bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Analysis of Low - Back Load during Materials Handling and its Whole - Shift Monitoring within the Dortmund Lumbar Load Study - Dolly
Authors: Jäger Matthias , Luttmann Alwin , Jordan Claus , Laurig Wolfgang 
Published: January 2012

In the so-called Dortmund Lumbar Load Study (DOLLY), the load on the lumbar spine was quantitatively monitored for complete shifts in diverse fields, i.e. for the materials handling tasks in construction and metal-processing industries as well as in a meat-processing factory and for dustbin removal. Video recording of 8 shifts was performed, actual posture was described and the action forces applied at the hands were determined for each work situation. Based on the respective data for posture and handforces, lumbar load was calculated applying the 3D biomechanical model The Dortmunder for each working situation, in total between approx. 4 and 22 thousands per shift. Shift-monitored temporal profiles for several load indicators - trunk flexion and torsional moments, compression and shear forces with respect to the lumbosacral joint - describe the load on the lumbar spine. Comprehensive results with regard to posture, handforces and lumbar load are available. Several load indices regarding load level, duration and the cumulative effects were defined and applied for assessing the analysed jobs. In relation to recommended limits for the maximal disc compression, lumbar load is exceeded in numerous situations during a shift, in particular, with regard to persons of higher age. In a “dose model” developed in this study, the cumulative effect of single-task exposures was considered by superproportional weighting of the compressive force with respect to the corresponding duration of a working task, based on the higher injury potential of high loads compared to - although longer effective - low loads.
Job and Workplace Design – Applying Occupational Ergonomics in Heavy Industry
Authors: McPhee Barbara 
Published: January 2012

In the application of ergonomics for the prevention of illness and injury in the workplace, ergonomists must be an agent of change. As well as the physical design of the workplace there are other essential elements in good work design, which often allude managers, and maybe, sometimes, ergonomists. These include work organisation; job content; balancing work demands and control over workload, support and training. Often these aspects are difficult to identify simply using traditional ergonomics assessment methods. In Australia managers are expected to consult with employees and to encourage them to participate in designing work to minimise risks to health and safety. This participative process is likely to improve the outcome but is also a legal requirement. Participative risk management techniques, now commonly used in safety management systems, are a good method for systematically addressing workplace ergonomics issues. They can provide simple, effective methods for identifying problems and developing solutions.
A Software Tool That Provides Guidance on Thermal Comfort Conditions for People with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Webb Lynda H. , Bailey Adrian D. , Parsons Kenneth C. 
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a computer model that provides guidance on the thermal comfort responses and preferences of people with physical disabilities. The model uses data gathered during a three year project funded by the United Kingdom Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. 150 subjects spent three two hour sessions in a thermal chamber where they were exposed to three environments: 18.5°C PMV=-1.5 (slightly cool to cool); 23°C PMV=0 (neutral); and 29°C, PMV=+1.5 (slightly warm to warm). Ten categories of disability are presented in the model they are: cerebral palsy, spinal injury, spinal degeneration, Spina bifida, hemiplegia & Stroke, Polio, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, head injury and multiple sclerosis. The model contains the raw data from the study and with a user friendly front end can produce a variety of graphical data analysis charts and summary information including sensation, preference and satisfaction. Disabilities can be investigated singularly or grouped. The model runs on versions of Excel 3 or above.
Physiological Response to Submaximal Contractions of the Paravertebral Muscles
Authors: Jensen B.R. , JØrgensen K. , Hargens A. , Nielsen P.K. , Nicolaisen T. 
Published: January 2012

The aim was to evaluate paravertebral EMG (electromyography) and intramuscular pressure as indicators of force development and to evaluate the relationship of tissue oxygenation with intramuscular pressure and force development during brief and prolonged paravertebral muscle contractions. Brief (30 s) trunk extensions were performed at 5, 20, 40, 60 and 80% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Prolonged contraction (3 min) were performed at 20% MVC. The RMS-amplitudes of the paravertebral EMG and the intramuscular pressure measured at L4 level increased with greater force development in a curva-linear manner. A significant decrease in the oxygenation of the lumbar vertebral muscle in response to muscle contraction was found at an initial level of 20 %MVC. This corresponded to a paravertebral intramuscular pressure of 30–40 mmHg. However, during the prolonged trunk extension, no further decrease in the tissue oxygenation was found compared to the tissue oxygenation level at the end of the brief contractions, indicating that homeostatic adjustments over time were sufficient to maintain paravertebral muscle oxygenation levels.
Ergonomics and Productivity the Adaptation of a Forklift
Authors: Delaruelle Dirk , De Grande Rit , Servaes Koen 
Published: January 2012

