A Heart Rate Evaluation Approach to Determine Cost-Effectiveness an Ergonomics Intervention |
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Authors: | Gregory Z. Bedny Waldemar Karwowski Mark H. Seglin |
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Affiliation: | 1. Essex County College, Newark, NJ USAinnchik@aol.com;3. Center for Industrial Ergonomics, University of Louisville, KY USA;4. The Montrose Group, South Orange, NJ, USA |
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Abstract: | This paper describes a hear-rate methodology to determine the cost-effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention to reduce workload and improve working conditions. This is a practical approach as opposed to the energy expenditure technique that is difficult to implement in natural settings. This was a laboratory study using a large excavator cabin with devices to simulate excavation operations. Mean heart rate was used to calculate the required rest time during a shift with or without air-conditioning. The criterion for evaluation was differences in required rest time during a shift under these 2 conditions. The simplicity and objectivity of this approach invites use to solve the problem of the economic evaluation of ergonomics interventions. |
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Keywords: | fatigue break time allowances heart rate evaluations energy expenditure |
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