Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2017
This study reports on the accuracy of smartphone-based illuminance measurement applications and w... more This study reports on the accuracy of smartphone-based illuminance measurement applications and whether they may be employed for occupational lighting measurements. A sample of nine mobile phones on three platforms (Android, iOS and Windows) was assembled and 14 apps were selected for testing. Testing conditions comprised four pre-specified illuminance levels (300 lx, 500 lx, 750 lx and 1000 lx) accomplished with three light sources presenting different Correlated Color Temperatures (2700 K; 4000 K; 6500 K). The results reveal extremely variable and sometimes large deviations from the reference levels and suggest smartphones are not appropriate for use in occupational lighting assessments.
Based on an Ergonomic Work Analysis the objectives of this study were to assess and evaluate the ... more Based on an Ergonomic Work Analysis the objectives of this study were to assess and evaluate the working conditions of a Pathological Anatomy Service (PAS) in a Private Portuguese Hospital. Twelve workers participated in the study and six tasks were analyzed and assessed with the RULA method. The main results of this study have highlighted that the work done in this PAS entails risk factors probably responsible for the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the high levels of eyestrain. According to RULA results, the risk for the development of MSDs is present in almost all tasks suggesting that investigation and adjustments in the work situation are required. Considering the chemical risk assessment, several nonconformities were found in terms of labeling, storage, workplace and worker’s training. Globally, the obtained results are in accordance with those reported by other studies.
Health and Social Care Systems of the Future: Demographic Changes, Digital Age and Human Factors, 2019
This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptom... more This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among pathological anatomy service workers and to assess the workers’ opinions about their actual working conditions. The data were collected using a questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to identify possible associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complaints (musculoskeletal or visual fatigue). The main results of this study have highlighted that the work done in this pathological anatomy service entails risk factors which may be responsible for the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the high levels of eyestrain. The main regions affected and the main visual symptoms are in accordance with the results reported by other studies. In general, there were no statistically significant associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics)...
The main tasks performed in a pathological anatomy service often expose pathologists and other te... more The main tasks performed in a pathological anatomy service often expose pathologists and other technicians to awkward and uncomfortable postures that, in combination with others risk factors may be responsible for the development of chronic pain syndromes. This paper focuses on estimating the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among these professionals and attempts to identify possible associations with their actual working conditions. Other objectives of this study were: identify the most painful tasks/workstations, characterize these in terms of the associated musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) development risk and, finally, identify and propose some preventive measures. To fulfill all these objectives, an ergonomic work analysis was done. Data were collected using a questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to identify possible associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics)...
Traditionally, sound meters and noise dosimeters have been worldwide recognized as the most adequ... more Traditionally, sound meters and noise dosimeters have been worldwide recognized as the most adequate devices to measure sound pressure level. In recent years, smart mobile devices have been incorporated with many different sensors and multiple useful applications have been developed, turning them into multi-purpose measuring units. Compared to sound meters, smart devices can be less expensive, are not task specific and allow sharing collected data in real time. Fourteen smartphones and five tablets based on iOS and Android platforms were used to conduct sound level measurements with three and two apps respectively. Seven different sound signals of pink noise were utilized at different levels (60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 dBA) along with an industrial noise signal. This study concluded that some mobile device/app combinations may be considered adequate as a screening tool but not as accurate as sound level meters.
This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and quant... more This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and quantify the associated risk of MSDs development among workers in two sections of a Portuguese enterprise integrated in the HORECA sector. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was the method used to quantify the risk associated to MSDs development. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to assess associations between variables (demographic/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complaints (in each body region assessed) or the pain level of the working situation. Considering the RULA results, the risk for the development of MSDs is present in all tasks and in both assessed sections suggesting that investigation and adjustments in the work situation are relevant. In general, there were no statistically significant associations between variables (demographic/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complains (in each body region assessed) or the pain level...
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
Awkward and uncomfortable postures when maintained for long periods of time could stress and fati... more Awkward and uncomfortable postures when maintained for long periods of time could stress and fatigue supporting muscles and tendons, leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). An Ergonomic Work Analysis was required to assess and evaluate the working conditions in a pathological anatomy laboratory. The objectives of this study were: assess the actual working conditions of the professionals in that service; establish relationships between them and the complaints presented; identify and select the most painful task/workstation, characterize this task/workstation in terms of the associated MSD development risk and, finally, identify and propose some preventive measures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment was used and the results revealed that the risk for the development of MSD is present in all tasks. The three most critical tasks were identified. Considering the self-reported physical symptoms, the results were similar with the other studies reported.
