Stressful work characteristics,health indicators and work behavior: the case of machine operators

This article shows the results of research on psychosocial risks for a group of machine and plant operators (n?=?1014) from the construction, chemical, energy, mining, metal and food industries in Poland. The Psychosocial Risk Scale designed in Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) by Moscicka-Teske and Potocka was used to indicate the occurrence of general and specific occupational stressors and the level of their stressfulness. The results revealed that the studied machine and plant operators experience job context stress – related to working environment features concerning work organization – more frequently than job content stressors – related to the type of tasks they perform. Moreover, a correlation analysis between work features and the health and occupational functioning of the respondents revealed significant but weak relationships between the variables (from ?0.08 to ?0.23). Comparative analysis revealed the differences between the studied sectors. Such a comparison makes it possible to set goals for each sector and to attempt to improve the distinctive areas.     

Effect of Different Types of Rest-Break Interventions on Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activity,Perceived Discomfort and Productivity in Symptomatic VDU Operators: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. This study evaluated the effect of different types of activities during rest-break interventions on neck and shoulder muscle activity, muscle discomfort and productivity among symptomatic video display unit (VDU) operators performing prolonged computer terminal work. Study design and setting. Randomized controlled trial was used. Thirty symptomatic VDU operators were randomly assigned to 2 active break groups (stretching and dynamic movement) and a reference group. The subjects performed the same typing task for 60 min and received 3-min breaks after each 20 min of work. Root mean square and median frequency were calculated for neck and shoulder muscle activity. Muscle discomfort was measured with Borg’s CR-10 scale. Productivity was measured by counting words. Results. There were no significant differences between the types of activities during breaks on neck and shoulder muscle activity, muscle discomfort or productivity. However, there was a significant difference in the level of muscle discomfort over time. Conclusions. Three types of activity during breaks showed a favourable effect on neck and shoulder muscle activity and productivity, and a positive effect on muscle discomfort in symptomatic VDU operators.     

Ergonomic design and evaluation of a diagnostic ultrasound transducer holder

Background. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the body’s movement and musculoskeletal system. Awkward postures represent one of the major ergonomic risk factors that cause WMSDs among sonographers while working with an ultrasound transducer. This study aimed to design and evaluate a new holder for the ultrasound transducer. Materials and methods. In the first phase a new holder was designed for the transducer, considering design principles. Evaluation of the new holder was then carried out by electrogoniometry and a locally perceived discomfort (LPD) scale. Results. The application of design principles to the new holder resulted in an improvement of wrist posture and comfort. Wrist angles in extension, flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation were lower with utilization of the new holder. The severity of discomfort based on the LPD method in the two modes of work with and without the new holder was reported with values of 1.3 and 1.8, respectively (p?<?0.05). Conclusion. Overall, this study indicated that applying ergonomics design principles was effective in minimizing wrist deviation and increasing comfort while working with the new holder.     

A Method for Response Time Measurement of Electrosensitive Protective Devices

A great step toward the improvement of safety at work was made when electrosensitive protective devices (ESPDs) were applied to the protection of press and robot-assisted manufacturing system operators. The way the device is mounted is crucial. The parameters of ESPD mounting that ensure safe distance from the controlled dangerous zone are response time, sensitivity, and the dimensions of the detection zone. The proposed experimental procedure of response time measurement is realized in two steps, with a test piece penetrating the detection zone twice. In the first step, low-speed penetration (at a speed v^m) enables the detection zone border to be localized. In the second step of measurement, the probe is injected at a high speed V^d. The actuator rod position is measured and when it is equal to the value L registered by the earlier measurements, counting time begins as well as the monitoring of the state of the equipment under test (EUT) output relays. After the state changes, time tp is registered. The experimental procedure is realized on a special experimental stand. Because the stand has been constructed for certification purposes, the design satisfies the requirements imposed by Polski Komitet Normalizacyjny (PKN, 1995). The experimental results prove the measurement error to be smaller than ± 0.6 ms.     

