Tag Archives: ergonomics

513–524 C.M. Lind and L.M. Rose
Shifting to proactive risk management: Risk communication using the RAMP tool
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Shifting to proactive risk management: Risk communication using the RAMP tool

C.M. Lind* and L.M. Rose

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Technology and Health, Unit of
Ergonomics, Alfred Nobels Allé 10, SE 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
*Correspondence: cmeri@kth.se

Abstract:

Ergonomic risk factors are major contributors to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and quality deficiencies in the manufacturing industry. Due to lack of tools or systems that can support a systematic risk management of these production and health related factors, a new risk management tool (RAMP) was developed. In this paper, the risk communication system (the Results module) of this tool is presented along with a description of its development. An example of how it can be used, based on assessments performed in industry, is given. An evaluation of its usability, which included twenty practitioners active in the industry, gives support to the notion that the system is usable both for risk communication and as a decision base.

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460–474 K. Kuimet, M. Järvis and A. Virovere
Integrating ergonomics principles and workplace health protection and promotion to improve safety and health at work – evidence from Estonia
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Integrating ergonomics principles and workplace health protection and promotion to improve safety and health at work – evidence from Estonia

K. Kuimet¹, M. Järvis²* and A. Virovere³

¹,³Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, Suur-Sõjamäe 10a,
EE11415 Tallinn, Estonia
²Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: karin.kuimet@eek.ee

Abstract:

Previous scientific literature indicates that organisations manage workplace health promotion (WHP) in different ways. Despite conceptual and empirical justification, researchers have not consistently included concepts of WHP in ergonomics and safety studies.
The objective of the study is to explore workplace health protection and promotion activities available in Estonian organisations and to assess how ergonomic principles are integrated with workplace health protection and promotion within an  organisation.
The current study adopted a multi-method approach. The WHP activities were evaluated using the questionnaire of 36 items administrated to all members (organisations) of the Estonian Human Resource Management Association. A qualitative approach includes eight case studies (organisations, with the best practices of WHP and ergonomic interventions), semi-structured interviews with human resource personnel.
The data reveal key issues in WHP management in Estonian organisations. A statistical analysis of WHP questionnaires shows many organisations with outstanding programs and positive employers’ perceptions towards WHP. However, qualitative data indicate some important aspects of WHP and drawing attention to contextual variables in the development of safety management systems and improving the integration of ergonomics programs with WHP. The main contribution of the study is providing the conceptual clarification on incorporated WHP, how it complements a safety management system and showing its possible effect on employees’ health, safety behaviour and on knowledge exchange. It is essential for the established WHP program to have a fully integrated part of safety management system in the organisation and employees’ health and healthy behaviour must be recognised, acknowledged and be managed.

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211–219 Z. Roja, H. Kalkis, I. Reinholds and A. Cekuls
Ergonomics risk analysis in construction operations
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Ergonomics risk analysis in construction operations

Z. Roja¹, H. Kalkis²*, I. Reinholds¹ and A. Cekuls³

¹University of Latvia, Faculty of Chemistry, Ergonomic Research centre, Jelgavas street
1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
²Riga Stradins University, Faculty of European Studies, Dzirciema street 16, LV-1007
Riga, Latvia
³University of Latvia, Faculty of Economics and Management, Department of
Management, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@gmail.com

Abstract:

The research focuses on analysis of ergonomics risks among construction workers in different operations at work. The aim of the research is to carry out ergonomics risk analysis in various construction operations and to prove that physically hard manual work and application of force in manual work operations affect muscular fatigue, using objective and subjective risk assessment methods, including extended version of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, myotonometric measurements, muscle’s force determination with dynamometer. During the research it was proved that the combination of objective and subjective ergonomics risk analysis methods provides holistic approach and reliable ergonomics risk analysis results.

