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Franzon, H., Eklund, J. & Rose, L. (2022). A usability study of the SRA Index (Sustainable Risk Awareness Index)- a KPI for Management Support. In: Österman & Lindblom (Ed.), NES2022 WORK WELL Conference Proceedings: . Paper presented at 51st NES Conference, 23-25 October 2022, Uppsala Sweden (pp. 147-154).
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A usability study of the SRA Index (Sustainable Risk Awareness Index)- a KPI for Management Support
2022 (English)In: NES2022 WORK WELL Conference Proceedings / [ed] Österman & Lindblom, 2022, p. 147-154Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Companies use risk observations and work environment (WE) deviations such as occupationalaccidents and occupational illnesses to prevent injuries. There is no standard for how risks andoccupational injuries are reported. Praktikertjänst's management requests a standard as ameasure that can be used to work more proactively with health and safety and supportsustainable business development. Therefore, the SRA method was developed for calculatingand visualizing a work environment KPI related to the severity of WE deviations, the SRA Index.(Sustainable Risk Awareness Index for management support). Existing data (risk observations,near misses, work-related accidents and work-related illnesses) are used for calculating the SRAIndex. In this study the usability of the SRA Index was evaluated with a questionnaire amongwork environment experts. They assessed the SRA method to be easy to understand, to havehigh usability and to be valuable for assessing an organisation’s risk awareness.

Keywords
Management, Risk, RiskManagement, Risk Awareness, Risk Awareness Triangle.
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-329216 (URN)
Conference
51st NES Conference, 23-25 October 2022, Uppsala Sweden
Note

Part of proceedings: ISBN 978-91-506-2975-0, DOI 10.13140/RG.2.2.29500.51842, QC 20230619

Available from: 2023-06-18 Created: 2023-06-18 Last updated: 2023-06-19Bibliographically approved
Lind, C., Diaz-Olivares, J. A., Lindecrantz, K. & Eklund, J. (2020). A wearable sensor system for physical ergonomics interventions using haptic feedback. Sensors, 20(21), 1-25, Article ID 6010.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A wearable sensor system for physical ergonomics interventions using haptic feedback
2020 (English)In: Sensors, E-ISSN 1424-8220, Vol. 20, no 21, p. 1-25, article id 6010Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major concern globally affecting societies, companies, and individuals. To address this, a new sensor-based system is presented: the Smart Workwear System, aimed at facilitating preventive measures by supporting risk assessments, work design, and work technique training. The system has a module-based platform that enables flexibility of sensor-type utilization, depending on the specific application. A module of the Smart Workwear System that utilizes haptic feedback for work technique training is further presented and evaluated in simulated mail sorting on sixteen novice participants for its potential to reduce adverse arm movements and postures in repetitive manual handling. Upper-arm postures were recorded, using an inertial measurement unit (IMU), perceived pain/discomfort with the Borg CR10-scale, and user experience with a semi-structured interview. This study shows that the use of haptic feedback for work technique training has the potential to significantly reduce the time in adverse upper-arm postures after short periods of training. The haptic feedback was experienced positive and usable by the participants and was effective in supporting learning of how to improve postures and movements. It is concluded that this type of sensorized system, using haptic feedback training, is promising for the future, especially when organizations are introducing newly employed staff, when teaching ergonomics to employees in physically demanding jobs, and when performing ergonomics interventions.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI AG, 2020
Keywords
Inertial measurement units, Musculoskeletal disorders, Prevention, Risk assessment, Smart workwear system, Vibrotactile feedback, Wearable sensors, Work postures, Work technique training, Workwear, Ergonomics, Feedback, Job analysis, Mail handling, Personnel training, User experience, Ergonomics intervention, Inertial measurement unit, Physical ergonomics, Preventive measures, Semi structured interviews, Sensor based systems, Wearable sensor systems, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-290318 (URN)10.3390/s20216010 (DOI)000589223200001 ()33113922 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85094857822 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20210223