A study of the mental and physical workload at the Material Handling (MH) department of the polymer plant of Borealis in Beringen, Belgium, pointed out that reversing a forklift causes neck and back pain. Hence, it was decided to use another type of forklift, to put aside the pallets in the stock yard and to bring back the pallets for loading. Following market research, the management opted for a forklift with raised cabin, which enables the driver to look over the pallet and thus drive forward. In relation to the increasing pressure of work, it was decided to develop a system to manipulate two pallets at the same time. To steer this project Borealis set up a project team, in which workers of the Material Handling department participated actively. An employee from Barlow Handling, a firm that sells, rents and adapts existing Hyster forklifts, also took an active part in the discussions. Finally, an ergonomist and the physician of IDEWE, an external prevention service, added his expertise to the multidisciplinary study group. Starting from the analysis of an existing situation, the project group formulated ergonomic recommendations, which were integrated in the design conditions together with technical and safety demands. Based on these demands Barlow Handling adapted an existing Hyster forklift. By actively involving the ergonomist from IDEWE in all phases and the forklift drivers as participants, the project produced a satisfying ergonomic result within the established budget. A forklift was constructed according to ergonomic and production demands.
Assessment of the Risks of Heat Disorders Encountered during Work in Hot Conditions
Authors: Malchaire J. 
Published: January 2012

Eight laboratories participated in a concerted research project on the assessment of hot working conditions. The objectives were to: Co-ordinate the work of the main European research teams in the field of thermal factors Improve the methods available to assess the risks of heat disorders at the workplace, and in particular the ISO standard 7933. Better define the criteria for the maximum exposure duration, considering interindividual differences in sweating rate, water loss and core temperature increase. Design and validate an assessment strategy for practitioners to determine maximum exposure durations and optimise the working environment. The revised model, called “Predicted Heat Strain” proved to predict much better than the previous Required Sweat Rate model the maximum allowable exposure duration to avoid dehydration and/or core temperature increase.
Maximum Voluntary Contraction as a Function of Upper Extremity Posture in Females
Authors: Hegmann Kurt T. , Garg Arun 
Published: January 2012

Background: Little has been published on the maximum strength of the shoulder girdle as a function of varying postures. Such information may help aid in job design by better assessing the capabilities of workers. Methods: Female subjects (n=12) were required to hold a weight in place for 4 seconds in one of 6 different functional postures: 0/90 (shoulder flexion angle = 0° and included elbow angle = 90°), 30/90, 60/90, 90/120, 120/150 and 150/180. Postures and weights were chosen at random and measurements were repeated. Final weight adjustments were in increments of 0.1 lb. At least 3 minutes of rest between lifts was provided. Maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) were required to be reproduced within 2 lbs. Dynamic lifting of the weight and holding in place MVCs (“lift and hold”), as well as only holding the weight in place MVCs (“hold only”) were assessed separately. Maximum voluntary torques were also computed and adjusted for arm weight. Ratings of perceived exertion (Borg CR-10) and pain ratings (0–10 scale) were obtained. Results: Maximum voluntary contractions varied greatly, with the strongest to weakest measurements approximating 2:1 ratios. For the 90/120 posture, lift and hold MVC was 14.6±3.0 lb. (range 9.5–19.0). The hold only MVC for 90/120 was 18.1±2.9 lb. (range 13.5–25.3). Similar variability occurred in all postures. Adjusted for arm weight, MVC for lift and hold at 90/120 was 18.1±3.3 lb, while hold only was 21.7±3.2 lb. Across all postures, hold only MVCs were greater than lift and hold MVCs by 4.3 lb. (26%). Lift and hold MVC torque at 120/150 was 217.2±39.3 in-lb. (range 157.5–266.8), while hold only was 280.6±38.0 in-lb. Across all postures, hold only maximum voluntary torques were greater than lift and hold torques by 25%. Except for the 0/90 and 150/180 postures, posture had little effect on hold only maximum voluntary torques. Borg CR-10 ratings averaged 6.6 for lift and hold and 6.9 for hold only (p>0.05). Posture had no effect on pain ratings, which averaged 0.8. Conclusions: Variability in female shoulder girdle lifting strength is substantial. Removing the lifting portion of job tasks likely substantially increases the percentage of workers capable of performing the tasks. Weakest postures are 90/120 and 120/150 and the female lift and hold MVC for those postures is 15 lb. (hold only 19 lb.). 30/90, 60/90 and 150/180 postures are equally strong; MVCs for lift and hold in those postures are 18 lb. (hold only 23 lb.). When overhead work is required, 150/180 posture appears preferable to 90/120 or 120/150. Some screening or selection process may be necessary on some jobs due to the degree of variability in strength.
Ergonomics in Construction: Management and Worker Perceptions
Authors: Smallwood John 
Published: January 2012