An ergonomics study on wrist posture when using laparoscopic tools in four techniques in minimally invasive surgery

Purpose. With reference to four minimally invasive surgery (MIS) cholecystectomies, the aims were (a) to recognize the factors influencing dominant wrist postures manifested by the surgeon; (b) to detect risk factors involved in maintaining deviated wrist postures; (c) to compare the wrist postures of surgeons while using laparoscopic tools. Methods. Video films were recorded during live surgeries. The films were synchronized with wrist joint angles obtained from wireless electrogoniometers placed on the surgeon's hand. The analysis was conducted for five laparoscopic tools used during all surgical techniques. Results. The most common wrist posture was extension. In the case of one laparoscopic tool, the mean values defining extended wrist posture were distinct in all four surgical techniques. For one type of surgical technique, considered the most beneficial for patients, more extreme postures were noticed regarding all laparoscopic tools. We recognized a new factor, apart from the tool's handle design, that influences extreme and deviated wrist postures. It involves three areas of task specification including the type of action, type of motion patterns and motion dynamism. Conclusions. The outcomes proved that the surgical technique which is best for the patient imposes the greatest strain on the surgeon's wrist.?     

Hand-arm vibration disorder among grass-cutter workers in Malaysia

Introduction. Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from grass-cutting machines has been associated with increasing occurrences of symptoms and signs of occupational diseases related to hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out using an adopted HAVS questionnaire on hand–arm vibration exposure and symptoms distributed to 168 male workers from the grass and turf maintenance industry who use hand-held grass-cutting machines as part of their work. The prevalence ratio and symptom correlation to HAVS between high and low–moderate exposure risk groups were evaluated. Results. There were positive HAVS symptoms relationships between the low–moderate exposure group and the high exposure group among hand-held grass-cutting workers. The prevalence ratio was considered high because there were indicators that fingers turned white and felt numb, 3.63, 95% CI [1.41, 9.39] and 4.24, 95% CI [2.18, 8.27], respectively. Less than 14.3% of workers stated that they were aware of the occupational hand–arm vibration, and it seemed to be related to the finger blanching and numbness. Conclusion. The results suggest that HAVS is under-diagnosed in Malaysia, especially in the agricultural sectors. More information related to safety and health awareness programmes for HAVS exposure is required among hand-held grass-cutting workers.     

Effects of new technologies with special regard for the implementation process per se

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the implementation process to new technologies [e.g. drawing board/computer-aided design (CAD), microfiche/electronic data processing] on the employees concerned. Since the emphasis of the study lay in the intrinsic relationship of the implementation process with stress reactions, the parameters were measured at the place of work in a longitudinal design. Employees (n = 279) in seven companies (work fields: CAD, clerical work, telephone information desk) were tested three times — two months prior to, during, and 12 months after implementation. Aspects of strain and satisfaction were taken into account at each measurement phase. A special test-instrument was designed to describe the ’style of implementation‘ (manner in which implementation took place) particular to each company. The level of strain was found to increase during the implementation process. The amount of this increase was found to correlate with the company's style of implementation as well as with the type of the individual's work activity. The highest levels were found among those employees little included in the implementation process and those whose work is described as monotonous.     

Development of safer fodder-cutter machines: a case study from north India

Fodder-cutter machines are used everyday by farmers and their families in India for preparation of fodder for the livestock they own. An epidemiological study done in north India showed that all age groups sustain fodder-cutter injuries while operating the machine. More than 45 and 64% of the victims were children below 15 years of age in Phase I and II. The injuries led to a large number of limb amputations [43 cases (80%)] among the persons operating the machine or playing with the machine taking treatments in the study area hospitals. A detailed study of injuries and machine characteristics resulted in a safer fodder-cutter design. The design changes are cost effective and can be incorporated,in both existing and new fodder-cutter machines. This paper reports the process of the community-based study and the safer design features of fodder-cutter machine.     

Will Musculoskeletal,Visual and Psychosocial Stress Change for Visual Display Unit (VDU) Operators When Moving From a Single-Occupancy Office to an Office Landscape?

This study investigated the effect of moving from single-occupancy offices to a landscape environment. Thirty-two visual display unit (VDU) operators reported no significant change in visual discomfort. Lighting conditions and glare reported subjectively showed no significant correlation with visual discomfort. Experience of pain was found to reduce subjectively rated work capacity during VDU tasks. The correlation between visual discomfort and reduced work capacity for single-occupancy offices was r_s = .88 (p = .000) and for office landscape r_s = .82 (p = .000). Eye blink rate during habitual VDU work was recorded for 12 operators randomly selected from the 32 participants in the office landscape. A marked drop in eye blink rate during VDU work was found compared to eye blink rate during easy conversation. There were no significant changes in pain intensity in the neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist/hand, back or headache (.24 < p < .67). Pain levels in different body areas were significantly correlated with reduced work capacity, .77 < r_s < .99 (p = .000).     

