Globally, there is an increasing tendency for occupational legislation and practice to require that employers actively involve their employees in the process of identifying, assessing and addressing the risk of injury in the workplace. Despite this, there is a paucity of research evaluating the effectiveness of participatory ergonomics in reducing occupational injury outcomes. In particular, a review of the literature fails to identify research that reports a change in the risk of injury at the level of the individual worker. The objectives of this study were to determine whether a participatory ergonomics approach to the control of workplace hazards and manual hazards in particular, could reduce the occurrence and severity of injury among a working population at risk.The research design was that of a longitudinal pre-post intervention study, with one intervention and three comparison groups. The observational period between 1 July 1988 and the 31 October 1995, comprised a 4.3 year pre-intervention period and a 3- year post-intervention period. The Intervention Group was a population of hospital cleaners at a high risk of injury. Three comparison groups were used, namely orderlies from the same hospital, cleaners from a similar hospital, and all the cleaners in the State of Western Australia. The primary outcome measure of occurrence was that of a lost- time injury (LTI).To obtain parameters of injury severity, each LTI was measured in terms of the associated CP1-adjusted workers' compensation claim cost and the number of hours lost from work (duration). The data were obtained three years after the observational period, to improve the likelihood that the claims had been finalised. Aggregate level LTI data were obtained for all four groups. Individual-level data were also obtained for the Intervention Group and the Orderly Services Group, whether injured or not. These ++ / data included the age, gender, hours worked and work experience of the subjects. Also, where there was an LTI, it was determined whether or not the mechanism of injury was from manual handling. Using these data, two analytical approaches were then undertaken. Study 1 assessed the aggregate-level LTI data of the four groups. Study 2 evaluated individual-level data for the Intervention Group and the Orderly Services Group.The results demonstrate statistically significant post-intervention reductions In all measures of LTI occurrence for the Intervention Group. In particular, after allowance for age, gender and work experience, there was a two thirds reduction in the rate of LTI per hour worked. No reduction in injury occurrence was observed for any of the comparison groups. The severity of each injury, as measured by claim cost and duration, did not change after the intervention for the Intervention Group.This study indicates that a small group of unskilled workers, with the facilitation of an ergonomist, can successfully undertake an iterative process of identifying and assessing hazards and make recommendations for their control. In doing so, even where the primary focus is on manual handling hazards, a reduction in the risk of injury from both manual handling and non-manual handling mechanisms can be achieved. Participatory ergonomics, by investing hazard management skills within employees, increases the likelihood that solutions to problems will be accepted, and should release ergonomists to consult to a greater number of workplaces than if they work independently of employee participation. The evaluation of interventions in a variety of workplace settings is recommended, to confirm participatory ergonomics as an effective tool for the reduction of the global burden of occupational injury.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:18:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4592.pdf: 4567380 bytes, checksum: cf72712eb4eca85bb9df273f4e2fde10 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-21 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Manual material handling (MMH) is a common task in occupational environments and has been associated with musculoskeletal disorders at low back and upper limbs. Studies have shown that the correct hand/box coupling can minimize the risks for upper limb disorders, suggesting the use of handles as a way to reduce the physical demand required by the task. However, even when the boxes have handles, the workers not always use them during handling, suggesting the need for new boxes and handles designs. In order to improve the knowledge in this area, this thesis was composed by three studies: the first study was exploratory and the main objective was to descriptively and objectively evaluate how experienced workers performed cardboard boxes handling activities in an industry setting. The range of movements for wrists, forearms and elbows were objectively evaluated through electrogoniometry. The boxes had already received an ergonomic intervention, implemented six months before the data collection. The ergonomic intervention evaluated was the insertion of cutout handles in the cardboard boxes. The main results indicated that the way the worker grasps the box is crucial to the upper limbs movements during handling tasks. Thus, one hypothesis was that the positioning of the hands close to the bottom face would give workers greater control and biomechanical advantage regarding the load. In this sense, the second and third studies were performed. These studies had been carried out both experimentally in a laboratory setting, and followed the same data collection methodology. Inclinometers and electromyography equipments were added to the data collection. The aim of the second study was to evaluate a new prototype cardboard, developed as an alternative design to the one evaluated in the first study. The results showed that cardboard prototypes were resistant for reuse in internal transport, comfortable and safer for wrist and elbow