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Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Occupational Safety and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2021) | Viewed by 59530

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sang Choi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Interests: global/community health, environmental health and safety; public health and safety; ergonomics/human factors; aging workforce; fall protection/prevention; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; prevention through design; research to practice to research; construction ergonomics; human–systems integration; health and safety disparities; work analysis and design; wellness/wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chao Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator, Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Interests: construction safety and health; biomechanics; wearable sensors and robotics; data sensing and analytics
Dr. Shuping Xiong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Associate Professor & Director of HFEL, Dept. of Industrial & Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
Interests: human factors and ergonomics; technology and healthy aging; occupational safety; digital human modeling and biomechanical analysis; wearable sensing and data analytics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are organizing a Special Issue on “Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application and Practice” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJIEPH). The venue is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes articles and communications in the interdisciplinary areas of occupational ergonomics and safety, human factors/behavioral/systems, and occupational safety and health.

Currently, the concern with occupational ergonomics and safety no longer emphasizes physical ergonomics/safety issues but rather congnitive/mental health, and psychosocial/sociotechnological issues have emerged as prevailing research areas. Cognitive/mental workload challenges (e.g., fatigue, stress, anxiety) are usually intangible and workers may struggle to recognize the symptoms (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders). Meanwhile, the repercussions of cognitive/mental health problems can be unpredictable and severe. Physical/cognitive ergonomics and occupational safety and health interact with each other. Therefore, it is vital to acknowledge prevention methods to minimize the occurrence of both physical and cognitive safety and health problems.

To exchange information and ideas about occupational ergonomics and safety, articles may deal with a variety of research areas, such as risk assessment, workplace safety and health, safety culture/climate, work performance, an aging workforce, organizational/systems safety, human–systems interface, physical and virtual work environments, and workers’ well-being and wellness. Submissions on newly emerging/contemporary research areas and research on practices in regard to physical and cognitive ergonomics and safety, ergonomic risk factors assessment and controls/management, in different occupational settings and/or industry-specific occupational ergonomics and safety issues, etc. are also welcome.

This Speical Issue is open to a number of subject areas related to occupational ergonomics, human factors, and safety and health. The listed keywords suggest just a few of the many possibilities. Please consult the editors for further information.

Prof. Dr. Sang Choi
Dr. Chao Wang
Dr. Shuping Xiong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • occupational ergonomics
  • safety and health
  • aging workforce
  • musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
  • safety culture
  • safety climate
  • human factors
  • physical ergonomics
  • cognitive ergonomics
  • organizational systems/behavioral
  • prevention through design
  • slips, trips, and falls
  • risk assessment/management
  • human–systems interaction
  • work environment
  • stress/anxiety
  • remote working
  • wellness
  • reactive and proactive ergonomics
  • employee quality of life
  • morale
  • workers’ compensation costs

Published Papers (16 papers)

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30 pages, 2324 KiB  
Article
Cognitive Ergonomics of Assembly Work from a Job Demands–Resources Perspective: Three Qualitative Case Studies
by Matilda Wollter Bergman, Cecilia Berlin, Maral Babapour Chafi, Ann-Christine Falck and Roland Örtengren
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12282; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312282 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4754
Abstract
In manufacturing companies, cognitive processing is required from assembly workers to perform correct and timely assembly of complex products, often with varied specifications and high quality demands. This paper explores assembly operators’ perceptions of cognitive/mental workload to provide a holistic understanding of the [...] Read more.
