Advances in Physical, Social & Occupational Ergonomics

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Management and Efficiency

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Integrating Individual and Intra-organizational Learning for Calibration of Organization’s Performance

      Harsh Chauhan, Henrijs Kalkis

      Abstract

      The pragmatic literature review explores the significance of individual and intra-organizational learning for organization’s performance. Literature review depicts topic actuality, conceptual contribution, research methods and scientific discussions. The relativity of learning for individuals and organization have been evaluated on behalf of selected scientific papers. The articles reviewed for developing literature review have shown similarities of subject knowledge. The comparative analysis of conceptual framework is based on examination of experiments and modelling documented in previous research. Learning is considered as a process of transferring skills and knowledge from recognized intellectual source. The perspective of individual learning is more concentrated towards self-development and efficacy. Organizational learning is complimented by individual learning. The concentration is on empowering employees and departments for cumulative growth. Continuous Individual and organizational learning and transforming contribute to sustainable long-term organization’s performance.

   3. Social Distancing, Stress and Unethical Behavior: A Study on Italian University Students in the First Period of Isolation Due to COVID-19

      Oronzo Parlangeli, Paola Palmitesta, Stefano Guidi, Ileana Di Pomponio, Margherita Bracci, Enrica Marchigiani

      Abstract

      Some studies report high levels of perceived stress by university students in relation to academic misconduct [1]. Therefore, it seemed interesting to evaluate how and to what extent the social containment measures that have been put in place to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic can influence the relationship between stress and ethical/unethical behaviors in the population of university students. 282 students from 3 Universities in Italy, filled in an online questionnaire aimed at detecting socio-demographic information, the level of perceived stress, the degree of interference between home life and study activities, the perception of unethical behavior. Results show a high level of stress and more serious issues with relationships with other students. In addition, problems in obtaining adequate online informational support appear to increase perceptions of misconduct during exams and in relationships with professors.

   4. Personal Gains from Materials in Social Networks

      Tom Sander, Biruta Sloka, Henrijs Kalkis

      Abstract

      Importance of gains from social networks is analyzed in great extent in many countries by many researchers as social networks are reaching more and more importance. Research methods applied: analysis of scientific publications, survey of social network users on gains from materials in social networks. For evaluations by respondents in survey it was used evaluation scale 1–6 as it is used in grading system in Germany. Survey data results are analyzed by indicators of descriptive statistics – indicators of central tendency or location: arithmetic mean, median, mode and indicator of variability – standard deviation. In the research there were found differences by countries in use of social networks.

   5. Factors and Barriers of Implementing Early Warning, Support and Second Chance Support Systems for SMEs in the Baltic States

      Liga Braslina, Anda Batraga, Aija Legzdina, Jelena Salkovska, Henrijs Kalkis, Daina Skiltere, Girts Braslins, Daina Saktiņa

      Abstract

      COVID-19 creates insolvencies time bomb, even if economies are supported by the state. Following the liquidation or bankruptcy of a business, entrepreneurs in the EU mostly opt for a paid professional job rather than re-establishing their business [1]. Those entrepreneurs who re-establish their business after bankruptcy are experiencing faster growth than start-ups. The study points to significant current barriers and factors influencing the implementation of support, early warning and second chances in the Baltic States. There is a need to increase the competencies of both the businessmen and support providers on crisis management and the support already available in the broadest sense. By increasing support for the businesses in crisis in the Baltics, the wave of COVID-19 bankruptcies would be both reduced and used productively to create new, already stronger companies, thus providing a productive support to the Baltic business environment.

   6. Retail Skills as the Craftsmanship of Liquor Retail SMEs

      Myungrae Cho, Koichiro Watanabe

      Abstract

      Commercial theories have examined the existence of small and medium-sized retail enterprises in Japan from the viewpoint of economic efficiency and social effectiveness. However, these businesses, expected to play a role in revitalizing city communities, are declining. This study analyzes the retail skills and abilities of a small liquor business that remains successful despite the changing times. The analysis identified the following retail skills as key to the owner’s success: product proposal skill, customer nurture skill, and market recognition skill.

