| 1. |
- af Wåhlberg, Anders E.
(författare)
-
Long-term effects of training in economical driving : Fuel consumption, accidents, driver acceleration behavior and technical feedback
- 2007
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 37:4, s. 333-343
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The effects of training in fuel-efficient driving for bus drivers in a city environment were evaluated. Three dependent variables, hypothetically associated with such training, were used; fuel and accident data from the bus company, and driver acceleration behavior from five buses, over time periods of several years. Effects of temperature and number of passengers on fuel consumption were held constant. Fuelling and acceleration data yielded fairly similar results. It was found that, although the effects on these variables during training were very strong (as found in a previous study), these did not transfer well into the drivers' working situation. Overall, the effect was about two percent fuel consumption reduction as a mean over 12 months after training. No effect was found for accidents, although a two percent reduction would not have been detectable. In a second phase of the study, 28 buses were equipped with Econen feedback equipment, which give an indication on how much fuel is used concurrently, resulting in a further reduction of consumption of about two percent.
|
|
| 2. |
- Arvidsson, Inger, et al.
(författare)
-
Changes in physical workload with implementation of mouse-based information technology in air traffic control
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 36:7, s. 613-622
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Effects on physical workload were quantified when introducing new information technology in air traffic control. Seven female and 7 male air traffic controllers were studied in an old control system, and during simulated-but similar-work in a new, mouse-based system. Postures, movements and muscular load were recorded (inclinometry for head, neck, back and upper arms; goniometry for wrists; elect romyography for the trapezius and forearm extensor muscles). The new system was associated with lower movement velocities than the old one (examples: [50th percentiles] head flexion: 2 vs. 5 degrees/s, P < 0.01; right arm elevation: 3 vs. 6 degrees/s; P < 0.01; [90th percentile] wrist flexion: 19 vs. 50 degrees/s, P < 0.01), less varying postures (head: 95th-5th percentile range 17 degrees vs. 34 degrees; P < 0.01), and less muscular rest in the right forearm extensors (3.5% vs. 9% of time; P < 0.05). The old/new system differences were amplified at high work intensities. The new air traffic control system caused a major change of physical exposures, probably associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders in arms and hands. Relevance to industry While this study concerned the specific changes in the introduction of a new air traffic control system, we believe that the findings are applicable to similar technological developments in other settings. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 3. |
- Balogh, Istvan, et al.
(författare)
-
Increasing the Degree of Automation in a Production System: Consequences for the physical workload
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 36:4, s. 353 - 365
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In spite of the continuous development of production systems work-related musculoskeletal disorders is still a large problem. One reason might be the difficulties in quantifying the ergonomic effects of interventions. In this paper ergonomic consequences of technical and organisational changes were quantified in a plant for producing slats for parquet flooring. Muscle activity, work postures and movements were assessed for neck/shoulders and upper limb by direct technical measurements at three generations of production lines. The physical workload for 31 operators at the manual, semi-automated and automated line was derived based on all existing work tasks. The work was characterised by moderate muscular loads, the 50th percentiles being 1.2-3.8%MVE for the neck/shoulder muscles, high repetitiveness and constant movements of the hands and a high prevalence of neck/shoulder disorders. There were statistically significant differences considering exposure levels between the work tasks within each line as well as between the lines. The semi-automated line implied reduced muscular load for all muscles registered but more constrained work postures. The automated line, on the other hand, required higher skills, offered less constrained postures, lower loads and repetitiveness for the hands as well as frequent changes between different physical load levels. Relevance to industry: When designing or redesigning production systems, technical solutions are often used to obtain 'beneficial' ergonomic conditions, implying a strive for low physical workloads. However, there is a risk that this might lead to more constrained physical activities. Possibilities for job enlargement must be thoroughly utilised. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 4. |
- Berlin, Cecilia, 1981, et al.
