Showing papers in "International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics in 2020"
TL;DR: This study aimed at establishing fault tree analysis (FTA) using expert opinion to compute the probability of an event using Boolean algebra, and the effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated with a real-life case study.
Abstract: This study aimed at establishing fault tree analysis (FTA) using expert opinion to compute the probability of an event. To find the probability of the top event (TE), all probabilities of the basic events (BEs) should be available when the FTA is drawn. In this case, employing expert judgment can be used as an alternative to failure data in an awkward situation. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process as a standard technique is used to give a specific weight to each expert, and fuzzy set theory is engaged for aggregating expert opinion. In this regard, the probability of BEs will be computed and, consequently, the probability of the TE obtained using Boolean algebra. Additionally, to reduce the probability of the TE in terms of three parameters (safety consequences, cost and benefit), the importance measurement technique and modified TOPSIS was employed. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated with a real-life case study.
89 citations
TL;DR: The proposed approach for risk assessment in the field of OHS integrates the Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje into a risk assessment process and is found to produce reliable outcomes that better represent the vagueness of the decision-making process.
Abstract: The field of occupational health and safety (OHS) focuses on reducing occupational accidents to an acceptable level. OHS covers systematic efforts aimed at providing employee health, safety and welfare in the workplace. This study proposes a new approach for risk assessment in the field of OHS. It integrates the Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (PFAHP) and fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) into a risk assessment process. The PFAHP is used in weighting the risk parameters. FVIKOR is then applied to prioritize the hazards. To demonstrate the applicability and validity of the proposed approach, a case study of a barrel external surface oxidation and colouring unit of a gun and rifle production facility is performed. A comparison is also provided between the proposed approach and an intuitionistic fuzzy sets-based approach. The proposed approach is found to produce reliable outcomes that better represent the vagueness of the decision-making process.
85 citations
TL;DR: A four-dimensional BIM/UAV-enabled safety management model based on IDEF0 language that allows safety specialists to identify hazards and develop suitable mitigation strategies and shows a strong relationship between the design and construction phases.
Abstract: Introduction. A variety of approaches exist to achieve better construction safety performance, but only a few consider a combination of building information modeling (BIM) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Method. This article presents a four-dimensional (4D) BIM/UAV-enabled safety management model based on IDEF0 language. In the first step, potential hazards are identified with the help of safety specialists' experiences and BIM software used in the design of the structure. Then, a UAV monitors the location of the potential hazards. The third step involves the integration of the 4D BIM-based model and the information obtained from the UAV. Finally, the combined data are analyzed and interpreted, and site safety staff are notified about measures to be put in place to prevent accidents. Results. This model shows a strong relationship between the design and construction phases by using BIM in the design phase and UAVs in the construction phase. The proposed safety model was evaluated by construction safety specialists in a two-pronged approach. Conclusion. The number of fatal, non-fatal and property damage-causing accidents may be significantly lower when the proposed system was used. Practical application. This model allows safety specialists to identify hazards and develop suitable mitigation strategies.
70 citations
TL;DR: Investigating musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among Iranian office personnel showed that the highest prevalence rate of MSDs within the last 12 months and the highest pain/discomfort severity were related to the participants’ necks.
Abstract: Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated factors among Iranian office personnel. Materials and methods. In this cross-sectional study, 359 Iranian office workers were included. Data were gathered using a demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, the numeric rating scale, rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) and the NASA task load index (NASA-TLX). Results. Our findings showed that the highest prevalence rate of MSDs within the last 12 months and the highest pain/discomfort severity were related to the participants' necks. The mean performance, mental demand and effort subscale scores of the NASA-TLX were higher than other subscales (physical demand, temporal demand and frustration level). ROSA scores showed that 53.8% of the participants were in action level 1 (low MSD risk) and the rest (46.2%) were in action level 2 (high MSD risk). The pain/discomfort severity in the shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, thighs and ankles/feet was correlated to the final ROSA score. Age, gender, body mass index and some NASA-TLX subscales (effort, mental demand and performance) were associated with symptoms of MSDs in different body regions. Conclusions. Improving workplace conditions (both mentally and physically) is suggested for reducing and eliminating musculoskeletal problems among office workers.
