| 1. |
- Eliasson, Kristina, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
-
Inter - and intra - observer reliability of risk assessment of repetitive work without an explicit method
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 62, s. 1-8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A common way to conduct practical risk assessments is to observe a job and report the observed long term risks for musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of ergonomists' risk assessments without the support of an explicit risk assessment method. Twenty-one experienced ergonomists assessed the risk level (low, moderate, high risk) of eight upper body regions, as well as the global risk of 10 video recorded work tasks. Intra-observer reliability was assessed by having nine of the ergonomists repeat the procedure at least three weeks after the first assessment. The ergonomists made their risk assessment based on his/her experience and knowledge. The statistical parameters of reliability included proportional agreement, kappa, linearly weighted kappa, intraclass correlation and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The average inter-observer proportional agreement of the global risk was 53% and the corresponding weighted kappa was 0.32, indicating fair reliability. The intra-observer agreement was 61% and 0.41. This study indicates that risk assessments of the upper body, without the use of an explicit observational method, have non-acceptable reliability. It is therefore recommended to use systematic risk assessment methods to a higher degree.
|
|
| 2. |
- Eliasson, Kristina, 1979-
(författare)
-
Occupational health services in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders : Processes, tools and organizational aspects
- 2017
-
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are associated with high costs and it is essential to prevent them. Occupational Health Services(OHS) provide expert services regarding work environment, health and rehabilitation of work related disorders. Risk assessments of the work environment can be an initial step for preventive measures, and ergonomists can be assigned by clients to assess exposures in the work environment. For such assignments different tools can be used. The aim of this thesis was to explore prerequisites, processes and practices of OHS consultants in Sweden within the domain of primary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This was explored through the work of ergonomists in their role of assessing ergonomics risks. The research methodology was both quantitative and qualitative. Data collection includes a web questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and inter- and intra-observer reliability tests. The results shows that ergonomics risk assessments were most commonly initiated reactively and a systematic work methodology for the risk assessment process was often lacking. Swedish ergonomists used only a few standardized tools for risk assessment. The Ergonomics provision from the Swedish Work Environment Authority, AFS-98, was widely used, but other observation-based tools were used far less often. Ergonomics risks were often assessed solely by means of observation, based on ergonomists’ knowledge and experience. The results also pointed to that that the reliability was not acceptable when risk assessment was performed without any standardized tool. Furthermore, the results point to that support from the OHS organizations is an important prerequisite for ergonomists to work with primary prevention. Further, opportunities for specialization within a specific industry sector seem to facilitate ergonomic interventions. It is also important to have close relationships with clients and to make them aware about ergonomists competence. Conclusively, this thesis identifies a numbers of areas in which OHS must develop to improve primary preventive services regarding work environment.
|
|
| 3. |
- Rolfö, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
An activity-based flex office : Planning processes and outcomes
- 2017
-
Ingår i: 48th Annual Conference of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists. - Banff, Alberta, Canada. ; , s. 330-338
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This longitudinal case study addresses activities used in the planning process of a new activity based flex office (A-FO), and addresses results after the relocation. The results show that several activities were used to involve employees in the planning process. Employee satisfaction and perceived performance were rated in more positive terms after the relocation than before. The company’s process can be considered as a good example of planning and design processes.
|
|