In manufacturing companies, cognitive processing is required from assembly workers to perform correct and timely assembly of complex products, often with varied specifications and high quality demands. This paper explores assembly operators’ perceptions of cognitive/mental workload to provide a holistic understanding of the work conditions that affect cognitive demands and performance. While the physical loading aspects of assembly work are well known, most empirical literature dealing with cognitive/mental loading in manufacturing tends to examine a few particular aspects, rather than address the issue with a holistic system view. This semi-structured interview study, involving 50 industrial assembly operators from three Swedish companies, explores how assemblers perceive that their cognitive performance and well-being is influenced by a wide variety of factors within the context of mechanical product assembly. The interview transcripts were analysed using a priori coding, followed by bottom-up Thematic Analysis. The results indicate that a variety of systemic effects on assemblers’ cognitive performance can be classified as job demands or resources. Quite often, the absence of a resource mirrors a related demand, and “good assembly conditions”, as described by the interviewees, often re-frame demands as desirable challenges that foster motivation and positive feelings towards the work. The identified demands and resources stem from task design, timing, physical loading, intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, social teamwork and the product’s “interface” design. Despite organisational differences and conditions between the three companies that took part in the study, the results are largely consistent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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22 pages, 1533 KiB  
Article
Vibration Exposure and Transmissibility on Dentist’s Anatomy: A Study of Micro Motors and Air-Turbines
by Harish Kumar Banga, Pankaj Goel, Raman Kumar, Vikas Kumar, Parveen Kalra, Sehijpal Singh, Sunpreet Singh, Chander Prakash and Catalin Pruncu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4084; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084084 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2786
Abstract
The use of dental hand pieces endanger dentists to vibration exposure as they are subjected to very high amplitude and vibration frequency. This paper has envisaged a comparative analysis of vibration amplitudes and transmissibility during idling and drilling with micro motor (MM) and [...] Read more.
The use of dental hand pieces endanger dentists to vibration exposure as they are subjected to very high amplitude and vibration frequency. This paper has envisaged a comparative analysis of vibration amplitudes and transmissibility during idling and drilling with micro motor (MM) and air-turbine (AT) hand pieces. The study aims to identify the mean difference in vibration amplitudes during idling, explore different grasp forces while drilling with irrigant injection by the dentist, and various vibration transmission of these hand pieces. The study utilized 22 separate frequency resonances on two new and eight used MMs and two new and eight used ATs of different brands by observing the investigator at 16 different dentist clinics. The study adopted a descriptive research design with non–probability sampling techniques for selecting dentists and hand pieces. Statistical methods like Levene Test of Homogeneity, Welch ANOVA, independent t-test, and Games–Howell test were utilized with SPSS version 22 and MS-Excel. The results reveal that vibration amplitudes and vibration transmissibility when measured at position 2 are higher than in another position 1. Vibrations during idling for used MMs are more than AT hand pieces, and the used MM (MUD) and used AT (AUA) hand pieces differ due to their obsolescence and over-usage. Vibration amplitudes increase every time with the tightening of grasping of the hand piece. Vibration amplitudes for each grasping style of MM hand piece differ from all other grasping styles of AT hand pieces. Routine exposure to consistent vibrations has ill physical, mental, and psychological effects on dentists. The used hand pieces more hazardous as compared to newer ones. The study suggests that these hand pieces must be replaced periodically, sufficient to break between two operations, especially after every hand piece usage. Hence, the present research work can be further extended by creating some control groups among dentists and then studying the vibration amplitude exposure of various dental hand pieces and subsequent transmissibility to their body parts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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11 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Neuromuscular Mechanosensitivity and Chronic Neck Pain in Guitarists: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Valeria Estefanía Aguilar Rojas, Arisandy Flores Pluma, Daniel Pecos-Martín, Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa, Rubén Fernández-Matías, Patricia Martinez-Merinero, Susana Nuñez-Nagy and Tomás Gallego-Izquierdo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2673; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18052673 - 06 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2940
Abstract
Musicians frequently complain of musculoskeletal pain due to high mechanical demands, with the cervical spine being the most affected. Increased neuromuscular mechanosensitivity due to repetitive mechanical stress over time has been described in neck pain patients. Nevertheless, the association between musculoskeletal pain and [...] Read more.