Pulling force prediction using neural networks

Purpose. In ergonomics and human factors investigations, pulling force (PF) estimation has usually been achieved using various types of biomechanical models, and independent approximation of PF was done with the help of upper extremity joints. Recently, multiple regression methods have gained importance for task-relevant inputs in predicting PF. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) also play a vital role in fitting the data; however, their use in work-related biomechanics and ergonomics is inadequate. Therefore, the current research aimed to accomplish comparative investigation of ANN and regression models by assessing their capacity to predict PF values. Methods. Multipositional PF data were acquired from 200 subjects at three different handle heights and body locations. ANN and regression models were formed using a random sample of three subsets (75% training, 15% selection, 10% validation) for proving the outcomes. Results. The comparison of ANN and regression models shows that the predictions of ANN models had a profoundly explained variance and lower root mean square difference values for the PF data at three handle heights. Conclusions. These outcomes advise that ANNs offer a precise and robust substitute for regression methods, and should be considered a useful method in biomechanics and ergonomics task assessments.     

Workspace design for crane cabins applying a combined traditional approach and the Taguchi method for design of experiments

Procedures in the development process of crane cabins are arbitrary and subjective. Since approximately 42% of incidents in the construction industry are linked to them, there is a need to collect fresh anthropometric data and provide additional recommendations for design. In this paper, dimensioning of the crane cabin interior space was carried out using a sample of 64 crane operators’ anthropometric measurements, in the Republic of Serbia, by measuring workspace with 10 parameters using nine measured anthropometric data from each crane operator. This paper applies experiments run via full factorial designs using a combined traditional and Taguchi approach. The experiments indicated which design parameters are influenced by which anthropometric measurements and to what degree. The results are expected to be of use for crane cabin designers and should assist them to design a cabin that may lead to less strenuous sitting postures and fatigue for operators, thus improving safety and accident prevention.     

Evaluating the usability of a commercial cooling vest in the Hong Kong industries

Objective. The provision of appropriate personal cooling vests is recognized as an effective measure to combat heat stress. However, personal cooling vests are not widely implemented in the Hong Kong industries. The current study aims to evaluate the usability of a hybrid cooling vest that is associated with the success of its application in industrial settings. Methods. A self-administrated questionnaire focusing on 10 subjective attributes of cooling effect, ergonomic design and usability of a hybrid cooling vest was administered with 232 occupational workers in the construction, horticultural and cleaning, airport apron services and kitchen and catering industries. Results. A structural equation model estimated by analysis of moment structures was constructed to evaluate the usability of the cooling vest, as influenced by cooling effect and ergonomic design. Results showed that cooling effect (path coefficient?=?0.69, p?p?Conclusions. The structural equation model is feasible to examine the complex nature of the structural relationships among the subjective perceptions of personal cooling vests. The empirical findings furnish sound evidence for further optimization of the hybrid cooling vest in terms of cooling effect and ergonomic design for occupational workers.     

Combined Effects of Physical Demands and Shift Working on Low Back Disorders Among Nursing Personnel

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of physical demands and shift working on low back disorders (LBDs) among nursing personnel. The study used 2 questionnaires: a self-administered questionnaire composed of parts of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to assess LBDs and job content questionnaire to assess physical demands. The participants were divided into 4 groups: from group 1 (low physical demands day workers) to group 4 (high physical demands shift workers). In regression analysis, high physical demands were associated with the prevalence of LBDs independently (OR 4.4, 95% CI [2.40, 8.00] and p < .05), but there was no association between shift working and LBDs (p > .05). Odds ratio in high physical demands shift workers was 9.33 compared to the reference group (p < .001). Calculated synergistic index was 7.37. Simultaneous impacts of shift working and high physical demands may increase the prevalence of LBDs among nursing personnel.     

Factors associated with motorcycle traffic crash fatalities among active duty U.S. Army personnel

Objective: Research on factors associated with motorcycle fatalities among active duty U.S. Army personnel is limited. This analysis describes motorcycle crash–related injuries from 1995 through 2014 and assesses the effect of alcohol use and helmet use on the risk of fatal injury among active duty U.S. Army motorcycle operators involved in a traffic crash, controlling for other factors shown to be potentially associated with fatality in this population.

