| 1. |
- Rose, Linda M, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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RAMP - A new tool for MSD risk management in manualhandling
- 2017
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Ingår i: Conference Proceedings 48th Annual Conference of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists & 12th International Symposium on Human Factors in Organizational Design and Management "Organizing for High Performance ".
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Summative Statement: In this conference contribution RAMP (Risk Assessment and Management tool for Manual Handling - Proactively) will be presented. It is developed for managing MSD risks in manual handling jobs. The presentation will include a demonstration of the digitalised tool and information about upcoming Massive Open Online Courses about it.Problem statement: Manual handling work is regarded as one of the main causes to increased risks of developing Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Several MSD risk assessment tools have been developed, but have been found to have insufficiencies in managing MSD risks in manual handling. The insufficiencies include that tools only assess certain body parts or certain types of work, are not freely accessible, assess exposure but not risks, and don´t support the whole risk management process. In 2009 there was a call from a global company, which had identified a need for a scientifically based, freely accessible, risk assessment and risk management tool. The tool should support systematic risk management of MSD risks in manual handling jobs and be able to be used by companies themselves. To meet this call the development of the RAMP tool (Risk Assessment and Management tool for Manual Handling – Proactively) was started. It has been developed in a research and development (R&D) project in close co-operation between researchers and practitioners at companies.Research Objective: The objective of this conference contribution is to present the results of a seven year long R&D project: to describe the RAMP tool and its development, present the digitalised version, share some experiences from its use, and inform about upcoming RAMP Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), aimed at educating and training users in the RAMP tool.Methodology: RAMP is scientifically based and was developed with a participative R&D methodology. The participating organisations as well as the methodology, including the base for the development, ranging from scientific publications and legislation to user testing and feed-back, will be described in the presentation.Results: The RAMP tool consists of four parts: RAMP I, RAMP II, The Results module and the Action module. At the conference, these will be presented and the digitalised version of RAMP will be demonstrated. In addition, information about three Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) about the RAMP tool which are being developed will be presented and user experiences from applying RAMP will be shared. In addition to the oral presentation a workshop on RAMP is planned to be held at the conference.Discussion: The discussion focuses on how methods like RAMP, which are freely accessible, can be spread after the R&D project is finished. Another question is how to secure updates in the future for methods which do not bring any profit for the developers/owners.Conclusions: It is concluded that RAMP, a scientifically based new tool for risk management of MSD risks in manual handling, is freely available via KTH’s homepage and that a MOOC-package for disseminating knowledge and training on how to use the tool will be accessible from the autumn 2017.
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| 2. |
- Insanic, Jasmina, et al.
(författare)
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Expert user perspectives of the Ergo-Index model for analysis of work tasks
- 2017
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Ingår i: NES2017 Conference Proceedings. - Lund : Lund University. ; , s. 313-320
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this study is to evaluate an updated beta version of Ergo-Index, a digital tool for ergonomic risk assessments. The evaluation was performed with 15 expert users who assessed type, distance, height and exposure time of certain work tasks, as well as the usability of the tool. In conclusion, the users find the present state of the Ergo-Index suitable as a first screening method. Assessments of lifting work have the greatest inter-rater reliability. Further development of the digitalized version of the tool is needed to improve accuracy assessing input regarding pushing and pulling work tasks, and to increase usability.
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| 3. |
- Lind, Carl
(författare)
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Assessment and design of industrial manual handling to reduce physical ergonomics hazards : – use and development of assessment tools
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Despite efforts of reducing harmful physical ergonomics exposures related to manual handling, the occurrence of heavy or repetitive manual handling, and non-neutral postures is high in many occupational sectors. To reduce these exposures, interventions and job design strategies can utilize risk assessment. A need was identified of an observation-based tool which supported occupational health and safety practitioners for assessments of risk factors related to manual handling.The aim of this thesis was to explore the use and important usability-related aspects of observation-based assessment tools among professional ergonomists, and to develop new research based assessment and screening tools, to present their scientific basis and to evaluate their reliability and usability. A web-based questionnaire was employed to gain knowledge on the use and usability aspects of risk assessment tools among ergonomists in Sweden. The assessment tools RAMP I and RAMP II were developed in an iterative process, including literature searches, expert group judgments, and with input from more than 80 practitioners. The reliability and usability evaluations included assessments and ratings by practitioners.The thesis points to a low use of several internationally spread assessment tools among Swedish ergonomists, and a relatively higher use of tools promoted by the Swedish Work Environment Authority. Several usability-related aspects were identified as important, such as being easy and quick to use, its ability to communicate and visualize the results, and its ability to facilitate improvement measures. The developed tools support assessment of a broad range of risk factors related to manual handling. The thesis supports that assessments with acceptable reliability can be achieved for the majority of items of the two developed tools. The thesis supports that the tools are usable in supporting risk assessments targeting risk factors related to industrial manual handling.
