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Safety
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Advances in Ergonomics and Safety
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Advances in Ergonomics and Safety

A special issue of Safety (ISSN 2313-576X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 December 2024) | Viewed by 5746

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pedro Arezes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ALGORITMI Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal
Interests: human factors and ergonomics; occupational safety; occupational hygiene; aerospace human factors; science promotion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Sofia de Pinho Colim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. ALGORITMI Centre, School of Engineering, Production and Systems Department, University of Minho, 4800 Guimarães, Portugal
2. DTx Digital Transformation Colab, 4800 Guimarães, Portugal
Interests: biomechanics; applied ergonomics; occupational safety and hygiene; human-centric design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current competition in the global labor market requires companies to implement flexible, efficient, and resilient workplaces. However, in occupational settings, there remain several problems, namely the exposure of workers to cognitive and physical overload, awkward postures, and monotonous and repetitive work (among other risk factors). These risk factors can negatively affect workers' health and productivity, compromising their well-being and representing a barrier to the creation of resilient, healthy, and safe workplaces. Therefore, the research domains of Safety and Ergonomics are highly relevant and this Special Issue therefore addresses the following topics:

  • Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders;
  • Ergonomic assessment;
  • Human-centric design of workplaces;
  • Impact of human factors on the digital transformation of working systems.

Thus, scientists and practitioners are encouraged to publish their experimental and applied research relating to Safety and Ergonomics in order to enhance the state of the art in the design and assessment of tasks, workplaces, machines, tools, and systems, aiming to achieve safe, effective, and productive human activities.

Prof. Dr. Pedro Arezes
Dr. Ana Sofia de Pinho Colim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Safety is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human factors
  • ergonomic assessment
  • work-related musculoskeletal disorders
  • human-centric design
  • digital transformation

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  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 633 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Lower Back Pain and Associated Workplace and Ergonomic Factors among Mineworkers in a Nickel Mine, Zimbabwe
by Kumbirai P. Zenda, Phoka C. Rathebe, Tshepo P. Moto, Daniel M. Masekameni and Thokozani P. Mbonane
Safety 2024, 10(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030081 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Lower back pain is a common occurrence among mine workers due to the nature of their work. Globally, workplace (occupational) and ergonomic risk factors have been reported to influence the prevalence of lower back pain among workers. This study aimed to determine ergonomic [...] Read more.
Lower back pain is a common occurrence among mine workers due to the nature of their work. Globally, workplace (occupational) and ergonomic risk factors have been reported to influence the prevalence of lower back pain among workers. This study aimed to determine ergonomic risk factors associated with lower back pain and associated risk factors (workplace and ergonomics) among mineworkers in a nickel mine in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and participants were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire that included the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ). A total of 420 mine workers were interviewed, with the majority being male (n = 259, 61.7%) and aged between 31 and 44 years old (n = 159, 37.9%). The study found that the prevalence of lower back pain was 41.43% (n = 174). Several risk factors were found to be associated with lower back pain, including working overtime (AOR = 1.13, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 0.07–0.22), performing repetitive tasks (AOR = 8.06, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 4.67–13.93), bending (AOR = 7.77, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 3.97–15.22), and twisting (AOR = 3.32, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 1.83–6.03). Based on these findings, it is recommended that an ergonomic risk assessment and prevention program be implemented, which should include educational awareness about lower back pain and its prevention among mine workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ergonomics and Safety)
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17 pages, 1407 KiB  
Article
Subjective Effects of Using a Passive Upper Limb Exoskeleton for Industrial Textile Workers
by Edda Maria Capodaglio, Federica Amitrano, Armando Coccia, Vittorio Gabba, Gaetano Pagano, Giovanni D’Addio and Monica Panigazzi
Safety 2024, 10(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030059 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1135
Abstract
Industrial wool textile production exposes workers mainly to the biomechanical loading of the shoulder joint. In this work context, which is characterized by poor machine ergonomics, exposure to biomechanical risk factors, and variable work organization, exoskeletons could facilitate work processes or could be [...] Read more.
Industrial wool textile production exposes workers mainly to the biomechanical loading of the shoulder joint. In this work context, which is characterized by poor machine ergonomics, exposure to biomechanical risk factors, and variable work organization, exoskeletons could facilitate work processes or could be a valuable means to protect workers from overuse injuries. Field evaluation is essential to verify the suitability of specific devices and their acceptance by users. As part of a pilot study, we examined the short-term subjective effects of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers performing repetitive overhead tasks. In a textile factory, eight workers participated in the study, answering questionnaires after carrying out a work session with (ASE) and without an exoskeleton (FREE). Participants had been using the Paexo exoskeleton for 4.2±5.8 months (min 0–max 12). Subjective evaluations were collected regarding the workload (NASA-TLX) and relief (Borg’s CR10 scale) obtained from the use of the exoskeleton, satisfaction (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST)), usability (System Usability Scale (SUS)), and opinions on the ergonomics of the device (Ergonomics questionnaire). Workers reported a high workload (NASA 7.2±1.0) and assessed a 46% reduction in effort on the CR10 in ASE conditions compared to FREE. They expressed high satisfaction with most characteristics of the ASE (100% satisfied with durability and effectiveness), high level of usability (62% of scores above 80, out of a maximum score of 100), and ergonomics of the device (88±12, out of a maximum score of 110). In addition to the objective effects (electromyography (EMG) reduction) already demonstrated in a previous publication, these qualitative results demonstrate a positive perception by textile workers regarding the effectiveness, usability, and suitability of the exoskeleton. The adoption of ASE in the textile industry appears beneficial in the short term, but the impact associated with individual variables and long-term effects remains to be explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ergonomics and Safety)
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Review

