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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS
Volume 9 Number 1, 2003
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CONTENTS:
Articles:
  PROTECTION OF HUMAN IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
- A Study of Computer-Based Task Performance Under Thermal Stress
Bradley Chase, Waldemar Karwowski, Michael E. Benedict, Peter M. Quesada, & Holly M. Irwin-Chase, 5-15 
- Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons During Diesel Combustion
Małgorzata Pośniak, Ivan Makhniashvili, Ewa Kozieł, & Joanna Kowalska, 17-26
- Assessing the Compatibility of Work System Factors Through an Integrative Model: A Case Study
Scott Wallace, Christin Shoaf, Ashraf M. Genaidy, & Waldemar Karwowski, 27-35
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PROTECTION OF HUMAN AT THE WORKSTATION
NOTES
A Study of Computer-Based Task Performance Under Thermal Stress
Bradley Chase, Waldemar Karwowski, Michael E. Benedict, Peter M. Quesada, & Holly M. Irwin-Chase
A visual-visual dual computer task was designed to test the effect of the thermal environment on dual task performance. The temperatures selected for testing were 20 and 35 °C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). 34 volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 temperature conditions. Individual differences in single task performance were controlled by equating the baselines of single task performance. Once individual differences in single task capacity were con-trolled, statistically significant differences in performance were demonstrated.
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Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons During Diesel Combustion
Małgorzata Pośniak, Ivan Makhniashvili, Ewa Kozieł, & Joanna Kowalska
Identification and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Diesel exhaust in the working environment and assessment of workers’ occupational exposure to these suspected human carcinogens were the aim of this experimental investigation.
The range of exposure factors calculated on the basis of 9 individual PAH concentrations determined in personal air samples shows that time-averaged concentration of these compounds did not exceed the Polish Maximum Admissible Concentration (MAC) value for PAHs, that is, 2 µg x m-3. The highest concentra-tions of PAHs were determined in the breathing zone of forklift operators. The maximum exposure factor was 0.427 µg x m-3(about 1/4 of MAC).
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Assessing the Compatibility of Work System Factors Through an Integrative Model: A Case Study
Scott Wallace, Christin Shoaf, Ashraf M. Genaidy, & Waldemar Karwowski
Work Factor Compatibility (WFC) theory proposes that human performance is dependent on the interaction of various components (e.g., physical and mental task demands, physical environment, social environment) of the work system and integrates multiple human performance perspectives into a single mathematical model. Work Factor Analysis (WFA) is a comprehensive survey administered to employees to determine the WFC index. WFA also provides recommendations for targeting specific work system areas for improvement. Preliminary testing oft he tool was conducted at a manufacturing operation of a Fortune 10 company. Results are discussed and recommendations for further study are made.
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Enhancement of Drilling Safety and Quality Using Online Sensors and Artificial Neural Networks
Tien-I Liu, Akihiko Kumagai, & Chongchan Lee
Cutting force sensors and neural networks have been used for the occupational safety of the drilling process. The drill conditions have been online classified into 3 categories: safe, caution, and danger. This approach can change the drill just before its failure. The inputs to neural networks include drill size, feed rate,spindle speed, and features that were extracted from drilling force measure-ments.The outputs indicate the safety states. This detection system can reach a success rate of over 95%. Furthermore, the one misclassification duringonline tests was a one-step ahead pre-alarm that is acceptable from the safety and quality viewpoint. The developed online detection system is very robust and can be used in very complex manufacturing environments.
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Ergonomic Study on the Manual Component Insertion Lines for Occupational Health and Safety Improvements
Rabindra Nath Sen & Paul H.P. Yeow
The study aimed at reducing the occupational health and safety problems faced by the manual component insertion operators. Subjective and objective assessments, and direct observations were made in the printed circuit assem-bly factory. Simple and low-cost ergonomic interventions were implemented, that is, repairing chairs, reducing high workloads, assigning operators to a maximum of 2 workstations, confining machines that emitted bad smell and much noise, and providing finger work aids. The results of the interventions were reductions in operators’ work discomforts, that is, chair discomfort (by 90%), high work stress, and discomfort due to frequent change of their workstations. Their health hazards were also eliminated, that is, inhalation of toxic fumes, exposure to too much noise, and pain due to pressing sharp components.
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Health Risks From Exposure to Metal-Working Fluids in Machining and Grinding Operations
Kun Li, Fereydoun Aghazadeh, Selen Hatipkarasulu, & Thomas G. Ray
Metal-working fluids (MWFs) are used in machining and grinding operations to cool the tool and work, reduce the friction between the tool and work, improve the surface integrity of the work piece, and increase tool life and productivity. Health problems have been reported among workers exposed to MWFs, includ-ing incidences of respiratory, digestive and skin cancers, and increased rates of cough and phlegm. This paper reviews and discusses issues concerning health risks from exposure to MWFs in machining and grinding operations, the various factors that influence the degree of exposure, and control methods to reduce exposure to metal-working fluids.
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Asbestos-Related Health Risks in Estonia
Maie Kangur & Paul Krooni
Asbestos has been declared a proven human carcinogen by the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization. Since 1983, the European Union has enforced health protection directions in this field, which have been the basis for legal acts of Member States.
The Estonian Republic is a country where asbestos and asbestos-containing materials have been used in quite large quantities, especially during the Soviet period. Today the use and sale of asbestos minerals and asbestos containing products are prohibited in Estonia. Unfortunately there has been no substantial overview of the health status of workers exposed to asbestos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of health risks of workers exposed to asbestos in Estonia.
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Work-Related Research, Education, and Training in Developing Countries
Rabiul Ahasan & Daniel Imbeau
Work-related research, education, and training (WRET) have not been widely recognised in many developing countries (DCs) as the most important factor for sustainable workplace improvement. There are many reasons why WRET is still neglected or remains unrecognised. Empirical research, advanced studies, and training abroad do not seem to be cost-effective for many people living in DCs because of enormous obstacles. Therefore, it is not easy to demonstrate that WRET result in workplace improvement in diverse situations in each DC. Taking into consideration poor health and safety in various workplaces, this paper aims to stimulate critical opinions and discussions on WRET, which are yet to be given high priority in the national agenda to ensure industrial production and social progress.
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