A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for G... more A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for Government Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value®(TLV®) was based on exertion frequency (F) and percentage duty cycle (D). The TLV® includes a table for estimating HAL from F and D originating from data in Latko et al. (Latko WA, Armstrong TJ, Foulke JA, Herrin GD, Rabourn RA, Ulin SS, Development and evaluation of an observational method for assessing repetition in hand tasks. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 58(4):278-285, 1997) and post hoc adjustments that include extrapolations outside of the data range. Multimedia video task analysis determined D for two additional jobs from Latko's study not in the original data-set, and a new nonlinear regression equation was developed to better fit the data and create a more accurate table. The equation, HAL = 6:56 ln D[F(1:31) /1+3:18 F(1:31), generally matches the TLV® HAL lookup table, and is a substantial improvement...
An equation was developed for estimating hand activity level (HAL) directly from tracked root mea... more An equation was developed for estimating hand activity level (HAL) directly from tracked root mean square (RMS) hand speed (S) and duty cycle (D). Table lookup, equation or marker-less video tracking can estimate HAL from motion/exertion frequency (F) and D. Since automatically estimating F is sometimes complex, HAL may be more readily assessed using S. Hands from 33 videos originally used for the HAL rating were tracked to estimate S, scaled relative to hand breadth (HB), and single-frame analysis was used to measure D. Since HBs were unknown, a Monte Carlo method was employed for iteratively estimating the regression coefficients from US Army anthropometry survey data. The equation: HAL ¼ 10½e 215:87þ0:02 Dþ2:25 ln S =ð1 þ e 215:87þ0:02Dþ2:25 ln S Þ, R 2 ¼ 0.97, had a residual range^0.5 HAL. The S equation superiorly fits the Latko et al. (1997) data and predicted independently observed HAL values (Harris 2011) better (MSE ¼ 0.16) than the F equation (MSE ¼ 1.28).
There is a large and increasing incidence of work-related muscoloskeletal disorders, both upper e... more There is a large and increasing incidence of work-related muscoloskeletal disorders, both upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders and low back pain. Several occupational risk factors have been linked with the development of musculoskeletal disorders. In order to identify the known occupational risk factors associated with a specific job, an analysis procedure is described to help identify ergonomic risk factors in the workplace. Job analysis shouM be one part of an overall ergonomics control program. Once the ergonomic risk factors have been documented, the ergonomics committee can use that information to begin developing solutions that will decrease or eliminate the identified risk factors. When placing a worker who is returning to the workforce after recovering from an injury, health care professionals can also use the information from the job analysis to assist in matching up task demands with worker capabtTities and limitations.
Computer aided design (CAD) in conjunction with digitised anthropometric manikins can be used for... more Computer aided design (CAD) in conjunction with digitised anthropometric manikins can be used for analysis and control of stressful work postures, one of the most frequently cited occupational risk factors of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders. This paper describes the use of macros for manipulating manikins and workstation components and for designing the workplace. AutoCAD, a popular computer aided design software package, was used to demonstrate the feasibility of these concepts. Specifically, macros are used for drawing work equipment using parametric designs, manipulating manikins and analysing jobs. In comparing the macros to the use of primitive CAD commands, the macros not only decrease the amount of time needed to create workstation components, but they also make the task easier for the user and decrease the risk of errors. Despite the limitation of anthropometric data and manikins, CAD is an effective method for identifying postural stresses and redesigning the workstation to control the identified stresses.
This brief report presents the development of the Coronavirus Disability Survey (COV-DIS). The CO... more This brief report presents the development of the Coronavirus Disability Survey (COV-DIS). The COV-DIS is a survey instrument designed dot measure the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the lives of persons with disabilities. Those with disabilities (e.g. deaf and hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired, physically disabled) may be particularly vulnerable to complications of COVID-19 and to difficulties in daily living related to government mandated lock-down measures. The COV-DIS includes items related to the following domains: general health, depressive symptoms, social isolation, COVID-19 infection/exposure, daily activities, access to medical care, employment and financial impact, and transportation, and information access. This survey is freely and publicly available at no cost.