   7. Analysis of the Employment Rate of People with Disabilities in Ecuador

      Hugo Arias-Flores, Jorge Guadalupe-Lanas, Janio Jadán-Guerrero

      Abstract

      In Latin America and the Caribbean, approximately 12% of the population has some type of disability, 80% of them are unemployed and the 20% who have a job do not have the same conditions as the rest of the employees. To address this, public policies have been proposed and implemented with a focus on the labor insertion of people with disabilities. In this context, people living with a disability find it more difficult to find a job. They are less likely to be employed compared to people without disabilities. This article analyzes the employment of people with disabilities in Ecuador. Since Ecuador is considered a developing country, employment plays a fundamental role in the economic development of the population, particularly of people with disabilities. We want to identify the occupation rate in the formal market in Ecuador, establishing the percentage of participation by type of disability. In addition, an analysis will be carried out according to the affiliated institution in which it is active. The research is descriptive, and the data recorded in official sources were analyzed. We conclude that the employment rate of people with disabilities is only 15.3%, and that people with intellectual disabilities have the lowest employability rate, at 7.5%.

3. Physical Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Ergonomic Indicators and Physical Workload Risks in Food Production and Possibilities for Risk Prevention

      Henrijs Kalkis, Ingus Graveris, Zenija Roja

      Abstract

      The food industry is the most important and largest manufacturing industry in Latvia, producing almost a third of all manufacturing output. Employees in a food production enterprises are exposed to a variety of ergonomic risks: monotonous work movements that can be repeated up to 1000 times a day, overloads that exceeds 30 kg in lifting and moving operations, forced working postures, fast work pace. The aim of the study was to identify ergonomic indicators related to physical load for packers in one medium-sized company producing potato starch in Latvia. When summarizing the results of the survey on burden-lifting rates, it should be noted that, in a shift, 30% of packers lift the burden from 200 to 500 times, 26% from 40 to 200 times, while 24% note that smaller products are lifted between 500 and 1000 times. Nearly all those surveyed indicated that, during work, body posture was deeply bent and the body twisted. Analysis of physical load of male packers, applying the KIM-LHC method, shows that, when a mass weighing 16 kg and 25 kg is lifted, packers are exposed to risk levels 3 and 4 respectively. According to KIM-MHO assessment, in works where frequent hand movements and monotonous working operations are observed, the results presented a risk level 3. This could be explained by a high intensity of work. The results obtained by the QEC method show that the shoulder girdle, arms, hands, and the neck of packers who lift and mix a product with a mass of 25 kg, are at very high risk at work. The essential ergonomic indicators during physical load and repeated monotonous work operations are obtained analyzing the physical load of employees with the KIM methods and the QEC method in order to determine the load of individual body parts during work.

   3. Assessment of Muscle Fatigue and Potential Health Risk of Low Back Pain Among Call Center Workers

      Sunisa Chaiklieng, Worawan Poochada

      Abstract

      The aims of this study were to investigate muscle fatigue and the risk of low back pain (LBP) development among call center workers. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ), and used with Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) for prediction of LBP development in a risk matrix. Muscle fatigue was measured by electromyography. Workers had a moderate to high level of ergonomic risk according to ROSA. 43.3% of workers had muscular discomfort. The potential risk level of LBP development was found to be moderate for 23.4% and high for 20.0%. The risk scores of LBP development significantly correlated with discomfort levels (r = 0.914). Electromyogram measurements indicated that over 80% of workers had muscle fatigue on the lower back. Workers at high ergonomic risk were more likely to have muscle fatigue than those at lower risk. These methods of risk assessment could be applied to identify muscle fatigue and LBP development among similar groups.