Musicians frequently complain of musculoskeletal pain due to high mechanical demands, with the cervical spine being the most affected. Increased neuromuscular mechanosensitivity due to repetitive mechanical stress over time has been described in neck pain patients. Nevertheless, the association between musculoskeletal pain and neuromuscular mechanosensitivity in musicians is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between neuromuscular tissue mechanosensitivity and neck pain in guitarists. Guitarists with chronic neck pain (n = 70) and without pain (n = 70) were enrolled. Pain and disability were measured by the visual analogue scale and the Neck Disability Index, respectively. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was bilaterally measured for the upper trapezius and median nerve. Finally, the Upper limb neural test one (ULNT1) was bilaterally measured. The analyses included a 2-by-2 mixed analysis of variance, pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction, linear regression model, and multiple linear regression. Our data showed that chronic neck pain guitarists have a lower PPT at all locations compared to healthy guitarists. They also showed a bilateral main effect for pain for ULNT1 compared to healthy guitarists. These results were not affected by the mediator variables. Finally, a relationship between upper trapezius PPT and median nerve PPT was found. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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15 pages, 1014 KiB  
Article
Exertion Perception When Performing Cutting Tasks in Poultry Slaughterhouses: Risk Assessment of Developing Musculoskeletal Disorders
by Adriana Seára Tirloni, Diogo Cunha dos Reis, Salvador Francisco Tirloni and Antônio Renato Pereira Moro
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9534; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17249534 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2222
Abstract
Brazil is the leader in poultry meat exports, in which most products are in the form of cuts. This study analyzed the exertion perception of poultry slaughterhouses workers when performing cutting tasks, as well as the influence of knife sharpness on the risk [...] Read more.
Brazil is the leader in poultry meat exports, in which most products are in the form of cuts. This study analyzed the exertion perception of poultry slaughterhouses workers when performing cutting tasks, as well as the influence of knife sharpness on the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders by Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) method. Participants (n = 101) from three slaughterhouses were asked to rate their perceived exertion on the Borg scale during the cutting task when the knife was well and poorly sharpened. The OCRA results showed that the score for cutting with a dull knife was greater (43.57 ± 13.51) than with a sharp knife (23.79 ± 3.10) (p < 0.001). Consequently, there was a significant increase in the risk level of acquiring upper-limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSD) by using a “poorly sharpened” knife (29%; p < 0.001; Borg scale 2–8). Thus, maintaining well-sharpened knives for optimal performance of the cutting task (fewer technical actions) is suggested, as well as including knife sharpening in the standard operating procedure to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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17 pages, 3943 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Comfort Variation among Different Types of Driving Agricultural Tractors: Traditional, Satellite-Assisted and Semi-Automatic
by Elio Romano, Carlo Bisaglia, Aldo Calcante, Roberto Oberti, Alberto Zani, Denis Vinnikov, Andrea Marconi, Ermanno Vitale, Massimo Bracci and Venerando Rapisarda
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8836; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17238836 - 27 Nov 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
Over the past years, in the agricultural field, geo-localization has been introduced in order to develop specific farming processes, optimize resources, and reduce environmental pollution. Researchers have found alternative driving methods to traditional ones, such as assisted and semi-automatic driving. The aim of [...] Read more.
Over the past years, in the agricultural field, geo-localization has been introduced in order to develop specific farming processes, optimize resources, and reduce environmental pollution. Researchers have found alternative driving methods to traditional ones, such as assisted and semi-automatic driving. The aim of this study was to monitor the musculoskeletal efforts necessary to carry out different kinds of driving. The muscular strain was assessed using surface electromyographic devices, the distribution of the pressure exerted by the operator’s body on the seat was observed by using two barometric pads applied on the seat back and on the seat, respectively, while the body movements and postures were analyzed through a Microsoft Kinect Camera 3D acquisition system. Results showed a significantly greater muscular activation during manual and assisted driving conditions. The pressure exerted by the operator on the barometric pads was significantly higher in manual and semi-automatic driving modes than in the assisted one. A remarkable increase in the average swinging speed of examined joints was also detected, as well as the distances run by the joints in semi-automatic driving. From our study, assisted driving seems to be the best driving mode both in terms of joint economy and from the efficiency of agricultural processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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18 pages, 4635 KiB  
Article
Stress-Related Responses to Alternations between Repetitive Physical Work and Cognitive Tasks of Different Difficulties
by Susanna Mixter, Svend Erik Mathiassen, Petra Lindfors, Kent Dimberg, Helena Jahncke, Eugene Lyskov and David M. Hallman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8509; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228509 - 17 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2161
Abstract
Alternating between physical and cognitive tasks has been proposed as an alternative in job rotation, allowing workers to recover from the physical work while still being productive. However, effects of such alternations on stress have not been investigated. This controlled experiment aimed at [...] Read more.