Methods: Demographics, crash information, and injury data were obtained from safety reports maintained in the Army Safety Management Information System. Traffic crashes were defined as crashes occurring on a paved public or private roadway or parking area, including those on a U.S. Army installation. Analysis was limited to motorcycle operators. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) from a multivariable analysis estimated the effect of alcohol use and helmet use on the risk of a fatal injury given a crash occurred, controlling for operator and crash characteristics.

Results: Of the 2,852 motorcycle traffic crashes, most involved men (97%), operators aged 20–29 years of age (60%), and operators who wore helmets (95%) and did not use alcohol (92%). Two thirds of reported crashes resulted in injuries requiring a lost workday; 17% resulted in fatality. Controlling for operator and crash characteristics, motorcycle traffic crashes involving operators who had used alcohol had a 3.1 times higher odds of fatality than those who did not use alcohol (OR =3.14; 95% CI, 2.17–4.53). Operators who did not wear a helmet had 1.9 times higher odds of fatality than those who did wear a helmet (OR =1.89; 95% CI, 1.24–2.89).

Conclusions: Among U.S. Army motorcycle operators, alcohol use and not wearing a helmet increased the odds of fatality, given that a crash occurred, and additional modifiable risk factors were identified. Results will help inform U.S. Army motorcycle policies and training.     

An Observation Method for Analyzing Operators’ Routine Activity in Computerized Control Rooms

An activity analysis method was developed for studying the structure and dynamics of control room operators’ activity during normal operation based on directly observable elements of the operators’ behavior. The method assesses current activity along three dimensions in each 5-min period of the shift. Intensity characterizes arousal level, direction shows whether the activity is directed predominantly at the process control task, at something else, or miscellaneous. Motivation reflects if the activity is driven by intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. A case study is presented, in which 3 morning, 3 afternoon, and 3 night shifts of a Nuclear Power Plant operator crew are involved. The obtained results gave a deeper understanding of the operators’ activity and also revealed an “arousal compensation” tendency.     

Prevalence of alcohol-impaired driving and riding in northern Ghana

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the roadside prevalence of alcohol-impaired driving among drivers and riders in northern Ghana. The study also verifies motorists' perceptions of their own alcohol use and knowledge of the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Ghana.

Method: With the assistance of police, systematic random sampling was used to collect data at roadblocks using a cross-sectional study design. Breathalyzers were used to screen whether motorists had detectable alcohol in their breath and follow-up breath tests were conducted to measure the actual breath alcohol levels among positive participants.

Results: In all, 9.7% of the 789 participants had detectable alcohol, among whom 6% exceeded the legal BAC limit of 0.08%. The prevalence of alcohol-impaired driving/riding was highest among cyclists (10% of all cyclists breath-tested) followed by truck drivers (9%) and motorcyclists (7% of all motorcyclists breath-tested). The occurrence of a positive BAC among cyclists was about 8 times higher (odds ratio [OR] = 7.73; P < .001) and it was 2 times higher among motorcyclists (OR = 2.30; P = .039) compared to private car drivers. The likelihood for detecting a positive BAC among male motorists/riders was higher than that among females (OR = 1.67; P = .354). The odds for detecting a positive BAC among weekend motorists/riders was significantly higher than on weekdays (OR = 2.62; P = .001).

Conclusion: Alcohol-impaired driving/riding in Ghana is high by international standards. In order to attenuate the harmful effects of alcohol misuse such as alcohol-impaired driving/riding, there is the need to educate road users about how much alcohol they can consume and stay below the legal limit. The police should also initiate random breath testing to instill the deterrence of detection, certainty of apprehension and punishment, and severity and celerity of punishment among drink-driving motorists and riders.     

Research on simultaneous impact of hand-arm and whole-body vibration

This article presents the results of laboratory tests on the combined effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) and hand-arm vibration (HAV). The reactions of subjects exposed to various combinations of vibration were recorded. The vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) test identified changes caused by exposure to vibration. Ten male subjects met the criteria of the study. There were 4 series of tests: a reference test and tests after exposure to HAV, WBV, and after simultaneous exposure to HAV and WBV. An analysis of the results (6000 ascending and descending VPTs) showed that the changes in VPTs were greatest after simultaneous exposure to both kinds of vibration. The increase in VPT, for all stimulus frequencies, was then higher than after exposure to HAV or WBV only.     