Construction is by its very nature a physical process. This is further aggravated by its labour intensive nature and the low level of mechanisation. Construction requires, inter alia, bending and twisting, working in awkward or cramped positions, reaching away from the body and overhead, repetitive movements, handling heavy materials and equipment, use of body force, exposure to vibration and noise, and climbing and descending. Descriptive research conducted to determine the status quo with respect to occupational health in construction investigated, inter alia, ergonomic related issues. Findings include: musculoskeletal injuries predominate among ergonomic problems, and back ailments was ranked second by managers in terms of perceived incidence of ailments suffered by workers.
Decreasing work load among construction workers with the use of four equipment
Authors: Kaukiainen Anneli , Sillanpää Jarmo , Lappalainen Jorma , Viljanen Matti , Nyberg Mika 
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to determine whether four pieces of equipment for cutting moulding, cutting reinforcement rods, carrying carpet rolls and fitting drain pipes can lighten the work load of construction work. Work methods were: cutting moulding by squatting (old) and standing (new), cutting reinforcement rods in a forward bent posture (old) and standing with straight back (new), the lifting and carrying carpet rolls with bent back and lifting with hands (old) no bent back postures and no lifting with hands (new), fitting drain pipes with bent back (old) and standing straight and lifting with the strap (new). The measurements were: work phase videotaping, OWAS analyses, heart rate monitoring and a questionnaire. The results indicate that the effect of using the new ergonomically designed equipment proved to be useful. Cutter for reinforcement rods (bent back postures decreased 11%), tool for the carrying of carpet rolls (less loading on the extremities) and the tool in fitting drain pipes (less loading on the lower extremities and in the neck and shoulder region). The conclusion was that work load can be decreased with well-planned equipment, but more attention should be given to personal work methods and habits.
Management of Occupational Safety and Health in the Civil Construction Industry
Authors: da Cruz Sybele M.S. , do Valle Pereira Vera Lúcia Duarte , do Valle Pereira Hyppolito 
Published: January 2012

Our society, in virtue of a new consciousness towards the importance of the global quality concept in its' widest scope, applied to life as a whole, has demanded improvements in the quality of life in the workplace from all organizations. The evolution of new social concepts has become evident. These demands are reflected in the growing requirements from legislation and labor unions. Within the perspective of man's necessities, the quality of life in the workplace has its most basic model in the safety of the workplace. The Civil Construction Industry when compared with other production sectors can be considered underdeveloped from a technological and management standpoint. In an attempt to modernize, new technologies in the construction environment have replaced many traditional activities. This modernization brings forth many management problems involving the health and safety rules dealing with the modern approach of management. These difficulties arise due to the lack of theoretical support in this area of knowledge as well as the behavior of the workers who hide the risks involved in these new systems. From this perspective, this study intends to develop a new and improved Occupational Safety and Health vision in the Civil Construction Industry to be used by professionals in the field. In order to reach this goal, a revision of thus published material, as well as national and international legislation has been undertaken in the hope of improving the strategy and applicability of health and safety engineering. With these considerations in mind, improvements in the Management System of Occupational Safety and Health in the Civil Construction Industry have been proposed.
Ergonomics: The Contribution of Movement at Work
Authors: Lazaroto Dóris , Pohl Hildegard H. , Toiller Débora A. , Kipper Luciano 
Published: January 2012

This work has as central objective to tell the results of actions of laborer gymnastic developed in the Simon Braun company, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. Implanted in september/97 and implemented along the last eighteen months, the gymnastics makes part of the project “Ergonomics: a multidisciplinary vision“, that contemplates several actions that seek life quality and health at work. In the implementation, the methodology used, after detailed study about the company and of its culture, consisted of interview, sensitize lectures, questionnaires, lifestyle and systematic observation of work positions. The subjects were all the collaborators of the company above mentioned. After interview with responsible professionals of production area, human resources and administrators of the company, they were lifted up referring data about work process and politics of the company. There were also observed work places, verifying the rhythm of task execution, shifts and workdays. In continuity, sensitize lectures were accomplished with directors, executives, bosses, supervisors and all the collaborators, moment in that they answered questionnaires, objectifying to investigate personal and family aspects, habits and lifestyle, and activities of the daily out of company's atmosphere. The phase of systematic observation, which had as instrument filming the work positions, was followed looking for to investigate movements and postures adopted by the collaborators, as well as, eventual posture alterations. Finished up the diagnosis, broke for sub-project Laborer's Gymnastic implantation, whose practice represented a change in the organizational company and it counted with the commitment of all the hierarchical levels and the multidisciplinary team. The activity of laborer gymnastic consisted of lengthening, flexibility, muscular resistance and balance exercises. Among the results there are the largest integration of the group, larger flexibility and coordination, but the most significant was reduction of work accidents, having been registered a period from april/97 to março/98 with no accident occurrence. We concluded highlighting the importance of exercises programs in re-establishment of individual's self-esteem, as well as of behaviors and healthier habits. We stood out, still, that the work atmosphere is a space privileged for promotion actions and health prevention. AREA: Participatory ergonomics TYPE OF TECHNICAL PROPOSALS: case study papers
Digital Human Modelling Systems: A Procedure for Verification and Validation Using the F-16 Crew Station
Authors: Hudson Jeffrey A. , Oudenhuijzen Aernout , Zehner Gregory F. 
Published: January 2012