Available from: 2021-02-23 Created: 2021-02-23 Last updated: 2022-06-25Bibliographically approved
Andersson, K., Eklund, J. & Rydberg, A. (2020). Lean-inspired development work in agriculture: Implications for the work environment. Agronomy Research, 18(2), 324-345
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Lean-inspired development work in agriculture: Implications for the work environment
2020 (English)In: Agronomy Research, ISSN 1406-894X, E-ISSN 2228-4907, Vol. 18, no 2, p. 324-345Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Farmers operate in a turbulent environment that includes international competition, weather conditions and animal behaviour, for example, and is difficult for them to control. However, economy and productivity always have a high priority. As a consequence, farms have started to implement lean-inspired work systems. At the same time, health and safety are of urgent concern in the sector. This article explores how famers apply lean-inspired work processes. It identifies work environment changes during and after a lean implementation, as well as possible developments in the work environment following implementation of the lean philosophy. Data were collected from three groups: lean, lean-light and development-inclined reference farms (in total 54 farms), using a questionnaire and interviews. The results indicate that a majority of the lean farms were applying several lean principles and tools, and the lean philosophy. The lean-light farms applied parts of the lean concept, while the reference farms applied some of the more general tools, used in lean and elsewhere, such as visualisation in various forms and to various extents. The results showed positive effects of lean on the psychosocial work environment, better work structure and improved information, communication and co-operation. The physical work environment was improved to some extent by lean, where advantages such as a more structured and practical work environment with less physical movements and locomotion could be noticed. The lean concept provided a more structured and systematic approach to dealing with work and production environmental issues, for managers as well as for employees.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Eesti Pollumajandusulikool, 2020
Keywords
Farm, Farm business, Lean Production, Physical work environment, Psychosocial work environment, Safety and health, Structure, Work organisation
National Category
Other Agricultural Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-284820 (URN)10.15159/AR.20.043 (DOI)2-s2.0-85085885430 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20201116

Available from: 2020-11-16 Created: 2020-11-16 Last updated: 2022-06-25Bibliographically approved
Lind, C., Yang, L., Abtahi, F., Hanson, L., Lindecrantz, K., Lu, K., . . . Eklund, J. (2020). Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback. Applied Ergonomics, 89
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback
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2020 (English)In: Applied Ergonomics, ISSN 0003-6870, E-ISSN 1872-9126, Applied Ergonomics, Vol. 89Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work techniques and improving postures in manual handling. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback on postural exposure using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in simulated industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The system recorded the trunk and upper arm postures. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users’ experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30° and ≥45° when the workers received feedback, and for trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30°, after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as useable, comfortable, and supportive for learning. The system has the potential of contributing to improved postures in order picking through an automated short-term training program.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2020
National Category
Medical Ergonomics Other Medical Engineering
Research subject
Medical Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-280570 (URN)10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103188 (DOI)000565606900002 ()32854822 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85087983143 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20200918

Available from: 2020-09-14 Created: 2020-09-14 Last updated: 2022-10-25Bibliographically approved
Rose, L., Eklund, J., Nord Nilsson, L., Barman, L. & Lind, C. M. (2020). The RAMP package for MSD risk management in manual handling – A freely accessible tool, with website and training courses. Applied Ergonomics, 86, Article ID 103101.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The RAMP package for MSD risk management in manual handling – A freely accessible tool, with website and training courses
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2020 (English)In: Applied Ergonomics, ISSN 0003-6870, E-ISSN 1872-9126, Vol. 86, article id 103101Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

In this paper the RAMP Package is presented with the objective to facilitate the application of the RAMP tool to systematically manage MSD risks. The package consists of the RAMP tool (Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively), the RAMP website, and free, globally available online, training courses (MOOCs). An Action module used for managing identified MSD risks is introduced. The tool, encompassing a wide range of risks, is applicable to the whole risk management process. Furthermore, RAMP is openly available for download, and free to use. The RAMP tool and training materials were developed using a participative iterative methodology including researchers and practitioners. RAMP was downloaded in 86 countries in the first 26 months since its' launch and over 2400 learners from high-, middle- and low-income countries have joined the MOOCs. The RAMP Package meets organisations’ needs for an accessible, comprehensive risk assessment and management tool.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV, 2020
Keywords
MOOC, Risk Management, Ergonomic, work-related injuries, online training
National Category
Medical and Health Sciences Engineering and Technology
Research subject
Applied Medical Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-271904 (URN)10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103101 (DOI)000529073500019 ()32342891 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85082999319 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20200414