工作场所手传振动的测量与评估——以割草机和绿篱机为例

根据ISO 5349:2001规定，将三轴加速度传感器安装在割草机和绿篱机的手柄上，通过振动分析仪AWA 6258测量割草机和绿篱机的频率计权振动总值，以进行手传振动的危害评估。结果表明:割草机和绿篱机的日振动暴露量A(8)值均超过了我国标准规定的日暴露振动限值3.5 m/s2，预计分别经过1.8～8.5 a和1.9～5.2 a后，暴露于割草和修枝工种人群的10%以上将出现振动性白指，为了有效降低或避免手臂振动病的发生，该行业的作业人员每日接触振动的时间应该控制在2.6 h以内。     

Investigation into effects of work-related quality of life and some related factors on cognitive failures among nurses

Objective. Cognitive failure is one of the factors which can be influenced by personal and professional characteristics. This research was carried out to study the effect of work-related quality of life (WRQoL) and some related factors on cognitive failures (CF) among nurses. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in intensive care units, critical care units and emergency units in 2014. Results. In total, 750 nurses participated in the study. The mean?±?SD for the total CF and WRQoL was 40.5?±?12.7 and 75.8?±?13.7 respectively. The results show that CF have a statistically significant difference among the age groups, experience groups and working units. Multiple regression tests show that age, income and WRQoL have a significant effect on CF. Based on the results, for a unit increase in WRQoL we expect a 0.26 unit decrease in CF. Analysis of variance results show that the emergency ward had changed the overall effect of WRQoL on CF, after the effect of WRQoL was controlled. Conclusions. Overall results from the present research indicated that, despite the high level of WRQoL among the studied nurses, the rate of CF was not at an appropriate level. Development of supportive and interventional strategies is highly recommended.     