55 citations
TL;DR: The analyses showed that skill-based errors, routine violations, environmental factors and planned inappropriate operation had higher relative importance in the accidents, and sensitivity analysis revealed that environmental factors, failed to correct known problem and personnel factors had a higher influence on unsafe acts.
Abstract: Purpose. The present study aimed to analyze human and organizational factors involved in mining accidents and determine the relationships among these factors. Materials and methods. In this study, ...
44 citations
TL;DR: A comprehensive bibliometric review of CSM-related papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database indicated that the USA, China, Australia and the UK took leading positions in CSM research.
Abstract: Recently, construction safety management (CSM) practices and systems have become important topics for stakeholders to take care of human resources. However, few studies have attempted to map the global research on CSM. A comprehensive bibliometric review was conducted in this study based on multiple methods. In total, 1172 CSM-related papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database were examined. The analyses focused on publication year, country-institute, publication source, author and research topics. The results indicated that the USA, China, Australia and the UK took leading positions in CSM research. Two branches of journals were identified, namely the branch of engineering science and that of safety science and social science. Additionally, seven themes together with 28 specific topics were detected to allow researchers to track the main structure and temporal evolution of CSM research. Finally, the main research trends and potential research directions were discussed to guide the future research.
43 citations
TL;DR: The study proposes a methodology that integrates quality function deployment (QFD) and analytic network process methods to correlate working activities, hazardous events and possible consequences, providing more effective decision-making, while reducing the ambiguity of the qualitative assessment criteria.
Abstract: Despite the efforts made, the number of accidents has not significantly decreased in the construction industry. The main reasons can be found in the peculiarities of working activities in this sector, where hazard analysis and safety management are more difficult than in other industries. To deal with these problems, a comprehensive approach for hazard analysis is needed, focusing on the activities in which a working task is articulated since they are characterized by different types of hazards and thus risk levels. The study proposes a methodology that integrates quality function deployment (QFD) and analytic network process methods to correlate working activities, hazardous events and possible consequences. This provides more effective decision-making, while reducing the ambiguity of the qualitative assessment criteria. The results achieved can augment knowledge on the usability of QFD in safety research, providing a basis for its application for further studies.
36 citations
TL;DR: Risk factors including working posture, daily working hours, repetitive and forceful movements, work experience, age, gender and working under stressful conditions were found to be highly associated with the occurrence of WMSDs.
Abstract: Purpose. Handicraft manufacturing appears to be an occupation where work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major threat to workers. For the multifactorial nature and varying prevalenc...
36 citations
TL;DR: Using data triangulation strategy, this study identified 19 faulty behavior risk factors under five categories and postulates some implications for industrial management to mitigate occupational accidents and injuries based on the outcomes.
Abstract: The occurrence of occupational accidents and injuries has always been a major concern for industrial management. Such undesirable incidences are higher in developing countries, especially in India,...
32 citations
TL;DR: Data analysis reveals that the adoption of training programmes with the inclusion of interventions significantly improves training- transfer, and construction safety experts can leverage the findings of this study to enhance training-transfer by increasing workers' safety performance and hazard identification ability.
Abstract: Despite substantial efforts to improve construction safety training, the accident rate of migrant workers is still high. One of the primary factors contributing to the inefficacy of training includes information delivery gaps during training sessions (knowledge-transfer). In addition, there is insufficient evidence that these training programmes alone are effective enough to enable migrant workers to transfer their skills to the jobsite (training-transfer). This research attempts to identify and evaluate additional interventions to improve the transfer of acquired knowledge to the workplace. For this purpose, this study presents the first known experimental effort to assess the effect of interventions on migrant work groups in a multinational construction project in Qatar. Data analysis reveals that the adoption of training programmes with the inclusion of interventions significantly improves training-transfer. Construction safety experts can leverage the findings of this study to enhance training-transfer by increasing workers' safety performance and hazard identification ability.
31 citations
TL;DR: It is found that an organizational safety climate mitigates workplace injuries, and safety behaviors enforce the strength of the negative impact of the safety climate on workplace injuries.