1 A D V A N C I N G T H E W O R L D O F W O R K w w w . h r t i p s . o r g Any disease, injury, ... more 1 A D V A N C I N G T H E W O R L D O F W O R K w w w . h r t i p s . o r g Any disease, injury, or significant impairment to muscles, bones, joints, and supporting connective (soft) tissues is considered to be a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Approximately 33 percent of U.S. adults are affected by musculoskeletal signs or symptoms, including limitation of motion or pain in a joint or extremity which are the leading cause of disability among individuals of working age (18 to 64 years of age). Annual costs of MSDs are estimated to be: • $15-$20 billion in workers compensation costs alone • $45-$50 billion total when including other expenses
Ergonomic job analysis, intervention design, and intervention implementation are essential compon... more Ergonomic job analysis, intervention design, and intervention implementation are essential components of an ergonomics program designed to reduce worker exposure to risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. As part of a 4-year study to reduce overexertion injuries in the service parts division of a major automaker, intervention case studies were identified that could be used at multiple facilities across the division. Interventions were developed and implemented. The three case studies include 1) self-elevating powered vehicle for transporting parts throughout the facility and for reaching to high bin locations; 2) lift and tilt pallet jacks for packing small parts into large bin-like containers; and 3) single-level telescoping conveyor used for delivering hand-held totes for subsequent sorting operations. Several analysis methods were used to assess worker exposure before and after intervention implementation (biomechanical analysis, posture analysis, worker interviews, and activity analysis). Following implementation, a decrease in exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders was documented. Worker interviews revealed acceptance and agreement that risk factors associated with the targeted tasks were reduced. Each case study includes a description of the implementation hurdles and can serve as both primary and secondary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Future work should document worker health and/or symptom changes as well as changes in risk factor exposure.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 1990
... 588-594 (1990) 4235 PERCEIVED EXERTION AND DISCOMFORT VERSUS WORK HEIGHT WITH A PIST()LSHAPE... more ... 588-594 (1990) 4235 PERCEIVED EXERTION AND DISCOMFORT VERSUS WORK HEIGHT WITH A PIST()LSHAPED ScREW1)R1vER* Sheryl S. Ulin ... Karwowski, W. and A. Burkhardt: Subjective Judgement of Load Heaviness and Psychophysical Approach to Manual Lifting ...
Background Few epidemiologic studies have addressed the exposure-response relationships between w... more Background Few epidemiologic studies have addressed the exposure-response relationships between work activities and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). This analysis used data from a national survey and ergonomists' ratings to address this issue. Methods Interview and knee X-ray data were obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Occupational ratings were obtained using ergonomists. A weighted logistic regression was used. Results Among men, a significant exposure-response relationship was found between symptomatic knee OA and kneeling. In both genders, there was a significant trend in heavy lifting and severe symptomatic knee OA. Approximately 20.7% of knee OA can be attributed to kneeling >14% of the workday among men. Conclusions The significant exposure-response relationships suggest that modest reductions in certain occupational activities can reduce the burden of knee OA. The study was limited by unvalidated expert ratings. Research is needed to identify hazardous characteristics of work activities and to clarify exposure-response relationships. Am. J.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 15298669391354847, Jun 4, 2010
Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using th... more Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using three air-powered tools that varied in shape (right-angle, in-line, and pistol-shaped). The four horizontal work locations ranged from 13-88 cm in front of the body and were placed at 25 cm intervals. The vertical placement of the horizontal beam was at midthigh, elbow, and midchest height. Subjects drove 25 screws at each tool/work location combination before rating that condition using the Borg 10-point ratio rating scale. The ratings of perceived exertion increased with increasing horizontal distance from the body. When tool shape was not considered, the perceived exertion was virtually equal for driving screws at midthigh or elbow height. The ratings at midchest height were significantly higher than elbow and midthigh height. When tool shape was taken into account, subjects perceived less exertion driving screws with the pistol-shaped tool at midthigh height. The in-line and right-angle tools had the lowest ratings of perceived exertion for driving screws at elbow and midchest height.
A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for G... more A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for Government Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value®(TLV®) was based on exertion frequency (F) and percentage duty cycle (D). The TLV® includes a table for estimating HAL from F and D originating from data in Latko et al. (Latko WA, Armstrong TJ, Foulke JA, Herrin GD, Rabourn RA, Ulin SS, Development and evaluation of an observational method for assessing repetition in hand tasks. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 58(4):278-285, 1997) and post hoc adjustments that include extrapolations outside of the data range. Multimedia video task analysis determined D for two additional jobs from Latko's study not in the original data-set, and a new nonlinear regression equation was developed to better fit the data and create a more accurate table. The equation, HAL = 6:56 ln D[F(1:31) /1+3:18 F(1:31), generally matches the TLV® HAL lookup table, and is a substantial improvement...