Abstracts

Cancer mortality of art glass workers in Tuscany, Italy. R. Pirastu, D. Bartoli, G. Battista, M. DeSantis, T. Iaia, D. Orsi, M. Tarchi, M. Valiani. Scand J Work Environ Health, 24(5): 386-391.Objectives: This study considers the cause-specific mortality from cancer among art glass workers employed in 17 industrial facilities in Tuscany, Italy.Methods: A cohort of 3390 workers, 3180 men and 210 women, employed at least 1 year, was taken from December 1993. The cause-specific expected mortality from cancer was computed for men relative to Tuscany rates, specified for gender, 5-year age groups, and calendar year. Separate analyses were carried out for the job title of maker and former and for batch mixers.Results: For 3180 men, the observed mortality was above the expected for larynx [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 166, 90% confidence interval (90% CI) 90 —282], lung (SMR 123, 90% CI 100—151), stomach (SMR 105, 90% CI 76 —142), and brain (SMR 150, 90% CI 71—282) cancer. Increases for these causes were also found for the makers and formers. Mortality from larynx and lung cancer increased with latency, and significantly increased SMR values were observed for ≥21 years since first exposure. The increasing pattern was also present after adjustment for smoking.Conclusions: The results showed consistently increased mortality from larynx and lung cancer in the overall cohort and among makers and formers. Stomach and brain cancer was also increased in the overall cohort and among the makers and formers.Occupational skin and respiratory diseases among hairdressers. T. Leino, L. Tammilehto, M. Hytönen, E. Sala, H. Paakkulainen, L. Kanerva. Scand J Work Environ Health, Vol. 24, No. 5, 398-406.Objectives: The occurrrence and causes of hairdressers' occupational skin and respiratory diseases were studied.Methods: Of a random sample of 500 female hairdressers aged 15-54 years, 355 were available for study. Of the 189 reporting work-related skin and respiratory symptoms in a computer-aided telephone interview on exposure and health, 130 underwent a physical examination, lung funtion tests, prick and patch testing, and nasal and lung provocation tests. An occupational disease was diagnosed when the causality between exposure and disease was probable and the clinical tests supported the diagnosis.Results: The telephone interview revealed a life-time prevalence of 16.9% for hand dermatoses, 16.9% for allergic rhinitis, and 4.5% for asthma among the hairdressers. In the clinical investigations, the prevalence was 2.8% for occupational dermatoses, 1.7% for occupational rhinitis, and 0.8% for occupational asthma. Ammonium perfulfate caused 90% of the respiratory diseases and 27% of the hand dermatoses. Paraphenylenediamine, natural rubber latex, and skin irritation were also causes of hand dermatitis. Allergy to human dandruff (8.6%) and Pityrosporum ovale (12.2%) was common. Previously diagnosed atopic diseases increased the risk for occupational skin or respiratory disease 3-fold (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1—7.9). Of the cases, 37.5% (6 of 16 persons) had to change occupations during a 3-year follow-up.Conclusions: Work-related skin and respiratory symptoms are common among hairdressers. Often a specific cause (e.g., ammonium persulfate) can be found if occupational diseases are suspected and diagnosed. Hairdressers with atopic diseases are at risk of developing occupational skin and respiratory diseases.Job demands, muscle activity and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to work with the computer mouse. C. Jensen, V. Borg, L. Finsen, K. Hansen, B. Juul-Kristensen, H. Christensen. Scand J Work Environ Health, Vol. 24, No. 5, 418-424.Objectives: This study assessed work postures, movements, psychosocial job demands, and shoulder and wrist extensor muscle activity and registered the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of computer-aided design (CAD) operators.Methods: A questionnaire survey was used to study the use of the computer mouse, psychosocial work factors, and musculoskeletal symptoms among 149 CAD operators. A workplace study was performed using observations electrogoniometers on the wrists, and electromyography to measure exposures and physiological responses during CAD work among a subgroup of the CAD operators.Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms were far more prevalent for the arm or hand operating the mouse than for the other arm or hand, and women were more affected than men. The symptoms may be related to such risk factors as repetitive movements, static postures (e.g., ulnar-deviated and extended wrist on the mouse side), and static muscular activation patterns. The risk factors were present due to continuous mouse use and possible also due to high demands for mental attentiveness, precision, and information processing.Conclusions: Exposure during work with a computer mouse may present a risk for devloping musculoskeletal symptoms. Improvements should focus on introducing more variation.Driver behavior at rail-highway crossings. J. Abraham, T. Datta, & S. Datta. Transportation Research Record, 1648. Paper No. 98-0632.A study of driver behavior at 37 rail-highway crossings in Michigan revealed the possible associations between past crash histories and violations. Data collection included recording license plate numbers for violating vehicles, driver gender, approximate age of the driver, and the vehicle make and model. Driver violations were categorized into five different levels of severity ranging from routine to critical. The 37 study sites were subdivided into four groups based on crossing geometry and traffic control. The number of sites in the groups ranged from 5 to 18. Seven years of crash data on the study sites were considered for significance testing. Observed violation data for the same groups were calculated, and tests for statistical significance were performed on them. The results of this study indicated promise for the use of the violation data in determining the relative hazardousness of rail-highway crossings in combination with crash histories. The violation data may also be used to develop countermeasures that would help alleviate violations and eventually traffic crash problems at rail-highway crossing sites. Targeted enforcement as well should assist in driver behavioral modifications. Additionally, the timely arrival of trains after the warning devices are triggered is an essential element that motorists assess when considering taking risks.Airbags: an exploratory survey of public knowledge and attitudes. T. Nelson, D. Sussman, J. Graham. