Epidemiological and biomechanical evaluation of airline baggage handling

Objectives. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent among airline baggage handlers due to manual materials handling. In this study, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), the revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation, and the University of Michigan 3D Static Strength Prediction Program? (3DSSPP) were used to analyze MSDs among baggage handlers. Methods. The NMQ was filled out by 209 baggage handlers and 46 arbitrarily selected baggage handlers were evaluated using the NIOSH method and 3DSSPP. Results. The obtained results showed that the most common MSDs occurred in the lower back region. The next risky regions included knees, neck, and upper back, respectively. The NIOSH results confirmed that the subjects lifted loads heavier than the permitted limit and their lifting postures were inappropriate. The results of the 3DSSPP also indicated that compression forces exceeded the NIOSH limit in these awkward postures. Conclusions. Relying on this study, holding compulsory ergonomic lifting training courses could be proposed for workers and regulations adjusting an upper limit for maximum baggage weight must be also enacted in order to improve occupational health and prevent the prevalence of increasing MSDs.     

Physical limitations and musculoskeletal complaints associated with work in unusual or restricted postures: a literature review

INTRODUCTION: The vast majority of ergonomics research has addressed the demands of work in standing or sitting postures, and understandably so. However, many workers (e.g., underground miners, aircraft baggage handlers, plumbers, agricultural workers, mechanics, and others) are often required to adopt postures such as kneeling, stooping, squatting, or lying down for significant periods of the workday. METHOD: A literature search was performed using the ISI Web of Science database (for years 1980-2004). Articles retrieved from this search were evaluated in terms of relevance to assessing physical capabilities of workers in these postures and/or the musculoskeletal epidemiology associated with these postures. RESULTS: Work in unusual and restricted postures was associated with significantly higher rates of musculoskeletal complaints compared to workers not adopting these postures in epidemiology studies (Odds Ratios ranging from 1.13 to 13). Some studies suggested a dose-response relationship, with longer exposures leading to increased musculoskeletal complaints. Physical strength and psychophysical lifting capacity vary significantly as unusual or restricted postures are adopted, with lower lifting capacities evident in the kneeling, squatting, and lying positions. CONCLUSIONS: Workers who adopt unusual or restricted postures appear to be at higher risk of musculoskeletal complaints and often exhibit reduced strength and lifting capacity. Research needs in this area include improved exposure assessment tools, studies of intervention effectiveness, adaptations of the body in response of work in unusual postures, and elucidation of relevant injury pathways. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Workers who adopt unusual or restricted postures in their work often experience higher musculoskeletal injury rates. If awkward postures cannot be eliminated in the workplace, jobs should be designed in accordance with the reduced strength and lifting capabilities observed in these postures.     

Lifter,a Computerized Lifting Analysis Technique

A computer driven technique to analyze lifting forces, in non-homogeneous load situations, is described and tested. Analysis is based on a dynamic algorithm aimed to evaluate unconstrained lifting posture and non-homogeneous content of loads. For inputs we use actual geometrical body postures in the form of 3-dimensional co-ordinates obtained from pictures taken at a work site. The outputs show a good match between the findings and pre-study assumptions for balanced and non-balanced load lifting practice. The results of the experiments show a good degree of correlation with results reported by researchers for symmetrical lifting tasks and with National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOSH) lifting guidelines. It is believed that the technique can serve as the proper choice for industrial and safety analysts of lifting activities.     

Three-Dimensional Lifting Model For Non-Homogeneous Loads

A 3-dimensional model and analysis methodology is suggested for treating lifting tasks when unbalanced loads are involved. The paper describes the biomechanical equations that are coupled with the worker’s posture geometry, to address a practical problem of non-symmetric lifting. The analysis has a dominant biomechanical modeling scope, as it contains a breakdown of the internal lifting forces resulting from posture and external loads acting on the body. The load model represents the acting forces due to unbalanced lifting, which is commonly found in industrial situations. The suggested model allows the user to simulate the influence of the practical load distribution, aiding safe design of a lifting job.     