Alternating between physical and cognitive tasks has been proposed as an alternative in job rotation, allowing workers to recover from the physical work while still being productive. However, effects of such alternations on stress have not been investigated. This controlled experiment aimed at determining the extent to which stress-related responses develop during alternating physical and cognitive work, and to determine the extent to which cognitive task (CT) difficulty influences these responses. Fifteen women performed three sessions of 10 consecutive work bouts each including a seven-minute repetitive physical task (pipetting) and a three-minute CT (n-back) at one of three difficulty levels. Stress was assessed in terms of changes in heart rate variability, blood pressure, salivary alpha-amylase, salivary cortisol, perceived stress, and cognitive performance. The work session did not result in any marked stress response, and CT difficulty did not significantly influence stress, apart from alpha-amylase being higher at the easiest CT (F = 5.34, p = 0.02). Thus, according to our results, alternating between repetitive physical tasks and cognitive tasks may be a feasible alternative to classic job rotation between physical tasks only, even if the cognitive task is quite difficult. Future studies should address possible effects of the temporal pattern of alternations, and combine even other occupationally relevant tasks, preferably for extended periods of time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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24 pages, 682 KiB  
Article
Influencing Mechanism of Job Satisfaction on Safety Behavior of New Generation of Construction Workers Based on Chinese Context: The Mediating Roles of Work Engagement and Safety Knowledge Sharing
by Guodong Ni, Yuanyuan Zhu, Ziyao Zhang, Yaning Qiao, Huaikun Li, Na Xu, Yongliang Deng, Zhenmin Yuan and Wenshun Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8361; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228361 - 12 Nov 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4641
Abstract
China’s construction industry developed rapidly and safety production has become a vital issue. Improving the safety behavior of construction workers is an important measure to effectively decrease construction safety accidents. At present, a New Generation of Construction Workers (NGCWs) born after 1980 has [...] Read more.
China’s construction industry developed rapidly and safety production has become a vital issue. Improving the safety behavior of construction workers is an important measure to effectively decrease construction safety accidents. At present, a New Generation of Construction Workers (NGCWs) born after 1980 has gradually become the main force of construction companies in China and the special group characteristics coming from the intergenerational difference may make them behave differently in safety-related activities, therefore, it is very important to study how to promote their safety behavior. This paper aimed to explore the influencing mechanism of job satisfaction on the safety behavior of NGCWs and examine the mediating role of safety knowledge sharing and work engagement. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis were applied to test the theoretical model. Empirical research results indicated that job satisfaction can effectively promote safety behavior through safety knowledge sharing and work engagement. Safety knowledge sharing plays a complete mediating role between job satisfaction and safety compliance behavior, as well as between job satisfaction and safety participation behavior. Moreover, work engagement plays a complete mediating role between job satisfaction and safety participation behavior, which can provide valuable management references for China’s construction companies to strengthen their safety behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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12 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Workers’ Compensation Claims and Payments Made Using Data from a Large Insurance Provider
by Navneet Kaur Baidwan, Nathan W. Carroll, Bunyamin Ozaydin and Neeraj Puro
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7157; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17197157 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2446
Abstract
Background: All states in the USA have established Workers’ Compensation (WC) insurance systems/programs. WC systems address key occupational safety and health concerns. This effort uses data from a large insurance provider for the years 2011–2018 to provide estimates for WC payments, stratified by [...] Read more.