... Based on this information, a study was undertaken to determine best work practices for con-tr... more ... Based on this information, a study was undertaken to determine best work practices for con-trollingergonomic stresses during ramp operations. ... 30 pm on October 10, 1996, and continued until dawn (ap-proximately 6:30 am) on October 11 in a dimly lit campus park-ing lot. ...
AIHA journal : a journal for the science of occupational and environmental health and safety
An essential activity in any ergonomics program is determining specific work locations and activi... more An essential activity in any ergonomics program is determining specific work locations and activities where physical demands place workers at increased risk of sustaining an overexertion injury. To do this, safety and health professionals rely on a variety of information sources to identify and prioritize opportunities for ergonomic interventions. As part of a 4-year project to reduce overexertion injuries in the service parts division of a major auto maker, a study was performed in 19 parts distribution centers to evaluate the contributions of the following information sources in identifying specific high-risk work locations and activities: (1) archival medical/injury records, (2) identification of "problem tasks" by plant-based ergonomic committees, (3) facility walk-throughs by experienced ergonomists, and (4) detailed ergonomic job analyses. Archival records were not particularly useful in identifying high-risk activities because essential exposure information (e.g., t...
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, 1993
Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using th... more Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using three air-powered tools that varied in shape (right-angle, in-line, and pistol-shaped). The four horizontal work locations ranged from 13-88 cm in front of the body and were placed at 25 cm intervals. The vertical placement of the horizontal beam was at midthigh, elbow, and midchest height. Subjects drove 25 screws at each tool/work location combination before rating that condition using the Borg 10-point ratio rating scale. The ratings of perceived exertion increased with increasing horizontal distance from the body. When tool shape was not considered, the perceived exertion was virtually equal for driving screws at midthigh or elbow height. The ratings at midchest height were significantly higher than elbow and midthigh height. When tool shape was taken into account, subjects perceived less exertion driving screws with the pistol-shaped tool at midthigh height. The in-line and right-angl...
A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for G... more A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for Government Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value®(TLV®) was based on exertion frequency (F) and percentage duty cycle (D). The TLV® includes a table for estimating HAL from F and D originating from data in Latko et al. (Latko WA, Armstrong TJ, Foulke JA, Herrin GD, Rabourn RA, Ulin SS, Development and evaluation of an observational method for assessing repetition in hand tasks. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 58(4):278-285, 1997) and post hoc adjustments that include extrapolations outside of the data range. Multimedia video task analysis determined D for two additional jobs from Latko's study not in the original data-set, and a new nonlinear regression equation was developed to better fit the data and create a more accurate table. The equation, HAL = 6:56 ln D[F(1:31) /1+3:18 F(1:31), generally matches the TLV® HAL lookup table, and is a substantial improvement...
An equation was developed for estimating hand activity level (HAL) directly from tracked root mea... more An equation was developed for estimating hand activity level (HAL) directly from tracked root mean square (RMS) hand speed (S) and duty cycle (D). Table lookup, equation or marker-less video tracking can estimate HAL from motion/exertion frequency (F) and D. Since automatically estimating F is sometimes complex, HAL may be more readily assessed using S. Hands from 33 videos originally used for the HAL rating were tracked to estimate S, scaled relative to hand breadth (HB), and single-frame analysis was used to measure D. Since HBs were unknown, a Monte Carlo method was employed for iteratively estimating the regression coefficients from US Army anthropometry survey data. The equation: HAL ¼ 10½e 215:87þ0:02 Dþ2:25 ln S =ð1 þ e 215:87þ0:02Dþ2:25 ln S Þ, R 2 ¼ 0.97, had a residual range^0.5 HAL. The S equation superiorly fits the Latko et al. (1997) data and predicted independently observed HAL values (Harris 2011) better (MSE ¼ 0.16) than the F equation (MSE ¼ 1.28).