Manual Material Handling Assessment Among Workers of Iranian Casting Workshops

Manual material handling (MMH) tasks can be found in most workplaces and they may constitute a risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and to compare MMH loads with the acceptable weight and force limits among Iranian casting workers. Data were collected from 50 workers of casting workshops who performed MMH tasks. The Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire and the Snook tables were used as tools for data collection. Hand/ wrist symptoms were the most prevalent problems among the workers (84%). The results of the Snook tables showed that the loads in lifting (84%), lowering (86%), carrying (66%), pushing with initial (43%) and sustained force (59%), and pulling tasks with initial (48%) and sustained force (93%) exceeded recommended limits. WMSDs occurred in high rates among the workers and, thus, ergonomics interventions should focus on decreasing WMSDs and redesigning MMH tasks.     

机场旅客行李托运差异化安检模式安全性研究*

为减少因违禁物品托运引发的不安全事件,基于原有安检模式,提出行李托运差异化安检模式,结合搜索-决策检查模型,建立系统错误报警及错误通过率公式,得到行李托运安检系统准确度-速度变化规律。结果表明:差异化安检模式一方面提高系统安全性,另一方面提升安检效率,节约安检资源。研究结果可为机场调整安检策略提供参考。     

考虑旅客携行行为的安检系统服务参数优化研究*

为提高公共交通安检系统服务效率,考虑旅客“绕行取行李”“等待取行李”的携行行为,分析安检系统服务流程,构建安检系统的Jackson排队网络模型;分析旅客人体安检和行李安检之间的速度差,厘定在携行行为条件下及不同情境中旅客提取行李前的等待时间,并修正安检系统的Jackson排队网络模型;优化安检系统服务参数,实现系统服务设施的最优配置;以某公共客运站为研究对象,进行案例验证分析。结果表明:优化模型不仅能改善安检服务设施配置效率,而且显著降低系统稳态条件下的平均等待队长;增加“绕行取行李”行为的旅客比例能显著降低旅客提取行李前的平均等待时间。     

The role of design issues in work-related fatal injury in Australia

PROBLEM: This study aimed to provide an assessment of the contribution of design to the occurrence of fatal work-related injuries in Australia. METHODS: The Australian National Coroners' Information System was the data source for fatal injuries. Deaths resulting from workplace injuries on or between 1 July 2000 and 30 June 2002 were included. RESULTS: Seventy seven (37%) of the 210 identified workplace fatalities definitely or probably had design-related issues involved. In another 29 (14%), the circumstances were suggestive that design issues were involved. The most common scenarios involved problems with rollover protective structures and/or associated seat belts; inadequate guarding; lack of residual current devices; inadequate fall protection; failed hydraulic lifting systems in vehicles and mobile equipment; and inadequate protection mechanisms on mobile plant and vehicles. SUMMARY: Design is a significant contributor to work-related fatal injury in Australia. There is considerable scope for preventing serious work-related injury through improving design of plant, equipment, and vehicles used for work-related purposes.     

Predictive Models of Lumbar Loadings When Handling Boxes

Back problems resulting from the compression forces on the intervertebral disks during manual material-handling tasks are an important problem affecting workers in various industries. The quantification of these forces using intradiscal pressure or biomechanical modeling is complex, time consuming, and costly, and these methods cannot be readily used in the workplace to estimate loadings on the lower back. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model that would allow the estimation of lumbar loadings for lifting and lowering boxes using easily measured anthropometric variables and variables related to the task. A dynamic and planar segmental model and a model of internal forces at L5/S1 were used to determine the compression forces on the lower back. Two predictive models, a field model and a laboratory model, were developed to estimate the compression forces when lifting or lowering 3.3 kg to 22.0 kg boxes between heights of 15 cm and 185 cm. Both models were validated by an examination of the residuals. Their predictive performance was also compared, with the laboratory model offering a slightly better prediction than the field model. Thus, these equations represent a practical tool for a better planning of handling tasks in the working environment with the purpose of reducing the back injuries of workers.     

