Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1939.

Thesis equivalent (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1947.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

Aversion is a complex phenomenon that arises over time through performance of cognitively demanding tasks and has been associated with the mechanisms of mental fatigue and compensatory control. However, little is known about this sensation to dissociate from the task at hand and the causation thereof. It is apparent that aversion is a negative state for the operator and could result in decreased performance and productivity. Through identification of factors that contribute to aversion when performing cognitively demanding tasks, recommendations to reduce design deficits may be employed to promote worker wellbeing and further advance performance and productivity. The current study examined possible factors that may influence aversion experienced through execution of cognitive tasks. A subsequent aim of this study was to assess a possible cause of aversion. The cause of aversion was hypothesized to be related to efficiency, namely the perception of efficiency when performing tasks and actual efficiency calculated through performance of tasks in relation to the expenditure of effort. Four investigations were undertaken with a non-repeated design between investigations and a repeated design within investigations. The first investigation was an analysis of the effect that stimulus cycling had on the aversion experienced. This consisted of a proof reading task with two conditions varying in the repetitiveness of the text, therefore, allowing an analysis as to how aversion is altered by the provision of a new stimulus to the participants. Investigation two investigated the effect that task difficulty imposed on aversion experienced. This comprised of two conditions with varied difficulty that were implemented through a driving simulator tracking task with difficulty altered by the width of the driving lane. The effect of performance feedback on the aversion experienced towards a task was the focus of the third investigation. The effect on aversion experienced was assessed through a driving simulator tracking task with a condition providing feedback of performance to participants and a condition with no knowledge of performance. The final experiment evaluated the effect of task alternations on aversion. This experiment was conducted through alternations between a driving simulator tracking task and a choice reaction task. The choice reaction tasks required participants to identify critical and non-critical stimulus. Four conditions were required for this experiment and were made up of two conditions where there was provision of alternation that varied in frequencies between the two tasks (medium alternation condition and fast alternation condition) and two conditions where no alternations were instated (driving simulator task condition and choice reaction task condition). Separations between all testing conditions were three or more days apart with sixty participants distributed between the investigations. Test duration of each condition was 30 minutes. Subjective data was recorded throughout investigations for all conditions in the form of aversion, subjectively perceived efficiency and rate of perceived exertion. Objective data was collected in the form of physiological responses and performance of tasks for the analysis of objective efficiency. For factors influencing aversion analysis, no differences in aversion experienced were found for the task difficulty and performance feedback investigations. Aversion was found to be less for the changes imposed through the task cycles and task alternation investigations. This concludes that aversion is aggravated through monotonous tasks and by a change of the stimulus or the structure of the cognitive tasks provided to operators; aversion can be alleviated. The results for the cause of aversion analysis found no difference in objective efficiency over time, with a subsequent decrease in perceived efficiency associated with the increasing aversion. Inference from these findings suggest that aversion cannot be attributed to objective inefficiency of task performance, however it can further be assumed that perception of actual efficiency is inaccurate. Perception of efficiency however had a large influence on the sensation of aversion. Aversion is seen to be more of a product of time on task, however whether this is mechanism of fatigue or compensatory control is still to be determined.

The thesis explores the challenges faced by health and safety law in the UK as a consequence of the continuous changes in the employment relationship. This primarily covers the growth of the different forms of non-standard work. Health and safety law developed through a number of socio-economic changes in the UK. It has moved from only covering particular areas and particular classes of workers in the nineteenth century to wider areas of occupational health and safety and to include more of those at work. The thesis sets out the issues surrounding non-standard work arrangements and how they might affect the application of health and safety law. Key case-law is examined and the legal changes in the area of health and safety carefully analysed. Research has been carried out by others concerning the reasons for and extent of the changing nature of work as an indicator of the changes that took place in the labour market in general; but the research in this thesis concentrates on how the application of health and safety law is challenged by such changes. The central hypothesis of the thesis is that non-standard work by its very nature might put those who are employed under its various types at more risk than their counterpart standard workers. This hypothesis is developed and explored through the field-work. The field-work took the form of a postal questionnaire to workers in the UK in geographical areas selected for their differing characteristics together with some semi structured interviews which sought to introduce a qualitative data element to the quantitative data in order to enrich and elaborate upon the findings of the questionnaire. Analysis of the completed and returned questionnaires revealed that in today's workplace the nature of risk has changed, with an increase in the psychological risk related to work. Both groups of standard and nonstandard workers suffered from stress-related illness. This illustrates the complexity of the concept of vulnerability and how that might challenge the application of health and safety law and affect its efficacy. A number of unexpected issues surfaced through the field-work, such as that working in the different types of non-standard work were effectively involuntary for some of those who chose to work this way. The main reason for their decisions was to be able to provide for the family income as well as to have more control over work and the ability to combine work with other responsibilities including domestic duties. Despite the relatively low number of non-standard workers who participated in the postal questionnaire, it seems that they are in a better position than was hypothesized at the outset, before the field-work took place. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed that interviewees had considerable knowledge and awareness about their employer's general duties in terms of risk assessment and safety training in addition to other significant aspects. This applies to both standard and non-standard workers, which indicates the important improvement in the management of occupational health and safety. However, a serious issue was common to most of those who suffered accident and/or ill-health from both groups of standard of non-standard workers: not reporting their experiences to their employers. In addition, many of those workers did not seek legal advice following their accident and/or ill-health because of fear and uncertainty about their employers' reaction. The thesis concludes with some reflections on the effectiveness or otherwise of health and safety legislation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that each year, approximately 30 million people are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise. While many are aware of the noise exposure associated with industrial occupations, there has been little research conducted on bartenders who often work in environments that have high levels of noise. The majority of current published research on occupational noise exposure of bartenders has only evaluated noise levels on one night of business. Bartenders often work multiple days per week, which vary in the amount of patrons and entertainment provided, this variation in business leads to variation in the amount of noise to which they are exposed. The purpose of this research study was to gather occupational noise exposure data for bartenders during a workweek at a Tampa Bay bar establishment that hosts live music on weekends. Personal noise dosimeters were used to collect personal noise exposure data. Area noise level data were collected using a sound level meter. While several bar establishments were approached, one bar establishment part pated as the study site and noise data were collected for seven consecutive days (Thursday-Wednesday). Personal noise exposure data were collected for an entire 8-hour work shift for the Thursday-Sunday portion of the study, and for 6 hours for the Monday-Wednesday portion of the study. Area noise data were collected for the Thursday-Saturday portion of the study. Results of this study indicate that the highest noise exposure for either bartender occurred on Saturday (Bartender 1: 93.1 dBA; Bartender 2: 83.6 dBA) when a live band was performing in the establishment. Using the OSHA Hearing Conversation and OSHA PEL measurement methods, Bartender 1 was exposed to excessive noise levels (>85 dBA) on four (4) nights of the study, while Bartender 2 had no exposures over 85 dBA. However, using the ACGIH measurement method, Bartender 1 was exposed to excessive noise levels six (6) nights of the study, while Bartender 2 was exposed to excessive noise levels two (2) nights of the study.

