An analysis of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in heavy, civil construction operations and the impact of job, age, and experience

Includes bibliographical references

Proceedings of the NASA Conference on Space Telerobotics, volume 5

Papers presented at the NASA Conference on Space Telerobotics are compiled. The theme of the conference was man-machine collaboration in space. The conference provided a forum for researchers and engineers to exchange ideas on the research and development required for the application of telerobotics technology to the space systems planned for the 1990's and beyond. Volume 5 contains papers related to the following subject areas: robot arm modeling and control, special topics in telerobotics, telerobotic space operations, manipulator control, flight experiment concepts, manipulator coordination, issues in artificial intelligence systems, and research activities at the Johnson Space Center

Reducing low back pain and disability in mining

"This report was written in an effort to provide better control measures for low back pain (LBP) and low back disability in the mining industry. There are numerous factors associated with development of LBP, many of which can be effectively controlled while some cannot. Better job design is promoted as the best method of reducing cases of LBP and can also reduce the disability (i.e., lost time from work) associated with LBP when it happens. The report draws attention to what is currently known about LBP, what the causes are thought to be, and discusses recent back injury trends in the mining industry. Research describing unique physical demands in mining, such as the capabilities and limitations of working in awkward postures, is also presented. Methods that can be used to prevent initial LBP episodes are provided, including facilities design and layout for materials and supplies, use of mechanicalassist devices, improved design of lifting tasks, and better seat design. Methods of reducing the disability associated with LBP (including workplace design, proactive return-to-work efforts, communication, and management commitment) are also discussed. The report concludes that control of LBP and disability in mining requires a comprehensive approach to limit the repetitive loading that can occur on the low back due to manual materials-handling tasks and exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Specific recommendations include the following: 1. Successful LBP prevention efforts require a proactive program that has strong management commitment and incorporates employee involvement. 2. More efficient supply handling systems and use of mechanical-assist devices can greatly reduce exposure to hazardous lifting tasks. 3. Lifting tasks should be designed to minimize low back stress. Tools to evaluate and redesign lifting tasks are presented. 4. Improved seat design can reduce exposure to WBV and improve posture, leading to reduced LBP risk. 5. The disability associated with LBP can be reduced. Getting the worker back on the job as quickly as possible is in the interest of everyone involved." - NIOSHTIC-2by Sean Gallagher.Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-75)

A solution for reducing the ergonomic problem among semiconductors workes by using safe work procedures

Ergonomics in the workplace involves the design and arrangement of tools to ensure workers can use easily and safely. Practicing ergonomics reduce risk of injury and increase comfort and productivity at workplaces. Use resources to ensure work environment and work practices. The purpose of the study is to develop a conceptual model of ergonomic workplace design through an observation survey to enhance the workplace safety in manufacturing. The study emphasizes the need to redesign the work environment in lab with the ergonomic approach. Safety is a basic physical and psychological need of human beings in daily life and work. The study clarifies the measures taken to ensure workers’ safety and health, also establishes the relation between ergonomic workplace design and productivity. Promoting occupational safety and health, and ergonomic workplace design is the need of the hour. Most of company values is to “ensure a safe, clean and injury-free workplace. All injuries are preventable. Understanding the risks and ergonomic behavior are the main paths to prevention. To avoid injuries and after successful internal trials in some area, by implement ergonomic program across the workplace. It seen the positive impact of short break advice. Just takes a few seconds break, but across a day, a week, a year all the little breaks will help keep your injury free. Our actions have effects on others. Similarly, when something is unsafe, it impacts you and consciously take micro-breaks so that can minimize ergonomic risks and stay productive. Safety begins with us and when we see something unsafe, we should do something about it. (Abstract by author

Handbook for New Actors in Space

Driven by Cold War tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, the space race began almost 60 years ago. Each power was racing to accomplish new feats in space and demonstrate its superiority. In 2017, while much remains the same, much has changed. Space actors comprise a wide variety of national and non-governmental entities comprising diverse rationales, goals, and activities. More than 70 states, commercial companies, and international organizations currently operate more than 1,500 satellites in Earth orbit. Driven largely by the commoditization of space technology and the lowering of barriers to participation, the number of space actors is growing. This broadening of space has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it is leading to greatly increased technological innovations, lower costs, and greater access to the beneficial capabilities and services offered by satellites. However, the accelerated growth in space activities and the influx of new actors has the potential to exacerbate many of the current threats to the long-term sustainable use of space. These threats include on-orbit crowding, radio-frequency interference, and the chances of an incident in space sparking or escalating geopolitical tensions on Earth. Michael K. Simpson, Ph.D. - Executive Director, Secure World Foundatio

6U CubeSat Platform for Disaster Relief Communications

Natural disasters can seriously damage telecommunications infrastructure in affected areas, drastically limiting the channels of communication between locals and emergency relief teams. In such situations it is critical to have readily-available communications infrastructures that can be deployed and utilized as soon after the event as possible. Our mission is part of a multi-year effort to provide satellite-based amateur radio communications to areas impacted by humanitarian crises to facilitate relief efforts. Specifically, we developed the mechanical subsystems of a 6U CubeSat, a small satellite, in order to provide expanded volume, enhanced power generation, and Earth referenced orientation control compared with previous satellite platforms developed by Santa Clara University. We have designed, fabricated, and verified the bus structure, deployable solar panel array, and attitude control system of a 6U CubeSat. The satellite platform provides approximately 3000 cm3 of internal payload volume and supports 5 W of continuous power draw, while also controlling the satellite’s orientation to within 10° of accuracy. The completed satellite hardware is ready to be outfitted with electrical and communications systems

Automation and robotics human performance

The scope of this report is limited to the following: (1) assessing the feasibility of the assumptions for crew productivity during the intra-vehicular activities and extra-vehicular activities; (2) estimating the appropriate level of automation and robotics to accomplish balanced man-machine, cost-effective operations in space; (3) identifying areas where conceptually different approaches to the use of people and machines can leverage the benefits of the scenarios; and (4) recommending modifications to scenarios or developing new scenarios that will improve the expected benefits. The FY89 special assessments are grouped into the five categories shown in the report. The high level system analyses for Automation & Robotics (A&R) and Human Performance (HP) were performed under the Case Studies Technology Assessment category, whereas the detailed analyses for the critical systems and high leverage development areas were performed under the appropriate operations categories (In-Space Vehicle Operations or Planetary Surface Operations). The analysis activities planned for the Science Operations technology areas were deferred to FY90 studies. The remaining activities such as analytic tool development, graphics/video demonstrations and intelligent communicating systems software architecture were performed under the Simulation & Validations category

Handbook for New Actors in Space

Driven by Cold War tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, the space race began almost 60 years ago. Each power was racing to accomplish new feats in space and demonstrate its superiority. In 2017, while much remains the same, much has changed. Space actors comprise a wide variety of national and non-governmental entities comprising diverse rationales, goals, and activities. More than 70 states, commercial companies, and international organizations currently operate more than 1,500 satellites in Earth orbit. Driven largely by the commoditization of space technology and the lowering of barriers to participation, the number of space actors is growing. This broadening of space has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it is leading to greatly increased technological innovations, lower costs, and greater access to the beneficial capabilities and services offered by satellites. However, the accelerated growth in space activities and the influx of new actors has the potential to exacerbate many of the current threats to the long-term sustainable use of space. These threats include on-orbit crowding, radio-frequency interference, and the chances of an incident in space sparking or escalating geopolitical tensions on Earth. Michael K. Simpson, Ph.D. - Executive Director, Secure World Foundatio