COMPARATIVE ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF SLAB FORMWORK SYSTEMS

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Schlagbauer ◽  
Detlef Heck
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Construction Site ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Average Work ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Cost

The economic efficiency of formwork systems does not depend only on the cost of the product; the achievable performance on the construction site has also a big influence on the selection process. This performance is connected to various factors, such as the number or weight of the individual items, or the required height of the formwork surface. In the course of this research project, four different slab formwork systems performing similar jobs were investigated, enabling a comparison based on an ergonomic assessment. The evaluation of the different systems proved that results and expectations correspond, in this case tasks were reviewed separately for individual systems. Comparing the systems directly, by using the calculated points of the ergonomics evaluation for an average work process, the results display that the least onerous system achieved the highest individual score values. These results led to the assumption that ergonomic scores should not be the sole base for a decision; therefore the performance progress was included and relative ergonomic values for a typical formwork surface were calculated. The result of this evaluation is in line with expectations for the strain of individual systems. The different results between single-task and performance-related evaluations illustrated that, for the assessment of health and safety issues combined with economic factors, not only was the single-task evaluation important, but also an overall view should be taken for a typical scope of work.

THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES OF FORECASTING THE COST OF A SOFTWARE PRODUCT

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavlo Rodionov ◽  
◽  
Anna Ploskonos ◽  
Lesya Gavrutenko ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Software Products ◽  
Software Product ◽  
Continue Research ◽  
Cocomo Model ◽  
Factors Of Influence ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Cost

The paper analyzes the factors that affect the amount of effort required to create a mobile application and its cost. It is established that the main factors of influence are the design of the application, its functionality, the type of mobile platform, the availability and level of testing and support, as well as the individual characteristics of the developer. Based on the analysis of information sources, the main methods and approaches to forecasting the cost of software products are identified, which include the COCOMO model, Price-to-win method, expert evaluation, algorithmic methods and the method of analogies. It is proposed to consider the method of analogies as a tool that allows you to make predictions about the cost of resources required for the successful implementation of IT projects based on the experience of similar projects. It is proved that the advantages of this method are the simplicity of its implementation and the clarity of the results obtained, which follows from the practical orientation of this tool. Among the limitations of the method of analogy is the mandatory need for reliable data relating to similar projects, as well as the difficulty of taking into account unspecified indicators. Taking into account the mentioned limitations of the method of analogies and on the basis of the analysis of scientific sources the possible directions of its optimization are determined. Thus, among the ways to improve the effectiveness of this method are those aimed at optimizing the project selection process, the data for which are used as a basis for forecasting. Attempts to improve the method of analogies by including parameters that were previously ignored by this technique seem promising. This in turn can lead to an expansion of the scope of the method of analogies and increase the accuracy of forecasts. As prospects for further research, the need to continue research in the field of optimization of the method of analogies with the subsequent practical verification of theoretical positions on the data of real projects.

scholarly journals Strategies for effective management of health and safety in confined site construction

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 50-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Spillane ◽  
Lukumon O. Oyedele
Keyword(s):  
Practical Implication ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Construction Site ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Site Design ◽  
Managerial Strategies

Purpose: The overall aim of this research is to identify and catalogue the numerous managerial strategies for effective management of health and safety on a confined, urban, construction site. Design/Methodology/Approach: This is achieved by utilising individual interviews, focus groups discussion on selected case studies of confined construction sites, coupled with a questionnaire survey. Findings: The top five key strategies include (1) Employ safe system of work plans to mitigate personnel health and safety issues; (2) Inform personnel, before starting on-site, of the potential issues using site inductions; (3) Effective communication among site personnel; (4) Draft and implement an effective design site layout prior to starting on-site; and (5) Use of banksman (traffic co-ordinator) to segregate personnel from vehicular traffic. Practical Implication: The construction sector is one of the leading industries in accident causation and with the continued development and regeneration of our urban centres, confined site construction is quickly becoming the norm - an environment which only fuels accident creation within the construction sector. Originality/Value: This research aids on-site management that requires direction and assistance in the identification and implementation of key strategies for the management of health and safety, particularly in confined construction site environments.

