hand, work, grip, electromyography (EMG)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211272

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1577-1591, 2022

Authors: Schäfer, Katharina | Görke, Arne | Hesemann, Luis | Franke, Tim | Nitsch, Verena | Heckwolf, Christoph | Mertens, Alexander | Brandl, Christopher | Zweck, Axel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digital platforms have found their way into all our lives: they are discussed in political, economic, scientific and public fields worldwide. Platform-based work is also on the rise in the German labour market, not only in institutionalised work, but also in start-ups and spin-offs. OBJECTIVES: The article describes the results of an analysis aimed at identifying perceptions of new and already known major success factors on market entry and market penetration regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) and work design. METHODS: A total of 31 semi-standardised interviews were conducted with 39 people. First, perceived success …factors in general were examined with the comparative analysis. Surprisingly, OSH/work design factors did not emerge as perceived success factors. For this reason, a in-depth analysis was performed in a secondary analysis with the structured content analysis. RESULTS: Identified perceived success factors were user orientation, scalability, network effects, niche occupation. The in-depth secondary analysis with focus on OSH/work design showed that the interviewees are aware of the topic of OSH/work design, but did not consider it to be important to economic success. CONCLUSIONS: The identified success factors may not seem surprising. What is surprising, however, is the role played by OSH/work design. Solutions must be developed that sensitize working persons in the platform sector to the topic of OSH/work design. A two-step process may be useful: First, uniform regulations and laws must be anchored in the platform architecture. Second, various measures and training courses can be designed to inform and raise awareness. Show more

Keywords: Platform-based labour, OSH, future research, comparative analysis, structured content analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211253

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1593-1610, 2022