(författare)
-
Corporate-internal vs. national standard - A comparison study of two ergonomics evaluation procedures used in automotive manufacturing
- 2009
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 39:6, s. 940-946
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Manufacturing corporations sometimes use corporate-internal procedures to evaluate and monitor the ergonomic status of the workplace. This article describes an industrial case study in the Swedish automotive sector, where an internally developed evaluation procedure was compared with a procedure based on a Swedish national standard provision. It was found that the national standard procedure tended to give more severe ratings and statistical support shows that the two evaluation procedures are not equivalent. The ability of the methods to identify body segments at risk was also compared. The quantitative comparison was followed up with interviews, where the influence of professional tasks and objectives became evident, as well as the fact that evaluation criteria are quantified differently by the two procedures. The main finding is that unforeseen differences in analysis procedure, criteria of acceptability and levels of detail can cause use-related difficulties for different professional groups when methods are used interchangeably. Relevance to industry: Industrial corporations wishing to monitor ergonomics consistently are advised by the authors to ensure that ratings from internal evaluations are interpreted the same way by all involved personnel, and that they at least have criteria levels equivalent to those of a national standard. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 5. |
- Hanson, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Guide and documentation system to support digital human modeling applications
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 36:1, s. 17-24
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Car developers use digital human modeling tools to analyze and visualize car interiors in relation to human characteristics before the vehicles are actually constructed. Developers, reviewers and users of human simulation tools often claim that such tools can reduce development time and costs. In car industry companies today, human simulation tools are used by a single or a few experts in an informal working process with insufficient documentation. To prepare for extensive, effective and efficient use of human simulation modeling tools in industry with several users within a company, the aim of this study was to design and evaluate a digital guide and documentation system to support digital human modeling applications. A participative design approach was used in developing the guide, involving human simulation tool users and managers within the General Motors Group. The system consists of two major parts: a usage guide and database. The usage guide is divided into three sections considering the professionals involved: (1) initiation of human vehicle interaction analysis, (2) preparation and running of the digital human tool and (3) recommendation formulation and closure. The guide was connected to a database with search and print capabilities for previous and ongoing human simulation analyses. Sixteen subjects from industry and university settings evaluated the support system. Results showed that the users appreciated the guide and documentation system, in particular, the database for storing human simulation work. The guide was perceived as being especially useful for guidance in large analyses, whereas for smaller ones the subjects felt the formalized guide was too lengthy and time consuming. The use of the formalized guide is likely to reduce differences in results, within and between tool users. The support system guides the simulation tool user through an acknowledged process; it documents, stores and keeps track of ongoing and previous analyses, and facilitates the reuse of studies. Relevance to industry The system can be very helpful for industries striving to improve process quality and documentation of digital human modeling analyses. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 6. |
- Kazmierczak, Karolina, et al.
(författare)
-
Observer reliability of industrial activity analysis based on video recordings
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 36:3, s. 275-282
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between observers analyzing activity patterns during truck engine assembly work based on video recordings. Two observers observed the recordings of nine workers, on the average 2.2 h long, assigning activities to four activity categories. For each activity category data were obtained on the mean duration of uninterrupted sequences of activities and their relative time proportion in the job. This data was analyzed with 2-way crossed ANOVA algorithms to derive the components of variance attributed to disagreement between observers, to differences between filmed subjects, and to residual "unexplained" variance. The latter was interpreted as an estimate of within-observer variability and possible interactions between subject and observer. While the observers disagreed about the overall time proportions for the four activity categories by no more than 3.7% of time, their second-to-second classification disagreed for 13% of the total analysis time. The between-observer variance was small as compared to within-observer variance and the variance between Subjects performing the same job. Simulations based oil the variance components showed that a group mean of the proportion of direct work could be determined with a standard deviation within 5% of the mean by having two observers analyzing one 2-h video recording once, each. Relevance to industry The results of this study may support decision making when designing a reliable video-based analysis of industrial work. Thus, the study helps production engineers, ergonomics practitioners and researchers allocate resources between data collection and data analysis, based on their preferences for precision and power of a particular study. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 7. |
- Kjellberg, Anders, et al.