旅客行李对高速客车车厢火源热释放速率的影响研究

为了得到考虑旅客行李影响情况下的高速客车车厢火源热释放速率的合理取值范围,以CRH1型动车组二等座车厢为例,以锥型量热仪和大型量热仪测定的高速客车车体内材料和行李的燃烧性能为输入参数,运用FDS软件模拟9种火灾场景下车厢的火源热释放速率随时间的变化规律,分析行李重量对车厢火源热释放速率的影响。研究结果表明:旅客行李对高速客车车厢火源热释放速率的影响是与通风条件协同作用的结果;在车门与车窗关闭条件下,旅客行李对于火源热释放速率的贡献值基本可忽略;在车门开启与车窗关闭条件下,旅客人均携带10kg和20kg行李时,行李对车厢火源热释放速率的贡献值为0.24MW和0.6MW,贡献率为5%和11%;在车门与逃生车窗开启条件下,旅客人均携带10kg和20kg行李时,行李对车厢火源热释放速率的贡献值分别为1.3MW和3.8MW,贡献率分别为7%和21%。     

民航旅客行李托运差异化安检设备联合响应研究*

为提高行李托运差异化安检系统安全性,基于安检设备的依赖关系,提出行李托运安检设备联合响应研究;根据旅客风险属性对其托运行李实施差异化安检,利用二维正态分布建立安检设备的响应分布函数,进行安检设备响应值的数据融合;将系统错误率作为评价指标对比设备联合响应与设备独立响应,分析设备之间的相关系数、报警阈值对系统安全性的影响,并借助ROC曲线得到最优设备报警阈值。研究结果表明:在行李托运差异化安检系统中,设备联合响应优于设备独立响应。研究结果可为民航旅客行李托运安检提供设备支持。     

Cardiovascular stress, energy expenditure and subjective perceived ratings of fire fighters during typical fire suppression and rescue tasks.

The study determined physiological and psychophysical responses to fire fighters' typical activities. Self-reported assessment of the most demanding fire fighting/rescue tasks were collected with a questionnaire. Then 19 voluntary fire fighters performed 3 simulated fire fighting/rescue tasks in protective clothing. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure and energy expenditure were measured; the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed with the Borg scale. The questionnaires showed that carrying out victims, fire suppression and resuscitation were classified as heavy load; climbing stairs with a hose as moderate load. According to RPE the subjects considered their effort during ladder climbing fairly light and only somewhat harder during stair climbing and carrying out injured people. The study demonstrated that typical fire fighting/rescue tasks were associated with high energy expenditure and imposed considerable cardiovascular stress. The Borg scale appeared not suitable for assessing perceived exertion in fire fighters during simulated tasks.     

CRH_1型动车组一等座车厢火源热释放速率研究

为了得到不同通风条件和旅客行李条件下CRH1动车组一等座车厢的火源热释放速率的合理取值范围,以CRH1型动车组一等座车厢为研究对象,以锥形量热仪和大型量热仪测定的高速客车车体内材料和行李的燃烧性能为输入参数,运用FDS软件模拟6种火灾场景下车厢的火源热释放速率随时间的变化规律,分析了通风条件、火灾荷载密度、可燃物间距和行李重量对车厢火源热释放速率的影响。研究结果表明:在不考虑旅客行李时,各种通风条件下车厢最大火灾热释放速率在1.86-4.34MW之间;在车门与车窗开启条件下,与不考虑旅客行李的情况比较,人均携带10、20kg行李时,火源热释放速率分别增加了12.84、15.38MW,增加的幅度分别为570%和684%。     

Fall from equipment injuries in U.S. mining: Identification of specific research areas for future investigation

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the circumstances leading to fall from equipment injuries in the mining industry.

Method

The 2006 and 2007 Mine Safety and Health Administration annual injury databases were utilized for this study whereby the injury narrative, nature of injury, body part injured, mine type, age at injury, and days lost were evaluated for each injury.

Results

The majority of injuries occurred at surface mining facilities (∼ 60%) with fractures and sprains/strains being the most common injuries occurring to the major joints of the body. Nearly 50% of injuries occurred during ingress/egress, predominately during egress, and approximately 25% of injuries occurred during maintenance tasks. The majority of injuries occurred in relation to large trucks, wheel loaders, dozers, and conveyors/belts. The severity of injury was independent of age and the median days lost was seven days; however, there was a large range in severity.