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| 4. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(författare)
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Development and evaluation of RAMP I : a practitioner tool for screening for musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manual handling
- 2017
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- RAMP I is a screening tool developed to support practitioners in screening for work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors related to manual handling. RAMP I, which is part of the RAMP tool, is based on research based studies combined with expert group judgments. More than 80 practitioners participated in the development of RAMP I. The tool constitutes of dichotomous assessment items grouped in seven categories. Acceptable reliability was found for a majority of the assessment items for 15 practitioners who were given 1h training. The usability evaluation points to RAMP I being usable for screening for musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, i.e., usable for assessing risks, usable as a decision base, has clear results, and the time needed for an assessment is acceptable. It is concluded that RAMP I is a valuable tool for practitioners.
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| 5. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(författare)
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Development and evaluation of RAMP I – a practitioner’s tool for screening of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manual handling
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE). - : Taylor & Francis. - 1080-3548 .- 2376-9130. ; 25:2, s. 165-180
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- RAMP I is a screening tool developed to support practitioners in screening for work-related musculoskeletal disorder riskfactors related to manual handling. RAMP I, which is part of the RAMP tool, is based on research-based studies combinedwith expert group judgments. More than 80 practitioners participated in the development of RAMP I. The tool consistsof dichotomous assessment items grouped into seven categories. Acceptable reliability was found for a majority of theassessment items for 15 practitioners who were given 1 h of training. The usability evaluation points to RAMP I beingusable for screening for musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, i.e., usable for assessing risks, being usable as a decision base,having clear results and that the time needed for an assessment is acceptable. It is concluded that RAMP I is a usable toolfor practitioners.
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| 6. |
- Mazaheri, Ava, et al.
(författare)
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Reaction Parameters Linked to Cumulative Trauma Disorders during Use of Powered Tightening Tools : A Literature Review
- 2019
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Ingår i: PREMUS 2019. 10th International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.. ; , s. 255-
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The impact of physical reactions on human operators generated byhandheld powered tightening tools has been researched by evaluating variousparameters, here referred to as ‘reaction parameters’. The objective of this literaturereview is to investigate which reaction parameters commonly are assessed duringphysical load evaluations of tightening tools, as well as reported correlations betweenreaction parameters and risk of developing cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Anadditional aim is to map exposure limits established for reaction parameters and identifyknowledge gaps regarding tightening tool impact on operators, if any.Methods: A systematic approach was adopted to review relevant literature, followingthe PRISMA flow-diagram. Synonyms of defined keywords were combined for search in3 databases. 76 articles were read and evaluated against inclusion criteria, of which 47articles where included in a qualitative synthesis. An overview of the assessed reactionparameters was obtained, as well as suggested linkages between these parameters andrisk of injury development.Results: Main parameters studied in literature are reaction force/torque (79%) andhandle displacement (74%). Impulse and handle velocity are studied in 26% and 15% ofthe articles, respectively. 51% of the studies also report a correlation between assessedreaction parameters and risk of developing CTDs. Three studies present exposure limitsfor reaction parameters. 1/3 of the studies were conducted on electric tools, whereasapproximately 2/3 were performed on pneumatic tools.Conclusions: There is a knowledge gap concerning several reaction parametersand their implications for developing CTDs, especially regarding impulse, tool handlevelocity/acceleration and grip force. Their influence is suggested to be explored infurther studies. Establishing exposure limits related to the reaction parameters wouldtranslate the scientific knowledge into industrially applicable recommendations. Further,the need for studies on electric tools is evident, due to a shift in the industry frompneumatic to electric tools.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Rose, Linda M, 1963-
(författare)
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Developing RAMP 2.0 : for enhanced applicability
- 2019
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Ingår i: PREMUS 2019 10th International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. ; , s. 348-