There is a large and increasing incidence of work-related muscoloskeletal disorders, both upper e... more There is a large and increasing incidence of work-related muscoloskeletal disorders, both upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders and low back pain. Several occupational risk factors have been linked with the development of musculoskeletal disorders. In order to identify the known occupational risk factors associated with a specific job, an analysis procedure is described to help identify ergonomic risk factors in the workplace. Job analysis shouM be one part of an overall ergonomics control program. Once the ergonomic risk factors have been documented, the ergonomics committee can use that information to begin developing solutions that will decrease or eliminate the identified risk factors. When placing a worker who is returning to the workforce after recovering from an injury, health care professionals can also use the information from the job analysis to assist in matching up task demands with worker capabtTities and limitations.
Computer aided design (CAD) in conjunction with digitised anthropometric manikins can be used for... more Computer aided design (CAD) in conjunction with digitised anthropometric manikins can be used for analysis and control of stressful work postures, one of the most frequently cited occupational risk factors of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders. This paper describes the use of macros for manipulating manikins and workstation components and for designing the workplace. AutoCAD, a popular computer aided design software package, was used to demonstrate the feasibility of these concepts. Specifically, macros are used for drawing work equipment using parametric designs, manipulating manikins and analysing jobs. In comparing the macros to the use of primitive CAD commands, the macros not only decrease the amount of time needed to create workstation components, but they also make the task easier for the user and decrease the risk of errors. Despite the limitation of anthropometric data and manikins, CAD is an effective method for identifying postural stresses and redesigning the workstation to control the identified stresses.
This brief report presents the development of the Coronavirus Disability Survey (COV-DIS). The CO... more This brief report presents the development of the Coronavirus Disability Survey (COV-DIS). The COV-DIS is a survey instrument designed dot measure the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the lives of persons with disabilities. Those with disabilities (e.g. deaf and hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired, physically disabled) may be particularly vulnerable to complications of COVID-19 and to difficulties in daily living related to government mandated lock-down measures. The COV-DIS includes items related to the following domains: general health, depressive symptoms, social isolation, COVID-19 infection/exposure, daily activities, access to medical care, employment and financial impact, and transportation, and information access. This survey is freely and publicly available at no cost.
1 A D V A N C I N G T H E W O R L D O F W O R K w w w . h r t i p s . o r g Any disease, injury, ... more 1 A D V A N C I N G T H E W O R L D O F W O R K w w w . h r t i p s . o r g Any disease, injury, or significant impairment to muscles, bones, joints, and supporting connective (soft) tissues is considered to be a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Approximately 33 percent of U.S. adults are affected by musculoskeletal signs or symptoms, including limitation of motion or pain in a joint or extremity which are the leading cause of disability among individuals of working age (18 to 64 years of age). Annual costs of MSDs are estimated to be: • $15-$20 billion in workers compensation costs alone • $45-$50 billion total when including other expenses
Ergonomic job analysis, intervention design, and intervention implementation are essential compon... more Ergonomic job analysis, intervention design, and intervention implementation are essential components of an ergonomics program designed to reduce worker exposure to risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. As part of a 4-year study to reduce overexertion injuries in the service parts division of a major automaker, intervention case studies were identified that could be used at multiple facilities across the division. Interventions were developed and implemented. The three case studies include 1) self-elevating powered vehicle for transporting parts throughout the facility and for reaching to high bin locations; 2) lift and tilt pallet jacks for packing small parts into large bin-like containers; and 3) single-level telescoping conveyor used for delivering hand-held totes for subsequent sorting operations. Several analysis methods were used to assess worker exposure before and after intervention implementation (biomechanical analysis, posture analysis, worker interviews, and activity analysis). Following implementation, a decrease in exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders was documented. Worker interviews revealed acceptance and agreement that risk factors associated with the targeted tasks were reduced. Each case study includes a description of the implementation hurdles and can serve as both primary and secondary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Future work should document worker health and/or symptom changes as well as changes in risk factor exposure.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 1990
... 588-594 (1990) 4235 PERCEIVED EXERTION AND DISCOMFORT VERSUS WORK HEIGHT WITH A PIST()LSHAPE... more ... 588-594 (1990) 4235 PERCEIVED EXERTION AND DISCOMFORT VERSUS WORK HEIGHT WITH A PIST()LSHAPED ScREW1)R1vER* Sheryl S. Ulin ... Karwowski, W. and A. Burkhardt: Subjective Judgement of Load Heaviness and Psychophysical Approach to Manual Lifting ...
