On-site observations of physical work demands of train conductors and service electricians in the Netherlands

Ergonomics
D BotjeJ K Sluiter

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess the exposure to physical work demands of train conductors and service electricians at a railway company in the Netherlands. On-site observations were performed using the Task Recording and Analysis on Computer observation system to identify the mean duration and frequency of tasks, activities and body postures. In total, 36 train conductors and 41 service electricians were observed for a net working day of 7 h. Results showed that train conductors and service electricians climbed a flight of stairs on average 249 and 258 times, respectively, and that service electricians worked above shoulder height for 65 min on average. In both jobs, guidelines were exceeded, e.g. duration of standing, the number of times climbing a flight of stairs, kneeling and squatting or working in awkward postures, which are risk factors for developing musculoskeletal complaints. Suggestions are made concerning how to reduce these risk factors. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Understanding physical work demands is essential for recognising risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Since train conductors and service electricians in the Netherlands reported work-related complaints, on-site observations were perfo...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 29, 2012·Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation·Agnieszka KosnyChristine Carrasco
Jan 18, 2012·Ergonomics·Silvana SalernoIrene Figà Talamanca
Sep 3, 2013·International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health·I ZoerJ K Sluiter
Apr 5, 2014·BioMed Research International·Kurubaran GanasegeranSami Abdo Radman Al-Dubai
Feb 27, 2020·Ergonomics·Peter Fjeldstad HendriksenAndreas Holtermann

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Software Mentioned

Task Recording and Analysis on Computer ( TRAC ) observation

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