Background: All states in the USA have established Workers’ Compensation (WC) insurance systems/programs. WC systems address key occupational safety and health concerns. This effort uses data from a large insurance provider for the years 2011–2018 to provide estimates for WC payments, stratified by the claim severity, i.e., medical only, and indemnity. Methods: Besides providing descriptive statistics, we used generalized estimating equations to analyze the association between the key injury characteristics (nature, source, and body part injured) and total WC payments made. We also provide the overall cost burden for the former. Results: Out of the total 151,959 closed claims, 83% were medical only. The mean overall WC payment per claim for the claims that resulted in a payment was $1477 (SD: $7221). Adjusted models showed that mean payments vary by claim severity. For example, among medical only claims, the mean payment was the highest for amputations ($3849; CI: $1396, $10,608), and among disability and death related claims, ruptures cost the most ($14,285; $7772, $26,255). With frequencies taken into account, the overall cost burden was however the highest for strains. Conclusions: Workplace interventions should prioritize both the costs of claims on average and the frequency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
9 pages, 937 KiB  
Article
Application of AULA Risk Assessment Tool by Comparison with Other Ergonomic Risk Assessment Tools
by Kyeong-Hee Choi, Dae-Min Kim, Min-Uk Cho, Chae-Won Park, Seoung-Yeon Kim, Min-Jung Kim and Yong-Ku Kong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6479; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17186479 - 05 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4165
Abstract
Agricultural upper limb assessment (AULA), which was developed for evaluating upper limb body postures, was compared with the existing assessment tools such as rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), rapid entire body assessment (REBA), and ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS) based on the [...] Read more.
Agricultural upper limb assessment (AULA), which was developed for evaluating upper limb body postures, was compared with the existing assessment tools such as rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), rapid entire body assessment (REBA), and ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS) based on the results of experts’ assessments of 196 farm tasks in this study. The expert group consisted of ergonomists, industrial medicine experts, and agricultural experts. As a result of the hit rate analysis, the hit rate (average: 48.6%) of AULA was significantly higher than those of the other assessment tools (RULA: 33.3%, REBA: 30.1%, and OWAS: 34.4%). The quadratic weighted kappa analysis also showed that the kappa value (0.718) of AULA was significantly higher than those of the other assessment tools (0.599, 0.578, and 0.538 for RULA, REBA, and OWAS, respectively). Based on the results, AULA showed a better agreement with expert evaluation results than other evaluation tools. In general, other assessment tools tended to underestimate the risk of upper limb posture in this study. AULA would be an appropriate evaluation tool to assess the risk of various upper limb postures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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12 pages, 2399 KiB  
Article
A Comparison Study of Posture and Fatigue of Neck According to Monitor Types (Moving and Fixed Monitor) by Using Flexion Relaxation Phenomenon (FRP) and Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)
by Kyeong-Hee Choi, Min-Uk Cho, Chae-Won Park, Seoung-Yeon Kim, Min-Jung Kim, Boram Hong and Yong-Ku Kong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6345; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17176345 - 31 Aug 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3566
Abstract
This study quantified the neck posture and fatigue using the flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) and craniovertebral angle (CVA); further, it compared the difference between the level of fatigue and neck posture induced by two types of monitors (regular fixed monitor and moving monitor). [...] Read more.