Abstract: This article proposes and tests a model for the interaction effect of the organizational safety climate and behaviors on workplace injuries. Using artificial neural network and survey data from 306 metal casting industry employees in central Anatolia, we found that an organizational safety climate mitigates workplace injuries, and safety behaviors enforce the strength of the negative impact of the safety climate on workplace injuries. The results suggest a complex relationship between the organizational safety climate, safety behavior and workplace injuries. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in light of decreasing workplace injuries in the Anatolian metal casting industry.
TL;DR: The structural equation model suggested that conscientiousness could predict compliant safety behaviour both directly and indirectly through safety attitude and could predict proactive safety behaviour.
Abstract: Elevator accidents happen frequently and cause much loss. Personality factors and safety attitudes have been proved effective in predicting accidents in traffic and the workplace. The present study aimed to explore the effect of personality factors and safety attitudes in elevator accidents. A survey was carried out on 383 elevator installers and repairers in China, measuring personalities (conscientiousness, agreeableness and trait anxiety), safety attitudes (compliant and proactive), safety behaviours and accidents (occupational injuries). Approximately 60% of the elevator workers had been injured in the past 6 months. The structural equation model suggested that conscientiousness could predict compliant safety behaviour both directly and indirectly through safety attitude and could predict proactive safety behaviour. Agreeableness could predict compliant safety behaviour. Trait anxiety could predict occupational injuries. Recruiters should choose elevator workers who are conscientious, agreeable and of low trait anxiety. Safety trainings for elevator workers should focus on culturing their safety attitude.
TL;DR: The new instrument appears to be a valid, reliable and sensitive instrument that will contribute to investigating the root causes of workers’ unsafe behaviors, thus promoting safety performance in the construction industry.
Abstract: Introduction. Occupational safety in general, and construction safety in particular, is a complex phenomenon. This study was designed to develop a new valid measure to evaluate factors affecting un...
TL;DR: A fuzzy logic-based safety evaluation method to enhance the risk assessment process is introduced to overcome the uncertainties encountered in the classical decision matrix risk assessment method.
Abstract: The decision matrix method is preferred as a measure of risk evaluation considering the risk value obtained by two risk factors such as the likelihood and severity of a hazard. However, it has some deficiencies since a crisp risk score is assigned for likelihood and severity. In this article, a fuzzy logic-based safety evaluation method to enhance the risk assessment process is introduced to overcome the uncertainties encountered in the classical decision matrix risk assessment method. The proposed method is a more realistic evaluation of the risks which may be available in mechanized coal mines in Turkey. In this way, risky situations and operations in mechanized underground coal mines have been determined by expert knowledge and engineering judgement in linguistic forms. Thus, such an evaluation will be a valuable guide for coal mines in which fully mechanized coal production is expected in the near future.
TL;DR: There is a relatively strong risk perception bias among workers, with an underestimation of risk severity and occurrence probability, and a positive safety climate seems to neutralize the negative impact that high risk tolerance had on safety behavior.
Abstract: In Morocco, the construction sector is very dynamic economically, but suffers from weak safety performance. The few available statistics about the rates of occupational injuries and fatalities poin...
TL;DR: A structural equation model was proposed and the relationships of perceived organization support for safety (POSS), person–organization safety fit (POSF) and proactivity safety behaviors with safety management, safety procedures and safety hazards identification were examined.
Abstract: Based on the characteristics of small-scale enterprises, the improvement of occupational health and safety management systems (OHS MS) needs an effective intervention. This study proposed a structural equation model and examined the relationships of perceived organization support for safety (POSS), person-organization safety fit (POSF) and proactivity safety behaviors with safety management, safety procedures and safety hazards identification. Data were collected from 503 employees of 105 Chinese high-risk small-scale enterprises over 6 months. The results showed that both POSS and POSF were positively related to improvement in safety management, safety procedures and safety hazards identification through proactivity safety behaviors. Our findings provide a new perspective on organizational safety for improving OHS MS for small-scale enterprises and extend the application of proactivity safety behaviors.
TL;DR: Air ventilation could greatly reduce predicted core temperatures, mean skin and UBody temperatures in both S and L and clothing size had almost no impact on predicted thermophysiological responses in HV.