The Effect of Wave Motion Intensities on Performance in a Simulated Search and Rescue Task and the Concurrent Demands of Maintaining Balance

2020 ◽  
pp. 001872082095290
Author(s):  
Carolyn A. Duncan ◽  
Nicole Bishop ◽  
Vicki Komisar ◽  
Scott N. MacKinnon ◽  
Jeannette M. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Wave Motion ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Search And Rescue ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Motion Platform ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Maritime Search And Rescue

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine how intensity of wave motions affects the performance of a simulated maritime search and rescue (SAR) task. Background Maritime SAR is a critical maritime occupation; however, the effect of wave motion intensity on worker performance is unknown. Methods Twenty-four participants (12 male, 12 female) performed a simulated search and rescue task on a six-degree-of-freedom motion platform in two conditions that differed in motion intensity (low and high). Task performance, electromyography (EMG), and number of compensatory steps taken by the individual were examined. Results As magnitude of simulated motion increased, performance in the SAR task decreased, and was accompanied by increases in lower limb muscle activation and number of steps taken. Conclusions Performance of an SAR task and balance control may be impeded by high-magnitude vessel motions. Application This research has the potential to be used by maritime engineers, occupational health and safety professionals, and ergonomists to improve worker safety and performance for SAR operators.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study on Integrating Sustainability Aspects During the Acquisition of Production Equipment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Hasibul Islam ◽  
Zuhara Chavez ◽  
Monica Bellgran
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussion ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Setup Time ◽  
Automatic Generation ◽  
Production Equipment ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Operational Phase ◽  
And Performance

Production equipment such as machines have crucial impact on the overall performance of production operations in manufacturing industries, since there is a strong correlation between the machines and working conditions and performance on the shop floor. Well designed production equipment has the potential to achieve economic gain by reducing the disturbances during the operational phase, to fulfill environmental commitment by reducing emissions and resources consumption and utility, and to increase employee satisfaction ensuring safety and good ergonomics. Therefore, when acquiring production equipment it is important to consider different sustainability aspects relevant to its usage during the operational phase. This study aims at exploring the critical features of production equipment to facilitate different practices in the context of sustainable production operational system, and how manufacturing companies are considering sustainability aspects when acquiring production equipment. The data has been collected based on a literature study, interviews conducted in different manufacturing companies located in Sweden, attending group discussion sessions, and reviewing machines’ technical regulation guidelines. Some of the critical features identified are error proofing, setup time, one-piece flow, automatic generation of required data, reduction of energy and resource consumption, together with worker’s health and safety, etc. The data indicates that companies specify different features of machines based on the requirements of operational performance and these features are aligned with different lean techniques, green practice, and safety issues. However, during acquisition process of production equipment the environmental issues are still not prioritized yet compared to lean and safety aspects. Budget constraint, insufficient information of the whole life cycle costing and lack of innovation from the equipment suppliersÂť side are exampled of major barriers for acquiring more environment-friendly production equipment.

Environmental monitoring programs on recent capital dredging projects in the Pilbara (2003–10): a review

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Monitoring ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Coral Mortality ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Monitoring Study ◽  
Coral Health ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Study Designs

Since 2003, there have been 12 capital dredging projects approved within the Pilbara region (combined total volume of material = ˜70 Mm3). Two projects did not proceed, seven have been completed, and three are underway. This unprecedented flurry of dredging activity in Western Australia is not finished yet, with several large projects pending approval. A review of ministerial statements granting approval for each project reveals that conditions governing environmental monitoring programs have become increasingly more comprehensive, more prescriptive, and more onerous since 2003. Conversely, the reporting timeframes have significantly contracted, particularly for coral health monitoring. A review of the compliance reports for each project was unable to find evidence of any breach (non-compliance) of the permitted levels of environmental impact. In addition, the monitoring programs reveal that predicted (approved) levels of impact on coral for each completed project did not occur. The review concludes that overestimations in the modelling of plume behaviour often lead to unrealistically large predicted areas (zones) of impact and influence. Thresholds of total suspended solids (TSS) used for predicting levels of coral mortality, however, are where the gross overestimates of impact routinely lie. Many problems flow from large overestimations of coral mortality, including: impacts on the value of monitoring study designs; the total cost of monitoring programs; health and safety issues; and, the cost of offsets packages. A better approach is outlined, which highlights the value of tailoring the environmental monitoring programs to fit the characteristics of each project, and the characteristics of the particular suite of marine organisms to be monitored.

scholarly journals Wearables for Biomechanical Performance Optimization and Risk Assessment in Industrial and Sports Applications

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Sam McDevitt ◽  
Haley Hernandez ◽  
Jamison Hicks ◽  
Russell Lowell ◽  
Hamza Bentahaikt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Data Types ◽  
Measurement Units ◽  
Numerous Data ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual

Wearable technologies are emerging as a useful tool with many different applications. While these devices are worn on the human body and can capture numerous data types, this literature review focuses specifically on wearable use for performance enhancement and risk assessment in industrial- and sports-related biomechanical applications. Wearable devices such as exoskeletons, inertial measurement units (IMUs), force sensors, and surface electromyography (EMG) were identified as key technologies that can be used to aid health and safety professionals, ergonomists, and human factors practitioners improve user performance and monitor risk. IMU-based solutions were the most used wearable types in both sectors. Industry largely used biomechanical wearables to assess tasks and risks wholistically, which sports often considered the individual components of movement and performance. Availability, cost, and adoption remain common limitation issues across both sports and industrial applications.