(författare)
-
The role of the affective stress response as a mediator of the effect of psychosocial risk factors on musculoskeletal complaints - Part 1 : Assembly workers
- 2007
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 37:4, s. 367-374
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This cross-sectional study of a group of assembly workers (n=289) tested the hypothesis that affective stress responses mediate the effect of psychosocial work conditions on musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). Self-reported work demands, control, social support, stress, energy, and MSCs were analysed in hierarchical logistic regression analyses. High work demands were related to a higher risk of shoulder problems. Work demands and social support, but not control, were related to stress; and more musculoskeletal complaints were found in the group with high stress than in the low-stress group. The analyses supported the hypothesis that the effects of work demands on shoulder problems were mediated by the affective stress response, whereas this did not seem to be the case for the effect of social support and control conditions on neck problems. A weaker relation to psychosocial work conditions was shown for back problems than for shoulder and neck problems. Relevance to industry: Psychosocial work conditions have repeatedly been shown to be related to risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Individual subjective stress responses may help to identify those who are at risk with respect to shoulder complaints.
|
|
| 8. |
- Kumar, Rupesh, et al.
(författare)
-
Musculoskeletal risk factors in cleaning occupation : a literature review
- 2008
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 38:2, s. 158-170
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature in the field to identify problems, recommended practices, unresolved issues and explore occupational needs related to cleaning problems. Selected for review were published and unpublished reports dealing with musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners. English language summaries of other language articles were also included. The factor mentioned most often is that cleaning is associated with high physical and psychosocial workloads. Recommended ergonomic interventions were summarized in a model to present a systematic overview, useful for research and practical applications. A few studies concern equipment design, working environments and factors affecting individual workers. A need to conduct research on cleaning tools/equipment, working environments and individual risk factors is apparent. Relevance to industry:Ergonomic strategies and methods are not widely practiced in the cleaning profession. If ergonomic principles can be integrated into existing cleaning industry tools, methods and work environments then efficiencies can be realized and the risk of occupational injuries will be reduced. The work efficiency and injury reduction will reduce employer-operating costs.
|
|
| 9. |
- Kumar, Rupesh, et al.
(författare)
-
Physiological, subjective and postural loads in passenger train wagon cleaning using a conventional and redesigned cleaning tool
- 2005
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 35:10, s. 931-938
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Methods: In this study, cleaning process was studied and analyzed with special reference to cleaning tools. A group of 13 professional cleaners participated in this study. While they performed their normal tasks, their oxygen consumption, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion and postural data were obtained. The perceived exertion during cleaning task using the "redesigned cleaning tool" was less than that of the "conventional cleaning tool". The oxygen consumption when cleaning with the redesigned tool (mean 0.841/m, SD +/- 0.17) was significantly less (p < 0.05) compared to the conventional cleaning tool (mean 0.941/m, SD +/- 0. 18). Heart rate was also found significantly lower using redesigned cleaning tool (mean 101 bpm, SD +/- 11. 10) compared to that of conventional cleaning tool (mean 105 bpm, SD +/- 12.59) (p < 0.05). Using redesigned cleaning tool the trunk postural load was also found significantly less than that of conventional cleaning tool (p < 0.05). It is concluded that redesigned cleaning tool allowed cleaners to maintain more upright posture when cleaning, which reduced biomechanical load. Relevance for Industry: There is need to develop ergonomic criteria or recommendation to enable manufacturers of cleaning equipment to specify and evaluate usability qualities when formulating user requirements for new cleaning tools.
|
|
| 10. |
- Liljegren, Erik, 1967
(författare)
-
Usability in a medical technology context assessment of methods for usability evaluation of medical equipment
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 36:4, s. 345-352
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The increased complexity of medical technology makes usability an important selection criterion when new equipment is purchased. However, this requires an understanding of what usability is in a medical technology context and what usability evaluation methods are suitable. A questionnaire was used to investigate what users of medical technology regard as the largest component of usability. The component 'difficult to make errors' was regarded as being 30% of overall usability. The components 'easy to learn', 'efficient to use', 'easy to remember' made up 20% each of overall usability. Satisfaction only made up 10% of overall usability. Four common methods, hierarchical task analysis, cognitive walkthrough, heuristic evaluation and usability tests were evaluated according to thoroughness, validity, reliability, cost effectiveness and clarity. Usability tests are recommended to be the primary method in usability evaluations at hospitals, as they fulfil the criteria and address the 'difficult to make errors' aspect of overall usability. Hierarchical task analysis and cognitive walkthrough fulfil some criteria. Cognitive walkthrough also addresses the 'difficult to make errors' aspect. Relevance to industry: There is an increasing awareness of the need for higher usability of medical technology. This requires an understanding of what usability is and what usability evaluation methods are suitable, both in the design process and when medical technology is purchased at hospitals.