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 31(4), 371-379.The present study examines public knowledge and opinion in the United States on issues related to airbag safety. Data were obtained through a national random digit-dial telephone survey of 1005 people living in the contiguous 48 United States. A majority of respondents (1) know that airbags can harm drivers seated too close to the steering wheel; (2) know that rear-facing infant seats should not be placed in the front seat of a car with passenger-side airbags; and (3) know that airbags are saving more lives of women drivers than are being lost. However, most respondents did not know the (1) airbags are killing more children than they are saving; (2) airbags can injure properly belted drivers; and (3) the majority of the lives saved by airbags have been among people who were not wearing safety belts. Knowledge of airbag risks to children and properly belted drivers was significantly associated with a less favorable attitude toward airbags, and with opposition toward the law mandating airbags on all new cars. Drivers of vehicles equipped with airbags held more favorable attitudes toward airbag technology. Further analysis suggest that as the public begins to understand the risks associated with airbags, the current high level of public support for the technology and the mandatory regulation may decline.The relationship of traffic accidents with personality traits. B. Alparslan, C. Dereboy, S. Savk, H. Kaynak, I. Dereboy, E. Cullu, I. Ozkan, S. Ayaz. J. Traffic Me 27(1-2), 25-30.Objective: This study aims to compare traffic accident involved drivers with non-involved drivers in terms of various personality traits and socioeconomic variables.Methods: Ninety-eight drivers consecutively involved in motor accidents within the first four months of 1997 comprised the study group, whereas 88 non-involved drivers served as the control group. The self-report inventory of SCID-II (Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R) was administered to each subject. In addition, we collected data representing the subjects' sociodemographic characteristics, driving experience, and driver license types.Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age, socioeconomic level, marital status, and driving experience. In contrast, there were more males and heavy vehicle drivers in the accident group as compared with the control group. In addition, the accident group received significantly higher scores in half of the SCID-II personality scales, namely, schizotypal, histrionic, borderline, antisocial, dependent and passive-aggressive.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the accident involved drivers as a group display asocial behaviors, difficulty in impulse control, alertness and aggressive behaviors.Snowboarder's wrist: Its severity compared with Alpine skiing. K. Sasaki, M. Takagi, Y. Kiyoshige, T. Ogino. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care. 46(6), 1059-1061.Background: Although the upper extremity, especially the wrist, has been reported to be the most commonly injured site in snowboarding, the severity of these injuries is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the severity of wrist injuries in snowboarding with those in alpine skiing for insight into the treatment of snowboarder's wrist.Materials and methods: The cases of 11,598 patient injured while snowboarding and skiing who presented to the Zao clinic during the past 7 seasons were reviewed and compared. Demographics were studied, focusing on fractures around the wrist joint. Roentgenographically precise assessment of the distal radial fracture was performed according to AO classification.Results: Snowboarders were more likely to injure the wrist than were skiers (18.7% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.01). In the wrist injuries, distal radial fractures occurred at a rate of 0.28 per 1000 snowboarders and 0.008 per 1000 skiers. Comminuted and articular fractures classified as AO type A3, B and C, which required surgical treatment, were 49.4% of distal radial fractures in snowboarders and 23.8% in skiers.Conclusion: Wrist injury sustained while snowboarding is characterized as a severe and complex injury. Thus, we call attention to its severity in the treatment of snowboarder's wrist.Children's fractures: a population based study. R.A. Lyons, A.M. Delahunty, D. Kraus, M. Heaven, M. McCabe, H. Allen, P. Nash. Injury Prevention, 5(2), 129-132.Objective: To measure the incidence of childhood fractures in a defined population.Setting: Accident and emergency (A & E) departments covering the Swansea and North Port Talbot areas of South Wales in 1996.Methods: Linkage of data from A & E departments with population data to produce fracture incidence rates by anatomical site and cause in children aged 0-14 years.Results: During 1996, 2463 new fractures occurred in 2399 residents yielding a fracture rate of 35.1/1000 children. Fractures were more common in boys than girls and increased with age in both groups. Sports and leisure activities accounted for 36% of fractures, assaults for 3.5%, and road traffic accidents 1.4%. Fractures of the radius/ulna were most frequent (36%).Conclusions: The fracture rate in South Wales children is twice the rate reported in previous studies. Further research is required to elucidate the reasons behind this high rate. Many fractures could be prevented by the use of safer surfaces in school playgrounds, and wrist protection in in-line skaters and possibly in soccer players.Elevator Accidents. P. Magnus. Elevator World, 47(6), 112-115.The compilation and analysis of accident data involving elevators is of great importance in efforts to eliminate or at least reduce such accidents. The data can clearly show what priorities should be set. This article analyzes the accident data for Israel during a 23-year period (1975-1998), and the results show that the dominant cause for these accidents was the “absence of a car door.” This led to a regulatory demand to install car doors retroactively. The second dominant cause was “falling into the elevator shaft,” stressing the importance of inspection and maintenance of the door locks. Furthermore, the data point to the need to train elevator technicians on a periodic basis to emphasize the importance of correct and safe work methods, for their own good and for the benefit of the passengers. The intervention of untrained and unauthorized personnel is dangerous and must be forbidden. This should be enforced vigorously.