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
This study intended to find whether music teachers’ exposure to noise has got potential to produc... more This study intended to find whether music teachers’ exposure to noise has got potential to produce hearing impairments and to investigate their actual hearing status. Twenty music teachers from a Portuguese college-level school of music were surveyed for their daily noise exposure and were submitted to several hearing tests. Occupational history, self-reported hearing disorders and use of personal hearing protectors were among the information collected with a questionnaire. Most teacher’s daily exposure to noise is below 80 dB(A), and less than 15 % of them were diagnosed with mild sensorineural hearing loss. Occupational exposure to noise does not seem to be the only factor responsible for this impairment. Recommendations on how to reduce the risk of hearing loss and control noise exposures are suggested and awareness rising strategies are under consideration.
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
This paper discusses a strategy to integrate ergonomics in aircraft maintenance industry. The pro... more This paper discusses a strategy to integrate ergonomics in aircraft maintenance industry. The program is a systemic and integrated project that involves: training for the workers; ergonomics analysis and intervention and research. The objective is to develop basic competences in ergonomics among team leaders, improve the working conditions and increase the production efficiency and effectiveness. In this particular industry, poor working conditions can influence the workers performance and lead to Human errors that can be responsible for aircraft problems later. After a two-year intervention program, the main results showed: a high level of motivation among the workers; the involvement of the workers in the development of solutions to improve the working conditions; and the involvement of the company and the university in long-term research projects. A discussion about the opportunities and difficulties in the collaboration between University and industries is also presented.
The last few decades have brought, together with technological development, faster vehicles with ... more The last few decades have brought, together with technological development, faster vehicles with greater power-to-weight ratios, which increased whole-body vibration (WBV) transmission to the drivers. Discomfort, reduced human performance and health impairments are found among professionals repeatedly exposed to WBV. Vibration exposure levels experienced by bus drivers operating in urban environments were studied in order to evaluate the role played by ground surface irregularities as well as vehicle properties and driver characteristics. Multiple regression models were developed so that WBV levels on the seat pan could be predicted from those three groups of factors. The study involved ten different bus models, from four different manufacturers, and three types of terrain: recently asphalt paved, irregular asphalt paved and brick paved. Vibration was measured according to ISO 2631-1 (1997). The most severe vibration to the drivers was transmitted along the vertical direction. Ground roughness and the vehicle characteristics played a relevant role on the vibration transmission. Road surface profile (amplitude and wave length) was a significant controlling factor for the dominant frequencies, as well as for the vibration levels. Recently asphalt paved surface, along with larger, heavier and younger vehicles were associated with lower vibration magnitudes on the driver's seat.
The semi-quantitative approach used in occupational risk assessments is quite popular among safet... more The semi-quantitative approach used in occupational risk assessments is quite popular among safety practitioners, namely because it allies the advantages of both the quantitative and the qualitative approaches and overcomes some of their limitations. However it still rises some concerns as the sort of methods involved haven’t been fully studied in order to assure high levels of confidence in the results they produce. This is a particularly relevant issue as the workers’ health and safety may be compromised if risk assessment results are not reliable. Therefore, a comparative study on the reliability of matrix based risk assessment methods was accomplished, particularly focused on their stability and reproducibility. The Krippendorff’s Alpha Coefficient (K) was chosen to assess inter-coder (reproducibility) and intra-coder (stability) reliability. In most cases, inter and intra coder reliability proved to be low (K <0.6) for both the risk level and the intermediate variables of ...
In manufacturing, forestry and agricultural work, mining and construction, public works, among ot... more In manufacturing, forestry and agricultural work, mining and construction, public works, among others, portable tools are used, and expose the hands of the workers to excessive levels of vibration. Currently it is recognized that exposure to harmful Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) on a regular basis can induce different health problems, especially in the upper limbs. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the HAV exposure risks of workers performing seasonal olives picking for oil, especially regarding vibrations arising from the mechanic olive harvester, and how these risks are perceived by the exposed workers. To this end we interviewed 75 workers (33 exposed to HAV) and 11 different models of mechanic olive harvester were assessed in terms of HAV. Twenty two (66%) of the 33 workers exposed to HAV reported symptoms related to exposure and 21% of the evaluated harvesters presented vibration exposure values above the legally prescribed exposure action value. However, only a frac...