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:The RAMP package (Rose et al., 2018) consists of RAMP (RiskAssessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively), a website (ramp.proj.kth.se) and a Professional Certificate Program consisting of three MOOCs (massive open online courses) on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the RAMPuse. RAMP, developed for managing risks in manual handling work, was launched 2017and has been disseminated to over 70 countries. In October 2018 the “RAMP 2.0”project started to meet requests from industries to i) expand the tools application range,ii) include key performance indicators (KPIs), and iii) provide a database version of the‘RAMP 2.0’. Here the current state of the project is presented.Methods:The project, using a participative, iterative methodology, is carried out in sevensteps ranging from a needs analysis and specification of requirements on the new toolto development and dissemination of a “RAMP 2.0”. The project is led by KTH andcarried out in cooperation between researchers and practitioners at companies.Results:This far eight organisations from five industrial branches (Manufacturing,Food, Dental Care Occupational Safety & Health, and Technical Installation industries)participated in a needs analysis, resulting in:i) a wish-list with additionally 20 types of work tasks to be included in the RAMP 2.0,e.g. electricians cable stripping and dentists’ drilling work,ii)suggestions of 16 KPIs, e.g. trends of Number of high risks, compared to Numberof low risks over several years andiii)15 characteristics considered important in the database-design and user interface,e.g. security and flexibility in results presentation.Conclusion: In conclusion, requirements on the RAMP 2.0 have been identified and willbe used as a basis in the development process.References:Rose, LM, Eklund, J & Nord Nilsson, L (2018) RAMP - A ComprehensiveMSD Risk Management Tool. In the Proceedings of the IEA Congress 2018, August 30,Florence, Italy.36.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Rose, Linda M., 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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The RAMP Tool for Risk Management in Manual Handling : A Seven Year R&D Project
- 2017
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Ingår i: NES2017 Conference Proceedings.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and purposeIn 2010 a research and development (R&D) project started after an initiative from a large global company. They needed a free, systematic musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk assessment and management tool, focused on manual handling. The development of the RAMP tool (Risk Assessment and Management tool for Manual Handling – Proactively) was therefore initiated, and the progress has since then been presented at several NES-conferences. The objective of this paper is to present the result of this 7 year R&D project: the digitalized RAMP tool and courses on the tool. MethodologyA participative methodology in close co-operation between researchers and practitioners at companies has been used. The participating companies and the methodology, including the base for the development, ranging from scientific papers to user feedback, and evaluations will be described at NES 2017. ResultsThe R&D project has resulted in the freely accessible RAMP tool consisting of four parts: RAMP I, RAMP II, the Action module and the Results module. A broad range of MSD risks are assessed, the results from assessments are visualized in a novel way and risk reducing actions for risk management are supported. The digitalised version has recently been released. Further, three massive open online courses (MOOCs) for professionals on the RAMP tool are under development, and will also be presented. Discussion The discussion focuses on the need of and dissemination of freely accessible methods such as RAMP, and how to enable users to acquire sufficient knowledge to use them. ConclusionsIn conclusion: The project has resulted in a new tool for MSD risk management in manual handling jobs, the RAMP tool. Evaluations of the tool show that it is regarded as usable from different usability aspects. It is argued that the upcoming online MOCCs may contribute to provide adequate knowledge for proper use of the tool. Keywords. musculoskeletal disorders, risk assessment, risk reducing measures, risk communication, digital tool.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Rose, Linda M, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Workshop: learn how to use the ramp tool for risk assessment and risk management of msd risks in manual handling
- 2017
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- BackgroundManual handling work is regarded as one of the main causes to increased risks of developing Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Several MSD risk assessment tools have been developed, but have been found to have insufficiencies for managing MSD risks in manual handling. The RAMP tool (Risk Assessment and Management tool for Manual Handling – Proactively), was developed to support the whole process of risk management of MSD risks in manual handling: from identification and assessment of risks to developing risk reducing suggestions and systematic risk management. What will you learn?In this workshop you will learn how to use the RAMP tool by participating in applying the tool on an example. RAMP consists of four parts:- The checklist based RAMP I for screening of MSD risks in manual handling,- RAMP II for a more in depth analysis of such risks,- The Action module to support development of risk reducing measures and support systematic risk management, and- The Results module, for communicating the results. It enables presentation of the results at different level of detail and scope, ranging from a work station to the whole company. In the workshop you will get experience from using the four parts of the RAMP tool, based on a film-based example. Bring your laptop to download and use the RAMP tool on your computer!