movements, as well had promoted a reduced muscle demand on electromyography activity for wrist extensors and biceps brachii, when compared to the commercial boxes. Considering that the cardboard boxes are limited to the transportation of dried products, it is suggested the need for new boxes designs using other types of materials. In this sense, new plastic prototypes have been developed. The aim of the third study was: to compare the common commercial boxes with plastic prototypes boxes regarding their effect on upper limb posture, muscle electrical activity and perceived pleasantness of volunteers about their perception of upper limbs comfort during handling tasks. The prototypes allowed changes in handle position (top and bottom) and inclination (0 °, 15° and 30°). The prototypes with handles positioned at 30° were positive for the elbow flexion, shoulders elevation and ulnar deviation of the wrists. The results of present thesis showed that the best box to be used depends on conditions such as the type of conveyed material and height of the handling surfaces at the work environments. The evaluated prototypes showed good durability and costeffective, and can be used in industrial environments, especially for internal transportation. The studies have increased our understanding of safer conditions and more comfortable grips, promoted safer movements and required less electrical muscle activity when compared to commercial boxes. In future studies, we suggest that individuals with experience in manual handling tasks were also evaluated and new joints and muscle groups are also evaluated. / O manuseio de materiais e comum em ambientes ocupacionais e está associado a lesões na coluna lombar e membros superiores. Estudos indicam o uso de alças como uma forma de minimizar a demanda física exigida pela atividade, melhorando o acoplamento entre as mãos do trabalhador e o objeto manuseado. No entanto, mesmo quando as caixas possuem alças, este recurso não e utilizado pela maioria dos trabalhadores, sugerindo a necessidade de novos designs de alças e caixas. Na tentativa de ampliar o conhecimento nessa área, a presente tese foi composta por três estudos. O primeiro estudo teve caráter exploratório e o principal objetivo foi avaliar descritivamente e objetivamente, através da eletrogoniometria de punho, antebraço e cotovelo, como funcionários experientes realizavam o manuseio de caixas de papelão em um setor industrial. As caixas manuseadas haviam sido alteradas por uma intervenção ergonômica, implantada no setor seis meses antes da coleta de dados. A intervenção ergonômica avaliada foi a presença de alças, na forma de perfurações laterais. Os principais resultados apontaram que a forma como o individuo apreende a caixa interfere no movimento das articulações avaliadas durante o manuseio. Apesar da grande aceitação dos trabalhadores pelo uso de alças nas caixas, não foram todos os funcionários que as utilizaram em todos os manuseios. Sendo assim, uma hipótese levantada foi de que o posicionamento das mãos próximas a face inferior pudesse proporcionar ao individuo maior controle e vantagem biomecânica sobre a carga. Assim, foram realizados dois outros estudos. Estes estudos tiveram caráter experimental e foram realizados em laboratório, seguindo o mesmo método. Equipamentos de inclinometria e eletromiografia foram acrescidos a analise, ampliando o numero de articulações avaliadas tendo como objetivo de entender melhor a sobrecarga imposta aos membros superiores. O principal objetivo do segundo estudo foi avaliar um protótipo de caixa de papelão, desenvolvido como alternativa ao design avaliado no primeiro estudo (caixa de papelão comercial com alças). Os resultados demonstraram que os protótipos foram resistentes para a reutilização extensiva em transportes internos, favoreceram pegas mais confortáveis e movimentos mais seguros de punho e cotovelo, bem como exigiram menor atividade eletromiografica dos extensores do punho e bíceps braquial, quando comparadas as caixas comerciais sem alças. Tendo em vista que as caixas de papelão apresentam a limitação de permitir apenas o transporte de produtos secos, novos designs utilizando material plástico foram desenvolvidos. O objetivo do terceiro estudo foi: comparar o manuseio de uma caixa comercial com alças e de protótipos com alças ajustáveis confeccionados em plástico, avaliar seus efeitos na postura, atividade elétrica muscular e percepção de agradabilidade dos membros superiores, durante atividades de manuseio. Os protótipos testados possibilitavam a mudança do posicionamento (superior e inferior) e angulação das alças (0°, 15° e 30°). Os protótipos com alças anguladas em 30° apresentaram as melhores avaliações para os movimentos de flexão dos cotovelos, elevação dos ombros e desvio ulnar do punho. Os achados da presente tese mostraram que o melhor design de caixa a ser utilizado depende de características como o tipo de material transportado e das alturas das superfícies de manuseio presentes no ambiente de trabalho. Se as superfícies de manuseio puderem ser padronizadas no ambiente de trabalho, sugerimos pegas próximas as superfícies superiores da caixa para manuseios entre o solo e a altura do trocanter maior do fêmur e, pegas próximas a superfície inferior da caixa (fundo) para manuseios entre o trocanter maior do fêmur e acrômio do trabalhador. Os protótipos avaliados apresentaram boa durabilidade e custo-benefício, e podem ser utilizados em ambientes industriais, principalmente para o transporte interno. Os estudos permitiram aumentar a compreensão sobre condições mais seguras e confortáveis de manuseio, promoveram movimentos mais próximos a postura neutra e exigiram menor atividade elétrica muscular quando comparados a caixas comerciais. Em estudos futuros, sugerimos que sujeitos com experiência em manuseio também avaliem os novos protótipos e que novas articulações e grupos musculares também sejam avaliados.