Available from: 2020-04-14 Created: 2020-04-14 Last updated: 2022-06-26Bibliographically approved
Rolfö, L. & Eklund, J. (2019). A proposed methods framework and a pilot intervention for workplace design. In: 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018: . Paper presented at 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26 August 2018 through 30 August 2018 (pp. 356-365). Springer, 824
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A proposed methods framework and a pilot intervention for workplace design
2019 (English)In: 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Springer, 2019, Vol. 824, p. 356-365Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The workspace design process offers opportunities for significant improvements of work environments at low costs. However, work environment experts and Occupational Health Services (OHS) personnel are not seen as natural partners, inhibiting their chances of getting experience. This paper reports results from a national pilot intervention project comprised of a methods framework and a course. The aim of the intervention was to teach these professionals reliable, cost-effective and feasible methods for conducting workplace design projects. The intervention also aimed to increase employee participation in workplace design processes and thereby achieve better impact in these cases. Methods were taught to 56 work environment experts, also creating incentives for them to practice this knowledge. These experts were given incentives to contact and offer their client organizations services for planning new work environments. In the long term, the competence within the field of workplace design on a national level hopefully will be improved.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2019
Series
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, ISSN 2194-5357 ; 824
Keywords
Ergonomists, Office planning, Participatory design
National Category
Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-234083 (URN)10.1007/978-3-319-96071-5_38 (DOI)000473061800027 ()2-s2.0-85052337012 (Scopus ID)9783319960708 (ISBN)
Conference
20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26 August 2018 through 30 August 2018
Note

QC 20180905

Available from: 2018-09-05 Created: 2018-09-05 Last updated: 2022-06-26Bibliographically approved
Eklund, J. (2019). Application of the HTO Concept for a Powered Pallet Truck. In: 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018: . Paper presented at 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26 August 2018 through 30 August 2018 (pp. 482-485). Springer, 821
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Application of the HTO Concept for a Powered Pallet Truck
2019 (English)In: 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Springer, 2019, Vol. 821, p. 482-485Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Truck drivers suffer work injuries to a higher extent than most other occupations. The HTO concept and the interaction framework were applied in a pre-study leading to a redesign of a new powered pallet truck. The old truck was evaluated using a literature study, interviews, observations, injury statistics and benchmarking, as part of the HTO analysis. The analyses showed that the driver often stood on the rear part of the platform with the heels outside the platform, making them vulnerable to injury. The injury statistics also showed that drivers of powered pallet trucks had more heel injuries than drivers of other truck types. There were two reasons for this. The steering arm was slightly too long, and the vibration damping was better the further back the drivers stood on the platform. This study led to redesign of the steering arm and platform suspension in the new truck generation. The combination of the HTO concept and the interaction framework supported the analysis in identifying relationships that otherwise would not have been obvious.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2019
Series
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, ISSN 2194-5357 ; 821
Keywords
Folding platform, Pallet truck, Product design
National Category
Medical and Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-233647 (URN)10.1007/978-3-319-96080-7_58 (DOI)2-s2.0-85051720660 (Scopus ID)9783319960791 (ISBN)
Conference
20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26 August 2018 through 30 August 2018
Note

QC 20180828

Available from: 2018-08-28 Created: 2018-08-28 Last updated: 2022-06-26Bibliographically approved
Yang, L., Lu, K., Forsman, M., Lindecrantz, K., Seoane, F., Ekblom, Ö. & Eklund, J. (2019). Evaluation of physiological workload assessment methods using heart rate and accelerometry for a smart wearable system. Ergonomics, 62(5), 694-705
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Evaluation of physiological workload assessment methods using heart rate and accelerometry for a smart wearable system
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2019 (English)In: Ergonomics, ISSN 0014-0139, E-ISSN 1366-5847, Vol. 62, no 5, p. 694-705Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Work metabolism (WM) can be accurately estimated by oxygen consumption (VO2), which is commonly assessed by heart rate (HR) in field studies. However, the VO2–HR relationship is influenced by individual capacity and activity characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three models for estimating WM compared with indirect calorimetry, during simulated work activities. The techniques were: the HR-Flex model; HR branched model, combining HR with hip-worn accelerometers (ACC); and HR + arm-leg ACC model, combining HR with wrist- and thigh-worn ACC. Twelve participants performed five simulated work activities and three submaximal tests. The HR + arm-leg ACC model had the overall best performance with limits of agreement (LoA) of −3.94 and 2.00 mL/min/kg, while the HR-Flex model had −5.01 and 5.36 mL/min/kg and the branched model, −6.71 and 1.52 mL/min/kg. In conclusion, the HR + arm-leg ACC model should, when feasible, be preferred in wearable systems for WM estimation.