This study quantified the neck posture and fatigue using the flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) and craniovertebral angle (CVA); further, it compared the difference between the level of fatigue and neck posture induced by two types of monitors (regular fixed monitor and moving monitor). Twenty-three male participants were classified into two groups—the low-flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) group and the normal-FRR group, depending on the FRR value. All participants performed a document task for 50 min using both types of monitors. It was found that the FRR values significantly decreased after the documentation task. The CVA analysis showed that the moving monitor’s frequency of forward head posture (FHP) was lower than that for the fixed monitor. Overall, the moving monitor worked better than the fixed monitor; this can be interpreted as proof that such monitors can reduce neck fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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24 pages, 1065 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Safety Risks of Civil Engineering Laboratories Based on Lab Criticity Index: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province
by Yi Zhang, Peng Mao, Hongyang Li, Yuxin Xu, Dan You, Hui Liu, Wei Huang and Jingfeng Yuan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17176244 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3767
Abstract
With the rapid development of the construction industry, an increasing amount of attention were paid by universities to the development of civil engineering experiment courses so as to improve the practical research abilities of students. In recent years, due to the frequent occurrence [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of the construction industry, an increasing amount of attention were paid by universities to the development of civil engineering experiment courses so as to improve the practical research abilities of students. In recent years, due to the frequent occurrence of civil engineering laboratory accidents, it has become an urgent issue regarding on what factors influencing safety risks and how to assess and reduce the safety risks in civil engineering laboratories. Based on the lab criticity index (LCI) model, the research specificities of civil engineering laboratories were analyzed through literature review and expert interviews and 13 risk factors of civil engineering laboratories, from the four aspects of man, object, management, and environment, identified. The data for each parameter in the LCI model was obtained through a questionnaire survey, and finally the LCI value was calculated to evaluate priority. Among them, insufficient safety awareness of operators, danger due to equipment failure, imperfect management policies, and complex floor conditions were listed as the most common risk factors. Based on the LCI model, the worsening factors of these four risk factors were further analyzed. The LCI model is applied to the new research field of safety risk assessment in civil engineering laboratories that few researchers have studied before and a risk list for civil engineering laboratories was created. We revealed the safety status of civil engineering laboratories in Jiangsu Province and provided feasible suggestions for improving the management and supervision of civil engineering laboratories at universities. It can strengthen operator awareness of the risks in civil engineering laboratories and improve the social group’s attention to the safety risks of the laboratories, thus reducing the accidents’ possibility and seriousness of civil engineering laboratories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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15 pages, 5263 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of a Wearable Inertial Sensors-Based Automated System for Assessing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workspace
by Chunxi Huang, Woojoo Kim, Yanxin Zhang and Shuping Xiong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6050; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17176050 - 20 Aug 2020
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 5399
Abstract
The industrial societies face difficulty applying traditional work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk assessment methods in practical applications due to in-situ task dynamics, complex data processing, and the need of ergonomics professionals. This study aims to develop and validate a wearable inertial sensors-based automated [...] Read more.
The industrial societies face difficulty applying traditional work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk assessment methods in practical applications due to in-situ task dynamics, complex data processing, and the need of ergonomics professionals. This study aims to develop and validate a wearable inertial sensors-based automated system for assessing WMSD risks in the workspace conveniently, in order to enhance workspace safety and improve workers’ health. Both postural ergonomic analysis (RULA/REBA) and two-dimensional static biomechanical analysis were automatized as two toolboxes in the proposed system to provide comprehensive WMSD risk assessment based on the kinematic data acquired from wearable inertial sensors. The effectiveness of the developed system was validated through a follow-up experiment among 20 young subjects when performing representative tasks in the heavy industry. The RULA/REBA scores derived from our system achieved high consistency with experts’ ratings (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.83, classification accuracy >88%), and good agreement was also found between low-back compression force from the developed system and the reference system (mean intersystem coefficient of multiple correlation >0.89 and relative error <9.5%). These findings suggested that the wearable inertial sensors-based automated system could be effectively used for WMSD risk assessment of workers when performing tasks in the workspace. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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20 pages, 1573 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Relationship between Work-To-Family Conflict, Job Burnout, Job Outcomes, and Affective Commitment in the Construction Industry
by Cong Liu, Jiming Cao, Peng Zhang and Guangdong Wu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5995; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17165995 - 18 Aug 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4448
Abstract
This study explored the effects of work-to-family conflict on job burnout and job outcomes in the construction industry, focusing on the moderating effects of affective commitment. Based on the conservation of resources theory, a theoretical model introducing affective commitment as a moderating variable [...] Read more.
