Tag Archives: workload

846–852 A. Nautras, B. Reppo and J. Kuzmin
Pulse-video method for determining the workload and energy expenditure for assessing of work environment
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Pulse-video method for determining the workload and energy expenditure for assessing of work environment

A. Nautras*, B. Reppo and J. Kuzmin

Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Kreutzwaldi 56, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia; *Correspondence: arles.nautras@emu.ee

Abstract:

 Examining the humans work load and energy consumption allows us to identify the energy used for working postures and techniques and thereby create solutions how to make work technology and work environment better and altogether improve an employees work ability. There are several methods in which human energy consumption is determined by working postures, type of work and handling of loads, they all take account only the physical load factors ignoring mental or microclimate factors in the work environment. In recent times there are also used the mathematical models, in which the energy consumtion is determined on the basis of pulss frequency. The methods are complicated to realize them in the work situation because they do not allow to determine the dynamics of the work load in the work process. The aim of this research was to develop a method that enables to use a computer to determine and analyse the work process on screen at real time and that shows the employee’s heart rate, work load and energy consumption momentary load values as well as their dynamics. The method is based on continuous measuring the employees pulse rate in the working process without disturbing him and at the same time also filming work process to make a video to demonstrate the results. We introduce the methodology how to measure an employees pulse rate, work load and energy consumption dynamics to make a compiled video. There are shown the fragments of research results about a farmer’s and glassblower’s work.

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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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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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