Background Few epidemiologic studies have addressed the exposure-response relationships between w... more Background Few epidemiologic studies have addressed the exposure-response relationships between work activities and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). This analysis used data from a national survey and ergonomists' ratings to address this issue. Methods Interview and knee X-ray data were obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Occupational ratings were obtained using ergonomists. A weighted logistic regression was used. Results Among men, a significant exposure-response relationship was found between symptomatic knee OA and kneeling. In both genders, there was a significant trend in heavy lifting and severe symptomatic knee OA. Approximately 20.7% of knee OA can be attributed to kneeling >14% of the workday among men. Conclusions The significant exposure-response relationships suggest that modest reductions in certain occupational activities can reduce the burden of knee OA. The study was limited by unvalidated expert ratings. Research is needed to identify hazardous characteristics of work activities and to clarify exposure-response relationships. Am. J.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 15298669391354847, Jun 4, 2010
Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using th... more Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using three air-powered tools that varied in shape (right-angle, in-line, and pistol-shaped). The four horizontal work locations ranged from 13-88 cm in front of the body and were placed at 25 cm intervals. The vertical placement of the horizontal beam was at midthigh, elbow, and midchest height. Subjects drove 25 screws at each tool/work location combination before rating that condition using the Borg 10-point ratio rating scale. The ratings of perceived exertion increased with increasing horizontal distance from the body. When tool shape was not considered, the perceived exertion was virtually equal for driving screws at midthigh or elbow height. The ratings at midchest height were significantly higher than elbow and midthigh height. When tool shape was taken into account, subjects perceived less exertion driving screws with the pistol-shaped tool at midthigh height. The in-line and right-angle tools had the lowest ratings of perceived exertion for driving screws at elbow and midchest height.
A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for G... more A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for Government Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value®(TLV®) was based on exertion frequency (F) and percentage duty cycle (D). The TLV® includes a table for estimating HAL from F and D originating from data in Latko et al. (Latko WA, Armstrong TJ, Foulke JA, Herrin GD, Rabourn RA, Ulin SS, Development and evaluation of an observational method for assessing repetition in hand tasks. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 58(4):278-285, 1997) and post hoc adjustments that include extrapolations outside of the data range. Multimedia video task analysis determined D for two additional jobs from Latko's study not in the original data-set, and a new nonlinear regression equation was developed to better fit the data and create a more accurate table. The equation, HAL = 6:56 ln D[F(1:31) /1+3:18 F(1:31), generally matches the TLV® HAL lookup table, and is a substantial improvement...
... Based on this information, a study was undertaken to determine best work practices for con-tr... more ... Based on this information, a study was undertaken to determine best work practices for con-trollingergonomic stresses during ramp operations. ... 30 pm on October 10, 1996, and continued until dawn (ap-proximately 6:30 am) on October 11 in a dimly lit campus park-ing lot. ...
AIHA journal : a journal for the science of occupational and environmental health and safety
An essential activity in any ergonomics program is determining specific work locations and activi... more An essential activity in any ergonomics program is determining specific work locations and activities where physical demands place workers at increased risk of sustaining an overexertion injury. To do this, safety and health professionals rely on a variety of information sources to identify and prioritize opportunities for ergonomic interventions. As part of a 4-year project to reduce overexertion injuries in the service parts division of a major auto maker, a study was performed in 19 parts distribution centers to evaluate the contributions of the following information sources in identifying specific high-risk work locations and activities: (1) archival medical/injury records, (2) identification of "problem tasks" by plant-based ergonomic committees, (3) facility walk-throughs by experienced ergonomists, and (4) detailed ergonomic job analyses. Archival records were not particularly useful in identifying high-risk activities because essential exposure information (e.g., t...
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal, 1993
Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using th... more Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using three air-powered tools that varied in shape (right-angle, in-line, and pistol-shaped). The four horizontal work locations ranged from 13-88 cm in front of the body and were placed at 25 cm intervals. The vertical placement of the horizontal beam was at midthigh, elbow, and midchest height. Subjects drove 25 screws at each tool/work location combination before rating that condition using the Borg 10-point ratio rating scale. The ratings of perceived exertion increased with increasing horizontal distance from the body. When tool shape was not considered, the perceived exertion was virtually equal for driving screws at midthigh or elbow height. The ratings at midchest height were significantly higher than elbow and midthigh height. When tool shape was taken into account, subjects perceived less exertion driving screws with the pistol-shaped tool at midthigh height. The in-line and right-angl...
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Papers by Sheryl Ulin