|
|
| 11. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(författare)
-
A comparative study of digital human modelling simulation results and their outcomes in reality : A case study within manual assembly of automobiles
- 2009
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 39:2, s. 428-441
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this study was to examine to what extent ergonomics simulations of manual assembly tasks correctly predict the real outcomes in the plants and if recommended measures originating from ergonomics simulations are taken into consideration. 155 ergonomics simulation cases were used in the study and all cases were performed by nine simulation engineers at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The evaluations of the ergonomics conditions of the simulated tasks were done by six professional ergonomists working at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The results show that digital human modelling tools (DHM-tools) are useful for the purpose of providing designs for standing and unconstrained working postures. Furthermore, the design of various auxiliary devices and their needed space for movements is a prevalent use of DHM-tools. However, the study also identifies areas that require additional development in order to further improve the digital human modelling tools' possibility to correctly predict a work task's real outcome, i.e. hand access, push pressure and pull forces, leaning and balance behaviour and field of vision. Moreover, a better feedback of product and process changes and a more careful order description of simulation cases to the simulation engineers would lead to improved simulation results in current and future projects.Relevance to industry: DHM-tools are increasingly the major means used to perform ergonomics analyses of manual assembly tasks in the automotive industry, but there is still a need for improvements of the tools. It is of great importance to disseminate end users' experiences of the use of different DHM-tools so these can be developed and applied in a more efficient way.
|
|
| 12. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(författare)
-
A comparative study of digital human modelling simulation results and their outcomes in reality: A case study within manual assembly of automobiles
- 2008
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 39, s. 428-441
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this study was to examine to what extent ergonomics simulations of manual assembly tasks correctly predict the real outcomes in the plants and if recommended measures originating from ergonomics simulations are taken into consideration. 155 ergonomics simulation cases were used in the study and all cases were performed by nine simulation engineers at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The evaluations of the ergonomics conditions of the simulated tasks were done by six professional ergonomists working at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The results show that digital human modelling tools (DHM-tools) are useful for the purpose ofproviding designs for standing and unconstrained working postures. Furthermore, the design of various auxiliary devices and their needed space for movements is a prevalent use of DHM-tools. However, the study also identifies areas that require additional developmentin order to further improve the digital human modelling tools’ possibility to correctly predict a work task’s real outcome, i.e. hand access, push pressure and pull forces, leaning and balance behaviour and field of vision. Moreover, a better feedback of product and process changes and a more careful order desription of simulation cases to the simulation engineers would lead to improved simulation results in current and future projects.Relevance to industry:DHM-tools are increasingly the major means used to perform ergonomics analyses of manual assembly tasks in the automotive industry, but there is still a need for improvments of the tools. It is of great importance to disseminate end users’ experiences of the use of different DHM-tools so these can be developed and applied in a more efficient way
|
|
| 13. |
- Okunribido, Olanrewaju O., et al.
(författare)
-
Delivery drivers and low-back pain : A study of the exposures to posture demands, manual materials handling and whole-body vibration
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 36:3, s. 265-273
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The exposures of drivers to posture demands, manual materials handling (MMH) and vibration as risk factors for LBP were investigated. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain information about driving experience, driving (sitting) posture, MMH, and health history among 64 drivers in short-haul delivery jobs. Twelve persons were observed and videotaped during their work and vibration measurements were obtained for three types of delivery vehicles (van, articulated truck and tipper truck). The results indicated that systematic observation of the driving activity and MMH is necessary alongside questionnaire assessments if the exposures are to be accurately characterised and that delivery vehicles generate acceptable levels of average r.m.s. acceleration. Transient (lasting less than a week) low-back pain was found to be prevalent among the drivers.
|
|
| 14. |
- Rehn, Börje, et al.