No description available.

Purpose. Exposures to paper dust, classified as Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR), in an industrial setting can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, throat and upper respiratory tract. An exposure assessment was conducted to evaluate the paper dust exposures in the coupon manufacturing facility during a normal production working period. Methods. Total and respirable personal dust sampling was performed according to NIOSH 0500 and 0600 methods. Six total dust samples and seven respirable dust samples were taken within the sampling areas where airborne paper dust was produced to evaluate the Time Weighted Average (TWA) of the exposed employees. Results. Results showed that the TWAs for total dust within the three sampling areas ranged from 0.4% to 4.7% of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and 0.5% to 7.1% of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV), except sample RD-4 in the Baler Room. TWAs for respirable dust within the Press Room and Collation Area ranged from 0.8% to 0.9% of the OSHA PEL for all samples and 1.4% to 1.5% of the ACGIH TLV. Descriptive statistics showed the sample standard deviation for both total and respirable dust to be below 1.0. The coefficient of variation for TWAs of total dust in the Press Room was 32.7% while all other total dust and respirable dust coefficient of variations for TWA ranged from 1.3% to 3.4%. Conclusion. Exposures to paper dust ranged from 0.4% to 7.1% of either the OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV with an exception of sample RD-4 in the Baler Room which was 34% of the OSHA PEL and 56.7% of the ACGIH TLV. Identical respirable dust data and variable total dust data in the Press Room and Collation Area suggest that the dust being generated is of a larger particle size and therefore affects the nose, throat, and upper lungs. The engineering and administrative controls present appeared to be adequate based on the sampling data. Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was not considered a requirement but should be permitted if requested. Present workplace practices also appeared adequate based on the sampling data.

Presenteeism is defined as the loss in productivity when workers are on the job, but not performing to their best because of health-related issues. As with absenteeism, presenteeism is considered negative as it results in low levels of productivity and can, in the long term, have high cost implications. The research problem in this study was to identify strategies for reducing health-related presenteeism at primary health care clinics in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the extent of health related presenteeism at primary health care clinics as well as the management thereof. Strategies that could be utilised to prevent and reduce health-related presenteeism, ensuring that there is an ongoing service delivery in the workplace, were identified. The literature study revealed, amongst others, that those who suffer from emotional and physical stress have difficulty in performing well on the job. By law, employers have responsibilities to provide a safe environment. Hence, companies have to conduct an audit re-examining the health and safety document of the company. In addition, employers must ensure compliance within the current and developing legislative context. A balance between professional and personal demands of every employee should be promoted. In so doing, employees are able to trust their managers to share whatever problem is encountered. A commitment from the company and good management of presenteeism will result in a positive effect on productivity and customer service quality. A questionnaire was developed and administered to primary health care clinic personnel in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The results from this empirical study revealed that sick or tired employees are less able to work at optimum levels. These employees have the potential to aggravate their illness, resulting in prolonged absence, or infecting their colleagues. In the study, chronic diseases were perceived as prevalent among employees at the health care clinics. It did not appear as if the management of stress received much attention or that an audit has been done to determine the state of health of employees. It is therefore necessary to educate employees about the importance of their wellbeing. Welldesigned jobs and good management can assist in minimising organisational stressors. Employers need to be convinced that investing in the health of their employees is in their best interest from a business perspective. In today’s competitive business world, companies look at maximising both profit and productivity. Hence, employee health plays a fundamental role in the success of companies. In the health care environment, the wellness of nurses will lead to more productive behaviour and better service delivery.

This study examines safety perceptions of manufacturing employees involved in a safety behavioral modification process, and the perceptions of employees who are not involved in the same process, based on the idea that such a process helps to decrease injuries in the workplace. The Neal-Griffin Safety Climate/Safety Performance Instrument was used in a specific workplace to determine if race, gender, age, years of service, union membership, and education affect employees' perceptions of safety in an industrial/manufacturing setting. The results of this quantitative study found that, overall, the vast majority of the workers, regardless of demographic and group membership, provided relatively high survey ratings, which indicate that they had positive perceptions regarding their company's safety procedures and miscellaneous safety issues.