scholarly journals Monetary valuation of intellectual human capital in innovative activity

Equilibrium ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 369
Author(s):  
Мarina Alekseevna Fedotova ◽  
Olga Vladislavovna Loseva ◽  
Olga Igo-revna Kontorovich
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Innovation Activity ◽  
Monetary Valuation ◽  
Valuation Model ◽  
Performance Report ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Cost

The article views the structure of an organization’s intellectual human capital, which integrates both employees’ intellectual, professional and personal abilities to perform innovation activity and their results achieved in the process of this activity. The authors prove the role of intellectual human capital in improving an organization’s innovation activity. Basing on the cost, income, expert and psychological approaches, the article develops the intellectual capital monetary valuation model focused on an increase in the objectivity of measuring its value by means of the individual intellectual and performance report. The application of this model is aimed at activating the innovative development of social and economic entities by increasing the quality and efficiency of intellectual human capital

scholarly journals Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily E. Bray ◽  
Cynthia M. Otto ◽  
Monique A. R. Udell ◽  
Nathaniel J. Hall ◽  
Angie M. Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Service Dogs ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Effectiveness And Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Behavioral Criteria

Dogs perform a variety of integral roles in our society, engaging in work ranging from assistance (e.g., service dogs, guide dogs) and therapy to detection (e.g., search-and-rescue dogs, explosive detection dogs) and protection (e.g., military and law enforcement dogs). However, success in these roles, which requires dogs to meet challenging behavioral criteria and to undergo extensive training, is far from guaranteed. Therefore, enhancing the selection process is critical for the effectiveness and efficiency of working dog programs and has the potential to optimize how resources are invested in these programs, increase the number of available working dogs, and improve working dog welfare. In this paper, we review two main approaches for achieving this goal: (1) developing selection tests and criteria that can efficiently and effectively identify ideal candidates from the overall pool of candidate dogs, and (2) developing approaches to enhance performance, both at the individual and population level, via improvements in rearing, training, and breeding. We summarize key findings from the empirical literature regarding best practices for assessing, selecting, and improving working dogs, and conclude with future steps and recommendations for working dog organizations, breeders, trainers, and researchers.

scholarly journals Factors affecting safety performance on construction sites: An overview

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Nour Eldeen Abo Nassar
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Construction Site ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Health And Safety Issues ◽  
Made In

The construction industry is one of the most significant industries that contribute greatly to achieving economic development. However, it is also considered one of the industries that is always exposed to a high risk of hazards in addition to being full of risky activities. Accidents that occurred in construction industries have caused many defects in project progress, for example, delays in completing the project, increasing project cost, reducing productivity, and creating negative impressions about the company. The major reason for the accidents is poor worker safety performance, with a host of contributing causes. For improving safety performance, the root causes of incidents that occur in construction as well as the factors influencing them must be studied. Health and safety issues are the main problem and concerns in the building industry. Though much development has been made in construction safety, the industry still lacks a lag behind most other industries in terms of safety. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the factors that could affect the safety performance of a construction site to reduce the frequency of accidents.

Using the cost of construction work to trigger legislative duties for WHS: the Australian experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-387
Author(s):  
Salman Shooshtarian ◽  
Helen Lingard ◽  
Peter S.P. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Health ◽  
Australian Experience ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Of Construction ◽  
Construction Works

PurposeIn an attempt to create national harmonisation of legislation, a set of model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations were developed in Australia. These regulations require principal contractors to undertake specific WHS planning and coordination activities if the construction works to be completed cost AU $250,000 or more. However, there are some doubts about the usefulness of this monetary threshold. This study aimed to investigate how effective this threshold can be in Australia.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate the performance and operation of this threshold in the Australian construction industry, this study modelled the costs of construction for four construction project scenarios – small classroom, two-storey home renovation with adjacent pool, small commercial warehouse and single-storey house (volume home builder) – under various conditions based on historical data (2011–2017) and in eight Australian jurisdictions.FindingsAmong the six study factors (i.e. the types for construction, geographical location, design specification, delivery method, contracting approach and inflation), the research found considerable variation in the operation and performance of the monetary threshold.Originality/valueThe research highlights some potential challenges associated with the use of a monetary threshold in the regulation of WHS planning in construction projects. Thus, the results are expected to contribute to addressing these challenges, leading to the development of an appropriate balance to achieve efficient and effective WHS regulation in Australia.

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