This thesis deals with risk assessment in the production system on the assembly line. Using risk analysis of each part of the production system will be realize the impact of the machinery to sevice. Then, by risk assessment often repetitive manual handling will be deal with the impact of the production system on health and safety service.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the subject of industrial exoskeleton in accord-ance to the applicability of the technology preventing musculoskeletal disorders within the automotive industry. The modern technology of exoskeletons has a limited field of research and knowledge and is in need to be studied to provide organisations with proper findings for understanding the applicability of the technology. In the auto-motive industry musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is one of the most common disor-ders among employees and industries work constantly to decrease and prevent MSDs within their work environments. By conducting literature reviews, the status of exo-skeleton research and development concluded that academic research mostly focuses on technological development of exoskeletons, and not laboratory and/or field testing of currently available industrial exoskeletons. However, through database and website searches, twenty-four available industrial exoskeletons were identified which could be applicable within the automotive industry. Through literature and a case illustration, a number of potential causes for MSDs within the automotive industry were identified and a framework was developed in order to match appropriate available industrial ex-oskeleton to be used in potentially preventing common MSDs. The discussion of the thesis highlights the benefits and challenges of implementing an industrial exoskele-ton within an industry. Proper research on the currently available industrial exoskele-tons is lacking and creates questions of reliability for the technology. However, devel-opment of industrial exoskeletons have shown to focus on prevention of the most common causes of MSDs within industries in their design and development, making the applicability of industrial exoskeletons highly possible.

Today, there are clearly defined directives and laws that regulate the work environment in Sweden, but despite this, there are still deficiencies in the work environment for companies. Physical work has a particularly high risk of developing occupational injuries, with heavy lifting being one of the contributing factors. Companies work in different ways to improve their work environment and a common process used is SWEM - Systematic Work Environment Management, developed by SWEA - The Swedish Work Environment Authority. SWEM follows a model that has four recurring steps: investigate, assess, action, and control. There is support and assistance that companies can access, it can be costly and require the company to have prior knowledge of health and safety work to solve the problems. The main problem for companies that do not succeed in their SWEM work, is the step between the assessment and action. There are available and functioning risk assessment methods and product solutions today, but no obvious link between them, particularly for the products. The project aimed to create a service with an associated digital prototype that will link the results of risk assessments to possible product solutions that can reduce the risk of injuries in physical ergonomics. Furthermore, to increase the understanding of how the process between assessed risks and preventive actions can be simplified and visualized to gain a better understanding of how the work environment can be improved. The project work is mainly supported by qualitative data and is based on several interviews with, e.g. ergonomists, physiotherapists, and work environment specialists, which were then analyzed with the Thematic Network method. It emerged that Communication, Visualization, Usability, The Individual, Problem Understanding, and Conditions are the basic elements that must be considered in the solution for the service to work and to fulfill its purpose. These elements were used as a basis for the service and with the help of different design methods such as Mind Map, How Might They? and Crazy 8s, three concepts were created. The concepts were tested on several users and resulted in a final concept that was validated further through user testing. Lastly, the final result was a service with an associated digital prototype that has a short risk assessment that uses AI to suggest products that can minimize the risks detected in the analysis. To summarize, the final prototype may be a basis for future implementation. / Idag finns det tydliga riktlinjer och