In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitabl... more In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform risk assessment. Despite their advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of these applications. A comparison of risk assessment methods was performed to find if the Risk Level obtained with different methods is identical for each of the previously identified set of risks. Inter-analyst consensus was also evaluated. Four Semi-quantitative Risk Assessment Methods were used to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. Data collection relied on free and systematized observations and made use of video recording, documental research, analysis grids and questionnaires specifically developed for this purpose. The preliminary results show a general poor concordance (K<0.6) for both inter method and inter analyst evaluation. From the point of view of the workers’ protection, two methods were the m...
In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitabl... more In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform a risk assessment. Despite its advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of this type of applications. Risk assessments were performed in two different moments to find if the Risk Level obtained with different methods is identical for each of the previously identified set of risks. A set of different analysts were asked to use four semi-quantitative risk assessment methods to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. The Krippendorff’s Alpha Coef-ficient (K) was the agreement measure selected to evaluate both inter-coder and intra-coder consensus. The preliminary results revealed a general low concordance (K <0.6) for both reliability evaluations.
In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitabl... more In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform a risk assessment. Despite its advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of this type of applications. This paper reports a study about risk assessments' reliability, namely both inter-coder (reproducibility) and intra-coder (stability) reliability of the semi-quantitative approach. This study comprised 4 fundamental stages. Data collection relied on free and systematized observations and made use of video recording, documental research, analysis grids and questionnaires specifically developed for this purpose. A set of different analysts were asked to use four semi-quantitative risk assessment methods (in two different moments) to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. The Krippendorff's Alpha Coefficient (α<formula> _K</formula>) was the agreement measure selected to...
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2017
This study reports on the accuracy of smartphone-based illuminance measurement applications and w... more This study reports on the accuracy of smartphone-based illuminance measurement applications and whether they may be employed for occupational lighting measurements. A sample of nine mobile phones on three platforms (Android, iOS and Windows) was assembled and 14 apps were selected for testing. Testing conditions comprised four pre-specified illuminance levels (300 lx, 500 lx, 750 lx and 1000 lx) accomplished with three light sources presenting different Correlated Color Temperatures (2700 K; 4000 K; 6500 K). The results reveal extremely variable and sometimes large deviations from the reference levels and suggest smartphones are not appropriate for use in occupational lighting assessments.
Based on an Ergonomic Work Analysis the objectives of this study were to assess and evaluate the ... more Based on an Ergonomic Work Analysis the objectives of this study were to assess and evaluate the working conditions of a Pathological Anatomy Service (PAS) in a Private Portuguese Hospital. Twelve workers participated in the study and six tasks were analyzed and assessed with the RULA method. The main results of this study have highlighted that the work done in this PAS entails risk factors probably responsible for the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the high levels of eyestrain. According to RULA results, the risk for the development of MSDs is present in almost all tasks suggesting that investigation and adjustments in the work situation are required. Considering the chemical risk assessment, several nonconformities were found in terms of labeling, storage, workplace and worker’s training. Globally, the obtained results are in accordance with those reported by other studies.
Health and Social Care Systems of the Future: Demographic Changes, Digital Age and Human Factors, 2019
This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptom... more This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among pathological anatomy service workers and to assess the workers’ opinions about their actual working conditions. The data were collected using a questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to identify possible associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complaints (musculoskeletal or visual fatigue). The main results of this study have highlighted that the work done in this pathological anatomy service entails risk factors which may be responsible for the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the high levels of eyestrain. The main regions affected and the main visual symptoms are in accordance with the results reported by other studies. In general, there were no statistically significant associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics)...
