Browsing by Subject "Ergonomics"

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    Evaluation of Workforce Perceptions as a Means to Identify and Mitigate the Causes of Musculoskeletal Disorders
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation Research Services Section, 2010-01) Loushine, Todd William
    An analysis of workers’ compensation data showed that five job classifications accounted for over 93% of all cases. This analysis also showed that 48% of the cases resulted in sprains and strains, and 70% of those cases were caused by over-exertion and/or awkward work postures. Based on these findings, a research proposal was created to investigate worker perceptions of potential musculoskeletal injury factors and possible corrective actions. Fifty randomly-selected Mn/DOT transportation generalists and mechanics from District 1 were interviewed via telephone. Interviews were voice recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by shortening and separating responses. Each of the six questions produced between fifteen to twenty-one response categories and total response counts between 63-to-123. The most frequently cited safety concern was exposure to public traffic on road projects; followed by heavy or awkward lifting, “rushing” to get a job done and exposure to typical construction site hazards. Overall, workers felt management and co-workers were committed to safety on the job. Possible safety improvements revolved around: general awareness, watching out for each other, planning ahead, taking time to do the job right, and proper use of personal protective equipment. Most of the workers interviewed indicated interest in participating and promoting a workplace wellness program to improve their health and fitness. Efforts to reduce musculoskeletal injuries need to incorporate the concerns and ideas of workers, building off of what was learned in this study.
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    Human Factors Evaluation of the Volvo Dynaguide and Ford Indikta RBDS-TMC Receivers
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1995-03) Burrus, Max; Johnson, Sara M.; Stackhouse, Stirling
    This report presents the results of a one year comprehensive human factors analysis on the Volvo Dynaguide Mapping system and the Indikta Voice messaging devices supplied by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. RBDS-TMC devices provide a means of transmitting traffic information to motorist using the existing Traffic Management Center's (TMC) resources. This study examined the devices and the means of transmitting information using ergonomic and human factors principles. This study expanded upon the functions of these devices and their ability to transmit information, as well as their integration within the automobile. Further we examined the message assembly software and the resultant messages delivered to the end users. To complete this study we completed a feasibility of on-road study methods, and surveyed the TMC control room staff as to their desires and needs in workplace design and management. Six tasks were completed with the following findings: Ergonomically, both devices require further refinement to provide a user friendly interface. Linkage analysis and flow charting extracted areas where operation of the device was impeded by design as well as highlighting the many positive features of each device. Simulation study elicited the need for further examination of user preferences and the need to use a wide age-based study group. This was evident in the differing opinions of younger versus older drivers. Assessment of the message assembly program and delivered message content revealed several areas of needed refinement, including beta testing of the outputs of the devices with the message assembly software. Finally, an on-road protocol feasibility study was completed and a workplace assessment was completed at the TMC control room.
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    Safe Workload Ergonomic Exposure Project
    (2018-08) Schwartz, Adam
    Abstract Background: In 2016, there were 2,384,600 people employed as janitors. Their work, involving a reportedly high physical workload, appeared to place them at risk for days away from work with a rate 2.7 times higher than all other occupations. A Minnesota union identified to researchers at the University of Minnesota a concern relevant to a possible relation between the daily workload and adverse occupational outcomes among a population of janitors. Objective: To determine if there is a relation between exposures of ergonomic workload, mental workload, job satisfaction, stress, physical fitness, and the outcome of injuries in janitors, and to assess the relations between exposures of physical (ergonomic) and mental workload and the outcome of stress in a population of janitors. Methods: Following an initial focus-group discussion among janitors, which identified common and hazardous tasks potentially leading to occupational injuries, a specially designed self-administered questionnaire was developed, pre-tested, and distributed to the janitors. Questions addressed various exposures, including workload, and comprehensive information regarding injury occurrence over two six-month sequential periods (May 2016-October, 2016; November 2016-April 2017). Quantitative ergonomic analyses were performed on a sub-group of janitors (n=30); these included data collection to identify Borg Perceived Exertion (Borg) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores. Descriptive, multivariable with bias adjustment analyses were conducted on the resulting data Results: Eight tasks were found to be common for janitors. All average REBA scores for the tasks were identified in the high-risk category. The task of repeatedly emptying small trash cans (<25 pounds) was significantly related to injuries. Average Borg scores fell between the very light perceived exertion and somewhat difficult perceived exertion categories. Multivariable regression analyses indicated that age-sex-standardized ergonomic workload, measured by task frequencies and REBA or Borg scores, were positively related to injury occurrence. A decreased risk of injury was associated with both increased job satisfaction and increased physical fitness. A highly suggestive increased risk of injury was associated with increased mental workload. Multivariable regression identified a relation between ergonomic workload and stress. A risk of stress was identified for mental workload. Conclusions: This research increases understanding of the relations between occupational exposures and the outcomes of injury and stress among janitors.