The hand is one of the most complex of all of the anatomical structures in the human body. It has been found that hand injuries are among the most frequent injuries that occur to the body, predominantly during industrial activities. It has therefore been concluded that more research is needed into protective factors, such as glove use. The design features of a glove emphasise either protection or performance. There is often a trade-off between increased safety and performance capability when donning gloves. It has been determined that gloves which are fitted and comfortable for the worker may provide the best compromise between protective functions and decreased performance. This investigation aimed to assess the influence of glove fit on the performance attributes of industrial tasks, as well as on the responses of the human operator. Glove fit was analysed as 35 male participants donned three different glove sizes during each test, including a best-fitting glove, a glove one size smaller than best-fitting, and a glove one size larger than best-fitting. For each glove size, gloves of two differing materials were tested, namely nitrile and neoprene. A barehanded condition was also tested, totalling seven gloved/barehanded conditions for each test. The seven conditions were assessed in a laboratory setting in a battery of tests. This consisted of components of task performance, including maximum pulling and pushing force, maximum torque, precision of force, tactility, speed and accuracy and dexterity. The performance responses were recorded, as well as participants’ perceptual responses using the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, and muscle activity. Six muscles were selected: Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Flexor Pollicus Longus, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Extensor Carpi Radialis, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and Flexor Carpi Radialis. The results revealed that glove fit does affect certain spects of performance, and influences human operator responses for selected task components. Furthermore, discrepancies were distinguished between orking barehanded and working with an optimally fitted glove. There was also a glove material effect established. Overall, it was found that muscle activity when exerting maximum force in a pushing and pulling direction was optimal with the nitrile glove material. Maximum torque performance was enhanced with the use of a best-fitting glove, as compared with an ill-fitting glove or barehanded work. Force precision was preferable when barehanded, as opposed to the tactility task which rendered optimal results with a best-fitting glove. The same was found for speed and accuracy results, as glove fit appeared to have no effect on performance, but performance was improved when participants were barehanded. Dexterity performance was the most conclusively influenced by the conditions, resulting in barehanded performance being optimal. However, should a glove be necessary for a given task, an optimally-fitted glove which is of a thinner material would be recommended. It is necessary to distinguish the performance components of a task within industry and select the most appropriate glove for optimal performance and the least risk of overexertion.

Past research has shown a correlation between first-aid training and the reduction of injuries. This connection has been noted in off-the-job situations in addition to industrial studies. This project is an extension of those past findings with three notable differences: total population training was studied, as the intervention instead of just saturation treatment; attention was given to the effect that the half-life of training had upon injury reduction; and three randomly chosen small groups we're studied to determine short range effects. The theoretical bases from which the study hypothesis was developed originated in the Behavioral Science and Psychology literature. Discussions are developed around the mental structuring of accidental potential situations in the case of a person trained in first-aid principles. Behavior Modification was one of the principles of change that offered a.safer environment through first-aid training. Group contagion provided the setting for development of a safer place to work because of socialization to a "safe attitude." The intervention, American National Red Cross Standard Multimedia First-Aid Course, provided some of the mental developments toward modification of behavior. These were the modeling and rehearsal features of the course. A connection between group deviance and accident "proneness" led to a proposal that avoidance behavior was the resultant of the training.

This study investigates the research on current self escape practices, the need for training on emergency evacuation procedures and the use of virtual reality simulations for the purposes of training. Thus, this project focuses on the advantages of using virtual reality as an educational tool and follows the development and design aspects of the tool. It includes each phase in development of the tool, including current research on self escape practices, training needs analyses and the actual design phases of the simulation. The design phase focuses on the objects and animations required to be implemented in order to create a realistic virtual mine. The programming logic of the simulation tool is also examined. Moreover, the final simulation is evaluated and proved to be an appropriate form of assessment and efficient learning environment for the trainee. Furthermore, recommendations are made for future developments.

<p>The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a back education programme on biomechanical knowledge, back beliefs, the occurrence of LBP, disability, and work loss among employees at an industrial setting in Cape Town, South Africa. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the perceptions of back education that are held by industrial<br /> employees.</p>

<p>The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a back education programme on biomechanical knowledge, back beliefs, the occurrence of LBP, disability, and work loss among employees at an industrial setting in Cape Town, South Africa. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the perceptions of back education that are held by industrial<br /> employees.</p>

DEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / This study focuses on safety and security in public schools. School violence is a sad reality encountered by whoever takes up the responsibility for the safety of learners and teachers. Both teachers and learners have the right to feel safe and secure at school. The aim of the study was to investigate how school management teams and school governing bodies take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of learners at schools. A mixed-methods research design was used in this study. The quantitative data, collected through questionnaires, were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, while the qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews, were thematically analysed. The study revealed that successful school leaders have the potential to tremendously reduce safety and security challenges when necessary support is provided. Establishing partnerships with other sectors not only manage and improve the learners' behaviour and lessen learning difficulties but also create a more supportive climate within the school, home and society. Unavailability of school psychologists and/or social workers who would join forces with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create safe and supportive learning environments increase the manifestations of school safety and security challenges.