The main tasks performed in a pathological anatomy service often expose pathologists and other te... more The main tasks performed in a pathological anatomy service often expose pathologists and other technicians to awkward and uncomfortable postures that, in combination with others risk factors may be responsible for the development of chronic pain syndromes. This paper focuses on estimating the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among these professionals and attempts to identify possible associations with their actual working conditions. Other objectives of this study were: identify the most painful tasks/workstations, characterize these in terms of the associated musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) development risk and, finally, identify and propose some preventive measures. To fulfill all these objectives, an ergonomic work analysis was done. Data were collected using a questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to identify possible associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics)...
Traditionally, sound meters and noise dosimeters have been worldwide recognized as the most adequ... more Traditionally, sound meters and noise dosimeters have been worldwide recognized as the most adequate devices to measure sound pressure level. In recent years, smart mobile devices have been incorporated with many different sensors and multiple useful applications have been developed, turning them into multi-purpose measuring units. Compared to sound meters, smart devices can be less expensive, are not task specific and allow sharing collected data in real time. Fourteen smartphones and five tablets based on iOS and Android platforms were used to conduct sound level measurements with three and two apps respectively. Seven different sound signals of pink noise were utilized at different levels (60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 dBA) along with an industrial noise signal. This study concluded that some mobile device/app combinations may be considered adequate as a screening tool but not as accurate as sound level meters.
This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and quant... more This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and quantify the associated risk of MSDs development among workers in two sections of a Portuguese enterprise integrated in the HORECA sector. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was the method used to quantify the risk associated to MSDs development. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to assess associations between variables (demographic/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complaints (in each body region assessed) or the pain level of the working situation. Considering the RULA results, the risk for the development of MSDs is present in all tasks and in both assessed sections suggesting that investigation and adjustments in the work situation are relevant. In general, there were no statistically significant associations between variables (demographic/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complains (in each body region assessed) or the pain level...
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
Awkward and uncomfortable postures when maintained for long periods of time could stress and fati... more Awkward and uncomfortable postures when maintained for long periods of time could stress and fatigue supporting muscles and tendons, leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). An Ergonomic Work Analysis was required to assess and evaluate the working conditions in a pathological anatomy laboratory. The objectives of this study were: assess the actual working conditions of the professionals in that service; establish relationships between them and the complaints presented; identify and select the most painful task/workstation, characterize this task/workstation in terms of the associated MSD development risk and, finally, identify and propose some preventive measures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment was used and the results revealed that the risk for the development of MSD is present in all tasks. The three most critical tasks were identified. Considering the self-reported physical symptoms, the results were similar with the other studies reported.
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
This study intended to find whether music teachers’ exposure to noise has got potential to produc... more This study intended to find whether music teachers’ exposure to noise has got potential to produce hearing impairments and to investigate their actual hearing status. Twenty music teachers from a Portuguese college-level school of music were surveyed for their daily noise exposure and were submitted to several hearing tests. Occupational history, self-reported hearing disorders and use of personal hearing protectors were among the information collected with a questionnaire. Most teacher’s daily exposure to noise is below 80 dB(A), and less than 15 % of them were diagnosed with mild sensorineural hearing loss. Occupational exposure to noise does not seem to be the only factor responsible for this impairment. Recommendations on how to reduce the risk of hearing loss and control noise exposures are suggested and awareness rising strategies are under consideration.
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
This paper discusses a strategy to integrate ergonomics in aircraft maintenance industry. The pro... more This paper discusses a strategy to integrate ergonomics in aircraft maintenance industry. The program is a systemic and integrated project that involves: training for the workers; ergonomics analysis and intervention and research. The objective is to develop basic competences in ergonomics among team leaders, improve the working conditions and increase the production efficiency and effectiveness. In this particular industry, poor working conditions can influence the workers performance and lead to Human errors that can be responsible for aircraft problems later. After a two-year intervention program, the main results showed: a high level of motivation among the workers; the involvement of the workers in the development of solutions to improve the working conditions; and the involvement of the company and the university in long-term research projects. A discussion about the opportunities and difficulties in the collaboration between University and industries is also presented.