lagar som styr vår arbetsmiljö i Sverige men trots detta finns det fortfarande brister i arbetsmiljön på företag. Enligt flertalet studier anses fysiska arbeten ha extra hög risk för att utveckla arbetsskador, där tunga lyft är en av de bidragande orsakerna. Företag jobbar på olika sätt för att förbättra sin arbetsmiljö och en vanlig process som tillämpas är SAM - Systematisk Arbetsmiljöarbete, som är framtaget av Arbetsmiljöverket. SAM jobbar enligt en modell som har fyra steg som är upprepande: identifiering av risk, genomföra en riskanalys, åtgärda och kontrollera. Det finns stöd och hjälp som företag kan tillämpa men det kan både bli kostsamt och kräva att företaget besitter tidigare kunskap inom arbetsmiljöhälsa för att kunna lösa problemen. Största problemet för att företag inte lyckas med sin förbättring är steget mellan riskanalys och åtgärd. Det finns tillgängliga och fungerade riskanalysmetoder och lösningar idag, men ingen tydlig länk mellan dem, speciellt när det kommer till produkter. Projektet syftade till att skapa en tjänst med tillhörande digital prototyp som ska länka resultat från riskanalys till möjlig produktlösning som kan minska risken för belastningsergonomiska skador samt till att öka förståelsen för hur processen mellan bedömda risker och förebyggande åtgärder kan förenklas och visualiseras för att få en bättre förståelse för hur arbetsmiljön kan förbättras. Projektarbetet baseras till stor del på kvalitativ data och bygger på flertalet intervjuer med exempelvis ergonomer, fysioterapeuter och arbetsmiljöspecialister som sedan analyserades med Tematiska nätverk metoden. Det framkom att kommunikation, visualisering, användarvänlighet, involvering av individen, problemförståelse och förutsättningar är grundstenarna som måste vara involverade i lösningen för att tjänsten ska fungera och uppfylla sitt syfte. Dessa byggstenar användes som en grund till tjänsten och med hjälp av olika designmetoder som exempelvis Mind map, How Might They? och Crazy 8s skapades tre koncept. Koncepten testades på flertalet användare och resulterade i ett slutgiltigt koncept som validerades ytterligare med hjälp av användartester. Det slutgiltiga resultatet var en tjänst med en tillhörande digital prototyp som har en kort riskanalys som med hjälp AI ger förslag på produkter som kan minimera de upptäckta riskerna från analysen. Den slutgiltiga prototypen kan ligga till grund för framtida implementering.

Workplace safety, particularly in manual handling tasks, is a critical concern that hasbeen increasingly addressed using advanced risk assessment tools. However, pre-senting the complex results of these assessments in an easily digestible format re-mains a challenge. This thesis focused on designing and developing a user-friendlyweb application to visualise risk assessment data effectively. Grounded in a robusttheoretical framework that combines user experience principles, and data visualisa-tion techniques. The study employed an iterative, user-centric design process to de-velop the web application. Multiple visualisation methods, such as pie charts for vis-ualising risk distribution, bar chart, and line chart for time-based analysis, were eval-uated for their effectiveness through usability testing. The application's primary con-tribution lies in its efficient data visualisation techniques, aimed at simplifying com-plex datasets into actionable insights. This work lays the groundwork enabling futuredevelopment by pinpointing areas for improvement like enhanced interactivity andaccessibility. / Belastningsergonomiska risker i arbetsmiljön, särskilt i uppgifter som involverarmanuell hantering, är en kritisk fråga som alltmer har adresserats med hjälp av avan-cerade riskhanteringsverktyg. Men att presentera de komplexa resultaten av dessabedömningar i ett lättillgängligt format kvarstår som en utmaning. Denna avhand-ling fokuserade på att designa och utveckla en användarvänlig webbapplikation föratt effektivt visualisera riskbedömningsdata. Studien bygger på en robust teoretiskram och kombinerar principer för användarupplevelse med datavisualiseringstekni-ker. Webbapplikationen har utvecklats med hjälp av en iterativ och användarcentre-rad designprocess. Flera visualiseringsmetoder, såsom cirkeldiagram för att visuali-sera riskfördelning, stapeldiagram och linjediagram för tidsbaserad analys, utvärde-rades för deras effektivitet genom användningstester och utvärderingsformulär. Ap-plikationens primära bidrag ligger i dess effektiva datavisualiseringstekniker, somsyftar till att förenkla komplex information till handlingsbara insikter. Detta arbetelägger grunden och möjliggör framtida utveckling genom att peka ut områden förförbättring, som förbättrad interaktivitet och tillgänglighet.