Digital Human Modelling Systems (HMS's) are considered a basic element in the cockpit design process. Their bio-fidelity has yet to be fully demonstrated, however. Currently, a joint project, undertaken by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL/HECP) and the Netherlands (TNO HFRI), is addressing this issue. This effort will help improve methods for controlling and assuring anthropometric accommodation of crew systems in military aircraft. A verification and validation procedure is being developed as a part of this project and has been implemented for several commercially available HMS's. The two phases of the procedure are: 1. Anthropometric Verification: Quantify and compare a set of anthropometric values measured on 8 test subjects with the same set measured on their corresponding digital manikins (their human models), and 2. F-16 Cockpit Validation: Quantify and compare field test results (involving reaches, clearance, vision) of the same 8 test subjects in an F-16 cockpit, to the digital test results obtained with the HMS's using digital models of the subjects placed in an F-16 CAD drawing. The digital tests are conducted without knowledge of the field data results. The ultimate goal of this project is to set the standard for verification and validation of Human Modelling Systems to ensure their bio-fidelity. A complete discussion of the methods is provided below. The results, however, were not available at the time this manuscript was submitted, but will be covered in the oral presentation.
Communicating Ergonomics Data and Principle to other Professions
Authors: Feeney Robert , Bobjer Olle 
Published: January 2012

Few would disagree with the idea that communicating human factor data and principles to other professions is of vital importance. Yet many human factor specialists have found this to be a problem, Part of the problem stems from the form in which human factor data is presented. Another part is understanding the standpoint and background of the other profession. This paper attempts to describe the problem as it relates to product design and suggests ways it can be overcome. Of particular importance is to demonstrate the costs and benefits of using human factor data and techniques and the need for a user centred approach. The paper goes on to describe ways in which effective communication can be made often in a way that will enhance the success of the product and provide benefits for the designers themselves in their work.
Driving Research and the Older Adult: A Debate Among Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Jentsch Florian 
Published: January 2012

As we have begun to live longer, the proportion of older drivers involved in vehicle operation is on the rise. This group relies on private automobiles as a main means of independent transportation. At the same time, there is concern that age-related deteriorations of human functions may make older drivers less safe than their younger counterparts. Despite the advances in driver research, especially as it relates to the older driver, there have been complaints about the value of this research for practice. We will debate this issue. Specifically, the focus will be on an exchange between researchers and practitioners in the following areas. – What are the current issues in practice regarding older drivers? – What are the current issues in research regarding older drivers? – What can practitioners do better so that researchers study operationally relevant topics? – What can researchers do better to facilitate transition of their results to practice? – What are good mechanisms for continued dialogue between research and practice?
Why Does Dilbert, the Far Side, and other Cartoons Convey Essential Truths about Human Factors and Ergonomics?
Authors: Caird Jeff , Ward Nic , Scallen Steve , Davies Jan , Hancock Peter , Woods David 
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this panel session is to explore how cartoons have been used to teach and discuss essential truths about human factors and ergonomics. Naturally, we hope to have fun too. Human factors and ergonomics is often much too serious. Educators and non-educators alike should enjoy the material. Numerous philosophical and practical issues are likely to emerge as the session evolves. The audience, we hope, will be an active participant in the laughter and discussion. Each panelist has been invited to open their lecture files and share their favorite cartoons about a variety of topics such as office ergonomics (see, e.g., Dilbert), aviation displays and controls (see, e.g., the Far Side), industrial ergonomics, human-computer interaction, information design, human error, transportation human factors, medical systems, and so forth. Each panelist brings a unique research and experiential perspective to the panel. For example, a variety of nationalities including the U.K., Canada, Australia, and the U.S. are represented. In addition, panelists will be invited to discuss a number of deeper issues. Are cartoons a useful teaching tool? Can a quiet class be roused from their slumber by the use of visual humor? Is there a best way to introduce or use a cartoon in a lecture? What copyright issues surround the use of cartoons for educational use? Why do we laugh (or cry) at cartoons that succinctly capture poor design in human factors and ergonomics? Can the sting of a poor design evaluation be moderated by the use of humor?