PubMed · 138471
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C Aitken. 1977-02-19. Mobility for the disabled.. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.6059.507-b
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The aims of this paper are to present a new computerized observation method, HandPEO (portable ergonomic observation), which quantifies duration, frequency, and holding time of work operations and hand grips, and to measure the physical exposure of the forearm-hand among automobile assembly line workers by using HandPEO registrations of video recordings in simulated real-time. Agreement between two recordings was tested for five subjects by calculating the proportion of specific intrarater agreement; it was approximately 70% for hand grips and 60-80% for work operations. Registrations were made on work stations with high (HS) and low (LS) prevalence of symptoms. The major differences were longer holding times per operation and a larger proportion of power tool usage for HS. The HandPEO method may be used to describe the characteristics of the work studied and may serve as basis for job redesign. The results suggest an association between holding time, certain work operations, and prevalence of symptoms.
The American workplace is now in the midst of the most significant change since the advent of mass production. Whether these changes will lead to improvements in worker health and safety is not clear. This paper describes an approach to intervention and research-participatory action research (PAR)-that has the potential to redesign work organizations to improve performance while also improving health and safety. In the PAR method, researchers, managers, workers, and unions collaborate in a process of data-guided problem solving intended both to improve the system's performance and to contribute to general scientific knowledge. A case study example illustrates the use of a PAR approach in an automobile parts facility where labor, management, and researchers jointly conducted a longitudinal project aimed at reducing the major sources of stress and enhancing employee well-being. Results from the 6 year project suggest that, properly implemented, PAR has the potential to both lead to improved intervention and contribute to theoretical advances in occupational safety and health. The PAR approach to intervention research is contrasted with the total quality approach (TQA), and some suggestions are made for improving PAR research designs.
Small businesses are heterogeneous and the prospects are low for direct OSHA inspection and enforcement. Opportunities are explored to encourage voluntary adoption of new technology to reduce workplace exposures. The case of radiator repair shops is used in this paper to illustrate an approach to the dissemination of control technology to small businesses that will encourage these companies to adopt controls. Several behavioral theories are applied to the case.