Abstract: Effects of clothing size and air ventilation rate on the cooling performance of three air ventilation jackets (size small, medium and large) were investigated. Two ventilation rates were chosen: lo...
TL;DR: The most painful areas of participants using desktop computers were the upper back, neck, lower back and shoulder, and the pain in these regions affected ADLs negatively, finding positive correlations between daily computer use and neck/upper back, and LBP.
Abstract: Purpose. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are increasing due to overuse of desktop computers. This investigation examined musculoskeletal pain in office workers. Methods. Sociodemogra...
TL;DR: Investigation of attitudes toward elderly workers and their work situation in different sectors, and perceptions and organizational measures that can enable an extended working life, identifies three themes that highlight attitudes and perceptions of integrated age management practices.
Abstract: This qualitative study investigates attitudes toward elderly workers and their work situation in different sectors, and explores perceptions and organizational measures that can enable an extended working life. Previous age management studies indicate that there are several interconnected measures and key areas of importance, and that there is a general need for strategies to strengthen sustainable age management at the organizational level. A structured content analysis was used to analyze data from focus group interviews with informants from a variety of organizations. The study identified three themes that highlight attitudes and perceptions of integrated age management practices: (a) contemporary policies and practices in the work environment; (b) social participation and attitudes; (c) experience and mentorship. These themes can form the basis of a good approach to an integrated age management strategy. Such a strategy can be achieved through intervention studies where research on sustainable working life meets the real problems faced by employees and managers.
TL;DR: RULA generally assessed postural loads for the postures tested more highly than OWAS and REBA, and may be the best for estimating postural stress under the conditions of this study.
Abstract: This study aimed to compare three observational techniques, the Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS), rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and rapid entire body assessment (REBA), based on whole-body discomfort. Fifteen college students participated in the experiment measuring discomfort. Hand height, hand distance and external load were used as independent variables. The results showed that while just the two independent variables of hand height and distance significantly affected the OWAS action category, all three independent variables including external load were significant for the discomfort, RULA grand and REBA scores. The grand score was more linearly correlated to discomfort, compared to the OWAS action category and REBA score. RULA generally assessed postural loads for the postures tested more highly than OWAS and REBA. Based on these findings, it was concluded that, of the three methods, RULA may be the best for estimating postural stress under the conditions of this study.
TL;DR: A participatory ergonomics project implemented to improve MSDs prevention strategies for the safety of maintenance workers in an Italian company for the industrial processing of wool is described.
Abstract: Exposure to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is a prevalent risk among those working in the maintenance of machinery and equipment for industry. Participatory ergonomics (PE) in the workplace embod...
TL;DR: The findings confirm that general models explaining stress and well-being are applicable to new forms of job demands and extend existing empirical support for the effect of ICT demands on well-well-being.
Abstract: Objectives. This article describes the effects of two specific information and communication technology (ICT) demands (telepressure, technostress creators) on employee well-being, and investigates a mediating effect of detachment (Study 1) and moderating effects of technostress inhibitors on the effects of ICT demands on well-being (Study 2) and detachment (Study 3). Methods. Three quantitative studies with employees (Study 1, N = 296; Study 2, N = 142; Study 3, N = 316) were conducted. Results. The results support the negative effect of ICT demands on several well-being indicators. They also show how detachment mediates the effect of telepressure on well-being (Study 1) and how technostress inhibitors moderate the effect of technostress creators on well-being (Study 2). Technostress inhibitors further buffer negative effects of technostress creators on detachment (Study 3). Conclusion. Interventions to reduce negative consequences of ICTs by increasing the level of technostress inhibitors (e.g., technical support) or facilitating employee detachment (e.g., through communication policies) are derived. The findings confirm that general models explaining stress and well-being are applicable to new forms of job demands and extend existing empirical support for the effect of ICT demands on well-being. Future research should investigate the interplay between the studied variables within a moderated mediation model.
TL;DR: Italian companies have shown a good response to the regulatory restrictions resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 emergency, and this is a worthy premise for the imminent management of Phase 2, with the progressive reopening of Italian companies.