   4. The Effects of the Physical Environment on Employee Wellbeing and Performance: A Case Study on Healthy Architecture in Call Center Interiors

      Salih Ceylan

      Abstract

      Healthy built environment is an emerging field of interest in architecture. It possesses various approaches regarding the scale and function of the architectural products. Even though health and safety issues such as emergency situations, fire codes, accessibility, and job security have been a part of spatial organization in architectural design for a long time, current understanding of design reveals that healthy architecture is not only about the absence of disease or infirmity, but also about a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. It consists of various characteristics like possibility-driven, balanced, user fit, and long-term effective environments. This paper tackles with the characteristics of healthy architecture on an interior scale through a survey on call center interiors. Hypothesis of the paper is that human wellbeing centered design of the built environment in call center interiors contribute to employee performance and commitment. To measure the accuracy of the hypothesis, a survey has been conducted among the employees of a call center in Istanbul, Turkey. The outcomes of the survey are discussed in the discussion and conclusion section of the paper.

   5. Sustainable Work Opportunities for Drivers’ Well-Being: A Case of Careem as Transportation Network Company

      Amna Javed, Youji Kohda

      Abstract

      This study examines the services provided by the transportation network company in a developing country from the drivers’ perspective. This study is set up to investigate two substantial concerns: drivers’ satisfaction and well-being. By adopting a purposeful sampling practice, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted in Lahore, Pakistan. After analyzing the facts, several results are extracted, as motivation is the main factor for the drivers to join the company. The drivers are not the workers at all—they are the users of Careem technology services, Careem defines workers as working-class entrepreneurs instead of service providers only, and finally, Careem treats its drivers as customers by re-defining the role of workers and keeping safety measures for drivers. The created values for drivers because of working conditions beyond the algorithm are indeed the effective value propositions that help Careem to retain its drivers for the betterment of the company and society’s well-being.

   6. Prevalence of Post-work Musculoskeletal Disorders in Social Workers and Secretaries of Second-Level Hospital

      Gilberto Perea, Corina Flores Hernández, Víctor Rodríguez, Daniel Páramo, Guadalupe de los Auxilios Díaz Cisneros

      Abstract

      The purpose was to identify post-work musculoskeletal alterations in social workers and secretaries of second-level hospitals. Cross-sectional study, with a sample of 185 subjects being calculated in Epidat by proportions, 20% of the population with damages at a 95% CI. The modified NORDICO questionnaire was applied to collect information on pain, fatigue or discomfort in different areas of the body. The reliability test was carried out, obtaining a 65% correlation between the items and inferential statistical analysis. The 42.8% (150) were aged ≤35 years and 58.2 between 36 and 50 years (35), in the seniority in the position 45.9% (80) had between 6 and ten years more than ten, 21.6% (40), Musculoskeletal disorders reported by social workers and secretaries were pain in the neck (40%), shoulders (50%), wrist and hand (50%), lower back (70%), knees (40%), ankles and swelling 50% during the last seven days. The type of tasks was quantified and with repetitive movements (45.9%), varied tasks such as copies, agendas, etc. (21.6%) and mixed 32.4% (p < 0.05 X2). Regarding how long these discomforts have prevented them from doing their work, 35% mentioned more than three disabilities for 3 days, 25% have received heat therapy and 100% have taken anti-inflammatories. In addition, it is observed that there is no ergonomic prevention and the risk increases 2 times more with age and work seniority (95% CI, p < 0.05). It can be observed that while the ten minute breaks are not respected for each working hour an 8 h/day shift will increase disorders.

   7. Estimation of Spine Loads During Daily Activities and Its Relationship with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Elderly Indigenous Women

      Alejandra Lascano, Thalia San Antonio, David Guevara, Anita Larrea

      Abstract

      This investigation aims to establish a correlation between spine deformations in indigenous elderly female of Ecuador and the magnitude and maneuver of the loads they manipulate. The women work, since infancy, in agricultural and home labors and tend to do so when carrying on their backs their siblings, children or grandchildren. Photoshoots of static body postures of daily activities were the source for body segment angles identification using 3-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program to calculate the biomechanical demands estimating the values of compressive and shear forces at the spine complementing the use of methods for ergonomic evaluations. The calculated lower back compression forces were compared to the NIOSH guidelines. The maximum weight of agricultural loads in the evaluated activities ranged from 50 to 100 lb. The findings should be used to modify the standard of agricultural packages reducing their capacity to protect the health of women stevedores.