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1601-1608 M. Hruška and P. Jindra
Ability to Handle Unfamiliar Systems in Passenger Cars According to Driver Skills
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Ability to Handle Unfamiliar Systems in Passenger Cars According to Driver Skills

M. Hruška¹* and P. Jindra²

¹Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Technological Equipment of Building, Kamýcká 129, CZ 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
²Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Vehicles and Ground Transport, Kamýcká 129, CZ 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
*Correspondence: jabko@tf.czu.cz

Abstract:

This paper addresses the ability of drivers to intuitively control special passenger car systems that they have as yet not encountered in the course of their driving practice and therefore have no experience of them. The study described in this paper was conducted on a sample group of drivers without any prior experience of the tested model or of any other model of the same brand, and the functions and systems selected for testing were unique for the brand and model in question. The reason for conduction of this study was the endeavour to recreate the common situation in which a driver is forced to drive a car with whose controls he/she has not yet had the opportunity to become acquainted. Based on statistical evaluation of the obtained data, it proved that the initial hypothesis claiming the existence of a correlation between driver parameters such as age, gender or length and quality of driver experience and his/her ability to adapt to completely unknown car control systems could be confirmed. The results in this paper may be applied in the cabin and car control system design process, thereby enhancing the user-friendliness of passenger car controls, thereby also indirectly increasing road traffic safety.

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843-850 H. Kalkis,, Z. Roja and V. Kalkis
Physical load analysis in hotel cleaning work
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Physical load analysis in hotel cleaning work

H. Kalkis¹⋅²,*, Z. Roja³ and V. Kalkis³

¹Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia; *Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@rsu.lv 2Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Latvia, Aspazijas blvd. 5LV-1050, Riga, Latvia 3Ergonomics research Centre, University of Latvia, K. Valdemara 48, LV-1013 Riga, Latvia

Abstract:

Hotel cleaning work is one of the physically demanding professions. Employees in hotel cleaning processes are subjected to compulsory work postures, frequent body, arm, and leg movements, awkward turns due to areas of restricted spaces or inappropriate work equipment. Such workload can result in health problems and deteriorate health. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the physical load for hotel office cleaning staff. 23 hotel cleaners, all female, participated in the investigation participated. For the physical load analysis, a questionnaire, the Key Indicator Method, the quick exposure check method, and heart rate monitoring were chosen. It was proved in this research that the work of hotel office cleaners corresponds to the category of light and moderate workload despite the fact that hotel office cleaners themselves consider the work process to be very intensive and physically demanding. Further studies are necessary in order to clarify the fatigue level and other social risks that can influence the physical workload of employees.

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681-686 V. Siirak, P. Tint and A. Traumann
Some practical applications of e-learning in OHS and ergonomics in higher education
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Some practical applications of e-learning in OHS and ergonomics in higher education

V. Siirak*, P. Tint and A. Traumann

Department of Work Environment and Safety, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia;
*Correspondence: virve.siirak@ttu.ee

Abstract:

Abstract. The  computer  based  e-learning  in  Moodle  environment  and  other  computer applications in the teaching of occupational health and safety (OHS) are investigated. The social constructivist  learning  theory  is  effective  method  for  teaching  and  learning  of  OHS  and ergonomics  issues  in  the  university  education.  The  computer  programme  for  determination  of the  safety  level  at  enterprise  is  presented.  The  simple  computer  applications  are  very  suitable educational  tools  for  e-learning  of  OHS  and  ergonomics.  They  could  be  also  used  by  the employers  of  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises.  The  scope  of  practical  applications  of  e-learning in OHS and ergonomics in higher education is analysed on the basis of the scientific literature and analysing the methods used in the EU.

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413-420 H. Kalkis, Z. Roja, V. Kalkis and I. Rezepina
Ergonomics approach in entrepreneurship
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Ergonomics approach in entrepreneurship

H. Kalkis¹*, Z. Roja², V. Kalkis² and I. Rezepina¹

¹Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Latvia, Aspazijas blvd.5, LV-1050, Riga, Latvia; *Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@lu.lv
²Ergonomics Research Centre, University of Latvia, K. Valdemara 48,LV-1013, Riga, Latvia

Abstract:

The research focuses on determination of the workload and work strain in small andmedium-sized metalworking enterprises of Latvia. A number of studies in the world prove thatthe effectiveness of an organisation is closely related to a human, performer of the work, whoseskills and health affect the results of the organisation’s activity. This research, by applyingergonomics load evaluation methods, showed that extensive workload and work strain inmetalworking enterprises has a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing and health. Theeconomics effectiveness calculations confirmed that the investments in ergonomics inmetalworking manufacturing processes maintain human resources and are economicallyfavourable in ensuring enterprise effectiveness, but further studies are necessary to evaluateworkers’ contribution and willingness to participate in ergonomics interventions.

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