(författare)
-
Variation in exposure to whole-body vibration for operators of forwarder vehicles - aspects on measurement strategies and prevention
- 2005
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 35:9, s. 831-842
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) may cause health problems, e.g. lumbago. The risk will depend on intensity and duration. Exposure to WBV in vehicles varies due to several factors as the vehicle type, the terrain condition, the driver, the speed etc. To estimate the health risk, the measurement strategy has to consider this variation. Furthermore, to understand the importance of different preventive strategies, the cause of the variation has to be known. The objective of this study was to describe variation in exposure to seated WBV during occupational operation of forwarder vehicles and to investigate sources for variation. WBV was measured in 10 various terrain types for seven forwarders operated by 11 drivers. For each driver there were between four and 35 measurements. The measurement periods varied between 0.2 and 34 min. The vibration total value (av) and total vibration dose value (VDVt) were determined. Results showed that WBV exposure varied considerably and that this variation could result in different conclusions regarding health risk assessments. The highest magnitudes were achieved during travelling activities. During travelling empty, variations in av were significantly dependent upon forwarder model and terrain type. No significant predictor for variation in VDVt was however found for travelling empty. During travelling loaded the forwarder model and operator were the most important predictors for variation in av. Variation in VDVt was also dependent on the forwarder model during travelling loaded.
|
|
| 15. |
- Sackey, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Influence of occupational stress on the mental health of Ghanaian professional women
- 2009
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 39:5, s. 876-887
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Managerial women experience a number of work-related stressors which roduce strain symptoms that function as predictors of their ill-health in organizations. This finding is made from a study that examined the existing relationships among job characteristics symptoms of stress, and the development of health outcomes (depression, anxiety and physical symptoms) among women in lower and middle management positions in some organizations in Ghana. The stratified and simple random sampling procedure was used to select the study participants which numbered 170 female managers. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using the Occupational Stress Indicator, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Beck's Anxiety Inventory. It is concluded that since work-related stressors are predictors of women managers' ill-health in the work environment, organizations should be aware of the stressors in order to be able to guard against the deterioration of job performances of their women managers.Relevance to Industry: This study highlights the high prices organizations pay for the work-related stresses their women managers experience at the workplace, which impact negatively on their mental health, and by implication their productivity. Recommendations made can be used to enhance the managerial capacity and productivity of female managers at the workplace.
|
|
| 16. |
- Stein, G.J., et al.
(författare)
-
Modelling and simulation of a fore-and-aft driver’s seat suspension system with road excitation
- 2008
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 38:5-6, s. 396-409
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper describes a simplified simulation of two configurations of the fore-and-aft seat suspension system. A fore-and-aft suspension system model was proposed based on the laboratory measurements of the seat vibration isolation performance. Friction was identified as an important parameter, so different approaches to simulating the suspension friction were investigated. Predicted seat vibration mitigation properties were compared with those measured in the laboratory in response to the recordings of the fore-and-aft vibration measured at the base of the driver's seat in an on-road tractor-trailer combination (articulated truck). Optimisation of the suspension elements parameters was then performed to identify the maximum attainable attenuation. A solution incorporating supercritical suspension damping predicted to give an improvement of the order of 10% in the x-direction mitigation properties as compared to a fixed (locked) horizontal suspension system.Relevance to the industry: Simulations conducted in this study are of use to seat manufacturers in developing the fore-and-aft seat suspension systems with improved vibration mitigation properties and for predicting its dynamic performance. The optimisation study shows the attainable vibration mitigation limits for a horizontal suspension system.
|
|
| 17. |
|
|
| 18. |
- Wadman, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
-
The role of the affective stress response as a mediator for the effect of psychosocial risk factors on musculoskeletal complaints - Part 2 : Hospital workers
- 2007
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 37:5, s. 395-403
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This cross-sectional study of 267 hospital workers from different professions tested the hypothesis that affective stress responses mediate the effects of the psychosocial work environment on musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). Self-reported psychosocial conditions,ergonomic workloads, affective stress and energy responses, and MSCs were analysed with a series of logistic regression analyses. The psychosocial variables were strongly related to stress and energy, and stress was related to MSCs. Neck and shoulder complaints were more common in the group with high demands and low skill discretion. This was the only significant relation between psychosocial variables and MSCs that was not explained by their confounding with ergonomic workload. However, controlling for stress did not substantially reduce or reduce this interaction effect, which would have been the case if it had been mediated (completely or partially) by stress.
|
|
| 19. |
- Blomé, Mikael, et al.