Keywords
Heart rate, work metabolism, motion sensing, wearable sensors, risk assessment, estimation models
National Category
Medical Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-239148 (URN)10.1080/00140139.2019.1566579 (DOI)000468779800007 ()30806164 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85062366366 (Scopus ID)
Funder
AFA Insurance, 150039
Note

QC 20190218

Available from: 2018-11-16 Created: 2018-11-16 Last updated: 2022-12-12Bibliographically approved
Eklund, J. (2019). Observation Methods in the Context of Interactive Research. In: 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018: . Paper presented at 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26 August 2018 through 30 August 2018 (pp. 1845-1849). Springer, 824
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Observation Methods in the Context of Interactive Research
2019 (English)In: 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Springer, 2019, Vol. 824, p. 1845-1849Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

An interactive research approach was applied in an evaluation of a potential organizational change for mail carriers. Interviews and observations were performed. The results showed that specialization of mail carriers into either mail sorting or mail delivery would lead to more monotonous jobs. Observations showed that sorting mail in a new district takes substantially more time than in a well-known district. An interactive research approach creates a participative collaboration between employers, union representatives and researchers within a project. This influences the choice, planning and execution of methods, of which observation is one. Through the interactive discussions, the planning of how, who, when and where to perform the observations can be improved. This contributes to creating better opportunities to obtain valid results. The use of video recordings enables joint analysis, which contributes to higher acceptance of outcomes and results. The overall conclusion is that the combination of an interactive approach and observation methods is a way to improve both methodological validity and higher validity of the results in addition to higher acceptance of the results and subsequent decisions.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2019
Series
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, ISSN 2194-5357 ; 824
Keywords
Change readiness, Partnership, Video recordings
National Category
Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-234086 (URN)10.1007/978-3-319-96071-5_192 (DOI)000473061800181 ()2-s2.0-85052330473 (Scopus ID)9783319960708 (ISBN)
Conference
20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26 August 2018 through 30 August 2018
Note

QC 20180905

Available from: 2018-09-05 Created: 2018-09-05 Last updated: 2022-06-26Bibliographically approved
Rose, L., Eklund, J. & Nord Nilsson, L. (2019). RAMP – A comprehensive MSD risk management tool. In: S. Bagnara et al. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 20th Congress ofthe International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018): Volume III: Musculoskeletal Disorders. Paper presented at 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26-30 August 2018 (pp. 537-546). Springer, 820
Open this publication in new window or tab >>RAMP – A comprehensive MSD risk management tool
2019 (English)In: Proceedings of the 20th Congress ofthe International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018): Volume III: Musculoskeletal Disorders / [ed] S. Bagnara et al., Springer, 2019, Vol. 820, p. 537-546Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The objective of this paper is to describe the development, dissemination and preliminary effects of the use of a new musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk management tool for manual handling, RAMP (Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively). RAMP is research based and developed in close collaboration between researchers and practitioners with a participative iterative methodology. A broad strategy is used for the dissemination, including the use of professional networks, conferences, a specially developed homepage, and Massive Open Online Courses which also provide training on the tool use. The tool has been spread widely to about 45 countries since the release 2017. E.g. Scania CV uses RAMP as its global standard method for managing MSD risks at logistics and machining departments. Among the preliminary effects results show that at one department risk reduction measures had been taken for more than 2/3 of the work stations with assessments signalling elevated risk levels after 1.5 years. Further studies on RAMP are discussed. It is concluded that the development and the dissemination of RAMP can be seen as successful. Preliminary reports on the tool use effects indicate that the RAMP tool supports the MSD risk management process in the work to reduce MDS risks at workplaces.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2019
Series
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, ISSN 2194-5357 ; 820
Keywords
Manual handling, Observation method, Risk management
National Category
Other Engineering and Technologies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-233653 (URN)10.1007/978-3-319-96083-8_70 (DOI)2-s2.0-85051808831 (Scopus ID)
Conference
20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2018, Florence, Italy, 26-30 August 2018
Note

QC 20230619

Available from: 2018-08-28 Created: 2018-08-28 Last updated: 2023-06-19Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-5338-0586

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