Abstract: Purpose. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected all aspects of everyday life worldwide, including the entire working sector. This study aims to evaluate the response capacity of some Italian companies to the emergency about workers' health and safety. Methods. Data were cross-sectional, collected by a specially drafted 19-item checklist sent to 60 enterprises located in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. Results. Forty-one companies (68%) responded by filling in the checklist; more than 50% have fewer than 50 employees each and most of the companies belong to the food industry and the financial services. Adherence to the containment measures for the COVID-19 emergency was analysed, especially relating to job organization, social distancing, sanitization and specific training. Large enterprises and the banking sector showed ductile work reorganization according to the containment measures compared to small companies and the food sector. Conclusions. Italian companies have shown a good response to the regulatory restrictions resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 emergency. This is a worthy premise for the imminent management of Phase 2, with the progressive reopening of Italian companies.
TL;DR: Current control measures are not sufficient and should be improved for efficient control of occupational exposures, and the concentration of benzene in the energy and biochemistry and the benzol refinement sections was higher than occupational exposure limits.
Abstract: In this study, cancer and non-cancer risks of exposure to volatile organic compounds in the coke production unit of a steel plant were evaluated. To determine individual exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene, personal samples were taken from the breathing zone of workers according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 1501. Cancer and non-cancer risk assessment was performed, using US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) methods. Samples analysis showed that the concentration of benzene in the energy and biochemistry and the benzol refinement sections was higher than occupational exposure limits. The cancer risk for benzene in all sections was significantly higher than allowable limit; the non-cancer risk for benzene in all sections and toluene in the benzol refinement section was also higher than 1.0. In conclusion, the current control measures are not sufficient and should be improved for efficient control of occupational exposures.
TL;DR: Investigation of the correlation between different factors of musculoskeletal discomfort in heavy truck drivers found seat comfort was found to be highly correlated with discomfort in the neck, shoulder and upper back areas, and with aging the likelihood of experiencing discomfort inThe neck, upper back and knees is increased.
Abstract: Background. Heavy truck drivers are exposed to various psychological, psychosocial and physiological factors, some of which can cause musculoskeletal discomfort in different body regions. Purpose. ...
TL;DR: The highlight results showed that interventions such as feedback, participatory ergonomics in short-term follow-ups and job rotation along with ergonomic guidelines did not significantly affect the risk of psychosocial factors.
Abstract: Introduction. Improving well-being and overall system performance are the ultimate goals of ergonomics, which are achieved through ergonomic interventions. This systematic review aimed to answer th...
TL;DR: The aim of the paper is to identify typical limitations in a BLE monitoring system in order to propose solutions according to the existing literature and improve the effectiveness of current monitoring approaches based only on BLE.
Abstract: Fall from height is a cause of concern in the construction sector. Appropriate use of a harness can be the difference between an incident or a critical accident. Monitoring the proper use of a harness in the workplace using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices is a recent and effective approach. The aim of this article is to identify typical limitations in a BLE monitoring system in order to propose solutions according to the existing literature. Alternative solutions found in the literature showed that the integration of BLE with other technologies such as building information modeling, radio-frequency identification or the global positioning system can improve the effectiveness of current monitoring approaches based only on BLE and reduce rates of fall from height accidents. For correct integration, both technological factors (cost, compatibility, data transmission) and cultural factors (social acceptance, procedures, etc.) must be taken into account.
TL;DR: The median trunk and neck flexion were significantly associated with back and neck pain in welders with symptoms during the past year (p < 0.05).
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the effect of the physical workload on the back, neck and shoulders of welders. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was assessed using the Nordic questionnaire ...
TL;DR: To improve the safety performance of ethnic minority construction workers, employers should allocate sufficient personal protective equipment and governments should organize unannounced site visits more frequently, thus ultimately improving their safety performance.
Abstract: Due to cultural differences, ethnic minority construction workers are more difficult to manage and more vulnerable to accidents. This study aims to identify the major barriers faced by ethnic minor...
TL;DR: The Random Forest algorithm or Naïve Bayes Classifier model developed based on postural, physiological and work-related factors could be used to accurately predict the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer professionals at any instance of time, during their work.
Abstract: Objective. This study aimed to develop a model for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer professionals. Materials and methods. A preliminary study with a modified Nordic m...