(författare)
-
Visualization of ergonomic guidelines - A comparison of two computer aided systems to support vehicle design
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 36:6, s. 571-580
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Guidelines are used in information and quality management systems to ensure high quality by supporting design, production and communication processes. These guidelines can be presented as a conventional system on an intranet suitable for printouts, visualized as a traditional text-based report with a list of headings accompanied by tables and pictures or presented as paper documents in manuals or binders. Such approaches do not always correspond to some companys' requirements for usability. However, multimedia techniques can be used to visualize and let users interact with the information through hyperlinked text, pictures, and animations. The aim of this study was to design a computer aided system of ergonomic guidelines visualized by means of interactive multimedia technology based on cognitive theories and practical examples. Furthermore, the efficiency in and attitudes towards using the interactive multimedia system were evaluated and compared with a conventional system which visualized ergonomic guidelines in the form of a traditional report on scrollable web pages. The interactive multimedia system was the result of a participatory design process with experts and potential users in collaboration with Saab Automobile. The system was, in general, faster to use with lower dispersion in performance speed and number of incorrect answers compared to the conventional system. No statistically significant differences were found between males and females or between the five groups of potential users. In addition, the interactive multimedia system was experienced as more enjoyable to use, which is likely to promote interest and learning about ergonomic issues. Relevance to industry The results from this study can be used to design and improve visualization of ergonomic guidelines on an intranet, increase efficiency, and engender a positive attitude towards using ergonomic information. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 20. |
|
|
| 21. |
- Hansson, Gert-Åke, et al.
(författare)
-
Physical workload in various types of work: Part I. Wrist and forearm
- 2009
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 39:1, s. 221-233
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The quantitative relationship between exposure to physical risk factors and upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UE-WMSDs) is virtually unknown. To explore the variation, objective measurements were derived in 43 types of work (686 individuals), using goniometry for the wrists and electromyography (EMG) for the forearm extensor muscles. The variations due to work were great for wrist movements, wrist positions, muscular rest, as well as peak load, ranging 1.4-54 degrees/s (flexion velocity; 50th percentile), -30 degrees-3 degrees (flexion angle; 50th percentile), 0.2-23% of time, and 3.4-41% of maximal EMG (90th percentile), respectively. Even within work categories, e.g. "repetitive industrial", there were large variations for all measures. Hence, classification without measurements has limited value. All movement measures were highly correlated (vertical bar r(s)vertical bar=0.82-0.99), but only weakly so to positions (vertical bar r(s)vertical bar = 0.01-0.43). Muscular rest and "static load" (10th percentile), were highly correlated (r(s) = -0.92), but not associated to peak load (90th percentile; vertical bar r(s)vertical bar= 0.05 and 0.08, respectively). Most low-velocity work was accompanied by much muscular rest; however, the low velocity for mouse-intensive computer-work meant very little rest. Technical measurements are suitable as exposure measures in epidemiological studies, as well as a base for decisions about interventions. The multidimensional character of exposure - wrist movements, wrist postures, muscular recovery, and peak load - has to be considered. Relevance to industry: Direct measurements provide objective and quantitative measures of the main physical risk factors for UE-WMSDs, appropriate for estimating the risk, as well as giving priority to, and evaluating, interventions. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 22. |
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
- Thong Dang, Nguyen, et al.
(författare)
-
A comparison of different input devices for a 3D environment
- 2009
-
Ingår i: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 39:3, s. 554-563
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents a usability study comparing wand, voice, and two tablet-PC based interfaces across a task requiring three-dimensional surface exploration, information gathering and recall of information. The aim of this study was to identify a suitable interaction interface, among the ones implemented in a three-dimensional environment for Air Traffic Control, for interactive exploration of and gathering information about three-dimensional weather structures. Data concerning time, error rate, number of control actions as well as participants feedback on ease of learning, ease of use, frustration and perceived difficulty of the performed task were collected. The results indicate that the wand interface supported better performance when compared with the other interaction interfaces. Among the four interaction interfaces, the voice interface seems to present several limitations, mostly related to time lag in the voice recognition, which was judged by the subjects as a source of frustration.
|
|
| 25. |
|
|
| 26. |
|
|