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| 18. |
- Rose, Linda, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Modelling endurance and resumption times for repetitive one-hand pushing
- 2018
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 61:7, s. 891-901
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study's objective was to develop models of endurance time (ET), as a function of load level (LL), and of resumption time (RT) after loading as a function of both LL and loading time (LT) for repeated loadings. Ten male participants with experience in construction work each performed 15 different one-handed repetaed pushing tasks at shoulder height with varied exerted force and duration. These data were used to create regression models predicting ET and RT. It is concluded that power law relationships are most appropriate to use when modelling ET and RT. While the data the equations are based on are limited regarding number of participants, gender, postures, magnitude and type of exerted force, the paper suggests how this kind of modelling can be used in job design and in further research.Practitioner Summary: Adequate muscular recovery during work-shifts is important to create sustainable jobs. This paper describes mathematical modelling and presents models for endurance times and resumption times (an aspect of recovery need), based on data from an empirical study. The models can be used to help manage fatigue levels in job design.
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| 19. |
- Rose, Linda, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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RAMP – A comprehensive MSD risk management tool
- 2019
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 20th Congress ofthe International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018). - Cham : Springer. ; , s. 537-546
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this paper is to describe the development, dissemination and preliminary effects of the use of a new musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk management tool for manual handling, RAMP (Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively). RAMP is research based and developed in close collaboration between researchers and practitioners with a participative iterative methodology. A broad strategy is used for the dissemination, including the use of professional networks, conferences, a specially developed homepage, and Massive Open Online Courses which also provide training on the tool use. The tool has been spread widely to about 45 countries since the release 2017. E.g. Scania CV uses RAMP as its global standard method for managing MSD risks at logistics and machining departments. Among the preliminary effects results show that at one department risk reduction measures had been taken for more than 2/3 of the work stations with assessments signalling elevated risk levels after 1.5 years. Further studies on RAMP are discussed. It is concluded that the development and the dissemination of RAMP can be seen as successful. Preliminary reports on the tool use effects indicate that the RAMP tool supports the MSD risk management process in the work to reduce MDS risks at workplaces.
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| 20. |
- Österman, Cecilia, 1971-, et al.
(författare)
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Assessing financial impact of maritime ergonomics on company level : a case study
- 2015
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Ingår i: Maritime Policy & Management. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0308-8839 .- 1464-5254. ; 42:6, s. 555-570
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present paper reports a case study examining a conceptual framework for assessing financial impact of occupational maritime ergonomics in a Swedish shipping company. Specifically, the aim was to study the availability and applicability of suggested determinants for operational performance; routines for estimating the effects of ergonomics; and the customer’s (sea transport buyer’s) demands for ergonomics management on the case company.The results show that the determinants and sub-categories for operational performance in terms of productivity, efficiency and quality are present and applicable, albeit not measured to any large extent. No routines or specific methods for measuring or estimating cost and effects of ergonomics investments, accidents and operational disturbances were found. Further, the results show that the sea transport buyers increasingly express interest for and place demands related to maritime ergonomics, for instance through compliance of specific standards and guiding principles linked to maritime ergonomics. It is concluded that in order to support and enable managers’ ability to make well informed decisions and prioritizations, between investments, ergonomic or other, increased knowledge is needed of the financial effects of ergonomics on company core value processes. There is also a need to develop and implement usable tools to simplify these measuring procedures.
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