The last few decades have brought, together with technological development, faster vehicles with ... more The last few decades have brought, together with technological development, faster vehicles with greater power-to-weight ratios, which increased whole-body vibration (WBV) transmission to the drivers. Discomfort, reduced human performance and health impairments are found among professionals repeatedly exposed to WBV. Vibration exposure levels experienced by bus drivers operating in urban environments were studied in order to evaluate the role played by ground surface irregularities as well as vehicle properties and driver characteristics. Multiple regression models were developed so that WBV levels on the seat pan could be predicted from those three groups of factors. The study involved ten different bus models, from four different manufacturers, and three types of terrain: recently asphalt paved, irregular asphalt paved and brick paved. Vibration was measured according to ISO 2631-1 (1997). The most severe vibration to the drivers was transmitted along the vertical direction. Ground roughness and the vehicle characteristics played a relevant role on the vibration transmission. Road surface profile (amplitude and wave length) was a significant controlling factor for the dominant frequencies, as well as for the vibration levels. Recently asphalt paved surface, along with larger, heavier and younger vehicles were associated with lower vibration magnitudes on the driver's seat.
The semi-quantitative approach used in occupational risk assessments is quite popular among safet... more The semi-quantitative approach used in occupational risk assessments is quite popular among safety practitioners, namely because it allies the advantages of both the quantitative and the qualitative approaches and overcomes some of their limitations. However it still rises some concerns as the sort of methods involved haven’t been fully studied in order to assure high levels of confidence in the results they produce. This is a particularly relevant issue as the workers’ health and safety may be compromised if risk assessment results are not reliable. Therefore, a comparative study on the reliability of matrix based risk assessment methods was accomplished, particularly focused on their stability and reproducibility. The Krippendorff’s Alpha Coefficient (K) was chosen to assess inter-coder (reproducibility) and intra-coder (stability) reliability. In most cases, inter and intra coder reliability proved to be low (K <0.6) for both the risk level and the intermediate variables of ...
In manufacturing, forestry and agricultural work, mining and construction, public works, among ot... more In manufacturing, forestry and agricultural work, mining and construction, public works, among others, portable tools are used, and expose the hands of the workers to excessive levels of vibration. Currently it is recognized that exposure to harmful Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) on a regular basis can induce different health problems, especially in the upper limbs. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the HAV exposure risks of workers performing seasonal olives picking for oil, especially regarding vibrations arising from the mechanic olive harvester, and how these risks are perceived by the exposed workers. To this end we interviewed 75 workers (33 exposed to HAV) and 11 different models of mechanic olive harvester were assessed in terms of HAV. Twenty two (66%) of the 33 workers exposed to HAV reported symptoms related to exposure and 21% of the evaluated harvesters presented vibration exposure values above the legally prescribed exposure action value. However, only a frac...
In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitabl... more In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform risk assessment. Despite their advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of these applications. A comparison of risk assessment methods was performed to find if the Risk Level obtained with different methods is identical for each of the previously identified set of risks. Inter-analyst consensus was also evaluated. Four Semi-quantitative Risk Assessment Methods were used to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. Data collection relied on free and systematized observations and made use of video recording, documental research, analysis grids and questionnaires specifically developed for this purpose. The preliminary results show a general poor concordance (K<0.6) for both inter method and inter analyst evaluation. From the point of view of the workers’ protection, two methods were the m...
In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitabl... more In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform a risk assessment. Despite its advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of this type of applications. Risk assessments were performed in two different moments to find if the Risk Level obtained with different methods is identical for each of the previously identified set of risks. A set of different analysts were asked to use four semi-quantitative risk assessment methods to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. The Krippendorff’s Alpha Coef-ficient (K) was the agreement measure selected to evaluate both inter-coder and intra-coder consensus. The preliminary results revealed a general low concordance (K <0.6) for both reliability evaluations.
In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitabl... more In many enterprises the semi-quantitative approach turns out to be the available and most suitable technique to perform a risk assessment. Despite its advantages, we cannot disregard the existing gap in terms of validation of this type of applications. This paper reports a study about risk assessments' reliability, namely both inter-coder (reproducibility) and intra-coder (stability) reliability of the semi-quantitative approach. This study comprised 4 fundamental stages. Data collection relied on free and systematized observations and made use of video recording, documental research, analysis grids and questionnaires specifically developed for this purpose. A set of different analysts were asked to use four semi-quantitative risk assessment methods (in two different moments) to estimate and assess six risks identified in two tasks accomplished to produce Airbags. The Krippendorff's Alpha Coefficient (α<formula> _K</formula>) was the agreement measure selected to...
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Papers by Rui B Melo