This study explored the effects of work-to-family conflict on job burnout and job outcomes in the construction industry, focusing on the moderating effects of affective commitment. Based on the conservation of resources theory, a theoretical model introducing affective commitment as a moderating variable was established. A structured questionnaire survey was then implemented among construction professionals in China. A total of 376 valid responses were obtained. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the valid data. The results revealed the following: (i) work-to-family conflict has a significant positive impact on job burnout, but a significant negative impact on job satisfaction and job performance; (ii) job burnout negatively affects job satisfaction and job performance; (iii) affective commitment negatively moderates the effects of work-to-family conflict on job burnout. This study provides a reference for construction companies to manage work-to-family conflict and job burnout of employees, while also improving their affective commitment and job outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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14 pages, 643 KiB  
Article
Predicting Errors, Violations, and Safety Participation Behavior at Nuclear Power Plants
by Tingru Zhang, Zhaopeng Liu, Shiwen Zheng, Xingda Qu and Da Tao
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5613; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17155613 - 04 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3235
Abstract
Commissioning workers at nuclear power plants have long been ignored in previous studies, although their performance is closely related to the overall safety of plants. This study aimed to explain and predict three types of behavior, i.e., errors, violations, and safety participation, of [...] Read more.
Commissioning workers at nuclear power plants have long been ignored in previous studies, although their performance is closely related to the overall safety of plants. This study aimed to explain and predict three types of behavior, i.e., errors, violations, and safety participation, of commissioning workers, under the general framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and by considering organization and planning factors. The validity of the model was evaluated with a sample of 167 commissioning workers who completed a self-reported questionnaire. The results showed that perceived behavioral control, along with organization and planning, significantly affected all types of behavior. It was also found that violations and errors were a direct result of attitude. Besides, errors were predicted by subjective norm; unexpectedly, this occurred in a positive way. These findings revealed the underlying mechanisms for the development of errors, violations, and safety participation among commissioning workers and provided practical implications for safety improvement at the commissioning workplace. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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Review

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14 pages, 1969 KiB  
Review
Implementation of Kinetic and Kinematic Variables in Ergonomic Risk Assessment Using Motion Capture Simulation: A Review
by Muhamad Nurul Hisyam Yunus, Mohd Hafiidz Jaafar, Ahmad Sufril Azlan Mohamed, Nur Zaidi Azraai and Md. Sohrab Hossain
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8342; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18168342 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5732
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most common disorders in any work sector and industry. Ergonomic risk assessment can reduce the risk of WMSDs. Motion capture that can provide accurate and real-time quantitative data has been widely used as a tool for [...] Read more.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most common disorders in any work sector and industry. Ergonomic risk assessment can reduce the risk of WMSDs. Motion capture that can provide accurate and real-time quantitative data has been widely used as a tool for ergonomic risk assessment. However, most ergonomic risk assessments that use motion capture still depend on the traditional ergonomic risk assessment method, focusing on qualitative data. Therefore, this article aims to provide a view on the ergonomic risk assessment and apply current motion capture technology to understand classical mechanics of physics that include velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum in ergonomic risk assessment. This review suggests that using motion capture technologies with kinetic and kinematic variables, such as velocity, acceleration, and force, can help avoid inconsistency and develop more reliable results in ergonomic risk assessment. Most studies related to the physical measurement conducted with motion capture prefer to use non-optical motion capture because it is a low-cost system and simple experimental setup. However, the present review reveals that optical motion capture can provide more accurate data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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11 pages, 6869 KiB  
Review
Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Yusuke Handa, Kenya Okada and Hiroshi Takasaki
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18105171 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2842
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The [...] Read more.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety: Theory, Application, and Practice)
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