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18 pages, 312 KiB  
Review
Digital and Virtual Technologies for Work-Related Biomechanical Risk Assessment: A Scoping Review
by Paulo C. Anacleto Filho, Ana Colim, Cristiano Jesus, Sérgio Ivan Lopes and Paula Carneiro
Safety 2024, 10(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030079 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1314
Abstract
The field of ergonomics has been significantly shaped by the advent of evolving technologies linked to new industrial paradigms, often referred to as Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and, more recently, Industry 5.0 (I5.0). Consequently, several studies have reviewed the integration of advanced technologies for [...] Read more.
The field of ergonomics has been significantly shaped by the advent of evolving technologies linked to new industrial paradigms, often referred to as Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and, more recently, Industry 5.0 (I5.0). Consequently, several studies have reviewed the integration of advanced technologies for improved ergonomics in different industry sectors. However, studies often evaluate specific technologies, such as extended reality (XR), wearables, artificial intelligence (AI), and collaborative robot (cobot), and their advantages and problems. In this sense, there is a lack of research exploring the state of the art of I4.0 and I5.0 virtual and digital technologies in evaluating work-related biomechanical risks. Addressing this research gap, this study presents a comprehensive review of 24 commercial tools and 10 academic studies focusing on work-related biomechanical risk assessment using digital and virtual technologies. The analysis reveals that AI and digital human modelling (DHM) are the most commonly utilised technologies in commercial tools, followed by motion capture (MoCap) and virtual reality (VR). Discrepancies were found between commercial tools and academic studies. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including potential biases in sample selection and search methodology. Future research directions include enhancing transparency in commercial tool validation processes, examining the broader impact of emerging technologies on ergonomics, and considering human-centred design principles in technology integration. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of biomechanical risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ergonomics and Safety)

Other

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12 pages, 5338 KiB  
Case Report
Assessing the Short-Term Effects of Dual Back-Support Exoskeleton within Logistics Operations
by André Cardoso, Ana Colim, Paula Carneiro, Nélson Costa, Sérgio Gomes, Abel Pires and Pedro Arezes
Safety 2024, 10(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030056 - 28 Jun 2024
Viewed by 934
Abstract
Logistics activities involve significant risk factors for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), particularly low back pain. Exoskeletons have emerged as potential solutions to mitigate these risks. This study assesses the short-term effects of dual passive back-support exoskeletons (Auxivo and Htrius) on [...] Read more.
Logistics activities involve significant risk factors for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), particularly low back pain. Exoskeletons have emerged as potential solutions to mitigate these risks. This study assesses the short-term effects of dual passive back-support exoskeletons (Auxivo and Htrius) on WMSD risk factors in logistics operations. Two workstations were evaluated using self-report ratings, postural assessment, and surface electromyography (EMG). The results indicate that both exoskeletons provided relief and support during tasks, with Htrius showing a slight advantage. Exoskeletons reduced perceived exertion, especially during trunk flexion tasks, and improved posture, particularly in tasks involving manual lifting loads at lower height levels. While variations in muscular activity were observed, the Htrius exoskeleton showed a trend of reducing lumbar muscle activity. Overall, Htrius demonstrated promise in improving workers’ comfort, safety, and efficiency, potentially reducing WMSD risk and muscular fatigue. However, individual preferences and workplace-specific characteristics should be considered when selecting exoskeleton models. Future research should explore the effects on different loads, genders, and EMG of different muscles to further enhance the understanding and application of exoskeletons in occupational contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ergonomics and Safety)
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