Impact on industry

From the data obtained in this study, several different research areas have been identified for future work, which include balance and stability control when descending ladders and equipment design for maintenance tasks.     

Lifting strength in two-person teamwork

This study examined the effects of lifting range, hand-to-toe distance, and lifting direction on single-person lifting strengths and two-person teamwork lifting strengths. Six healthy males and seven healthy females participated in this study. Two-person teamwork lifting strengths were examined in both strength-matched and strength-unmatched groups. Our results showed that lifting strength significantly decreased with increasing lifting range or hand-to-toe distance. However, lifting strengths were not affected by lifting direction. Teamwork lifting strength did not conform to the law of additivity for both strength-matched and strength-unmatched groups. In general, teamwork lifting strength was dictated by the weaker of the two members, implying that weaker members might be exposed to a higher potential danger in teamwork exertions. To avoid such overexertion in teamwork, members with significantly different strength ability should not be assigned to the same team.     

Attributes of Occupational Injury Among Workers in the Chemical Industry and Safety Issues

Case-study research was carried out with a view to find the attributes of occupational injury among workers in the chemical industry and to enhance safety issues. Injury data were collected and processed in terms of different variables, such as age, gender, skills, type of hazard, etc. Pareto analysis was then applied to find a pattern of occupational injury among the workers. The study revealed that 79.52% of the injured workers were in the 40–59 age group; 57.14% of accidents occurred during the 1st shift; 73.26% of accidents caused injury to hands, feet, chest to thigh, arms and eyes; and 70.93% of injuries were caused by pumps, carrying and lifting, vehicles, pipelines, valves, and grinding. Surprisingly, no one was injured in the group of temporary workers. The paper also provides specific suggestions followed by some action plans.     

Attributes of occupational injury among workers in the chemical industry and safety issues.

Case-study research was carried out with a view to find the attributes of occupational injury among workers in the chemical industry and to enhance safety issues. Injury data were collected and processed in terms of different variables, such as age, gender, skills, type of hazard, etc. Pareto analysis was then applied to find a pattern of occupational injury among the workers. The study revealed that 79.52% of the injured workers were in the 40-59 age group; 57.14% of accidents occurred during the 1st shift; 73.26% of accidents caused injury to hands, feet, chest to thigh, arms and eyes; and 70.93% of injuries were caused by pumps, carrying and lifting, vehicles, pipelines, valves, and grinding. Surprisingly, no one was injured in the group of temporary workers. The paper also provides specific suggestions followed by some action plans.     

A survey of forest workers in New Zealand. Do hours of work, rest, and recovery play a role in accidents and injury?

PROBLEM: A number of structural and organizational changes have occurred recently within the New Zealand Forestry Industry, with concerns being raised about the impact of these changes on the forestry worker in terms of fatigue, sleepiness, and compromised safety. This study explored the relationship of fatigue, and some of its key determinants, with accidents and injuries in a group of forestry industry workers in New Zealand. METHOD: A total of 367 forestry workers responded to a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Fatigue was found to be commonly experienced at work in the forest, with 78% of workers reporting that they experienced fatigue at least "sometimes." This study found that certain groups of workers reported long working hours, reduced sleep, compromised recovery time, and intensely paced work. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that recent sleep, number of breaks taken during the workday, and specific job/tasks were independently associated with reporting of high fatigue levels at work. Near-miss injury events were significantly more common among those reporting a high level of fatigue at work. Accidents and lost-time injury were associated with length of time at work, ethnicity, and having had near-miss injury events. DISCUSSION: Together, these results suggest that fatigue and aspects of work organization, which are likely to be fatiguing, may be associated with compromised safety for forest workers. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: With an already slim margin of error present in forest operations, an impairment due to increased fatigue may constitute a significant risk factor for accidents and injuries in this workforce. The results indicate the need for further examination of shift and workload management among forestry workers, as well as a role for improving industry awareness about the causes and consequences of fatigue.