11 research outputs found
Ergonomic modelling parameters and the influence of ergonomics on planning workplaces
ArticleModern economic research divides all economics into structural levels: mega
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economics, macroeconomics, meso
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economics, micro
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economics, and nano
-
economics. From
the point of such traditional divisions, the research is topical in the primary economic struct
ure
of society
–
nano
-
economics
–
and thanks to this work operations can be subdivided into
workplaces in the form of transformation processes. The aim of the research is to develop
ergonomic modelling parameters and to discover the influence of ergonomics on the planning of
workplaces ba
sed on a case study. The research involved a study of workplace ergonomic
planning methods and principles. Solutions for a series of problems which are related to the
improvement of workplace ergonomics may be discovered in the following ways: improving
wo
rk organisation in every workplace by using work process
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related micro
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elemental methods
and a determination of work expenditure, the levels of physical strenuousness involved in the
work, the complexity of the work, and the social importance of the workpl
ace. These parameters
will allow the workplace quantity characteristics to be discovered, such as in terms of a
generalised parameter which conforms to the requirements which describe a workplace, and in
terms of operational management via the condition of
workplaces and the salary systems being
utilised. The research provides a case study in which ergonomic modelling parameters are
developed and concrete workplace interventions are introduced
Faults and the physical workload in sawing and packing-related woodworking processes when considering potential ergonomic solutions
ArticleThe forest sector is a high
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risk economic sector in
Latvia, one in which manual work,
awkward postures, the tightening up of individual muscle groups, and work monotony still exists.
The aim of this study was to analyse the physical workload and fault modes, and their effects on
the sawing and packing proce
sses in woodworking when considering potential ergonomic
solutions. Results show that packing operators and saw operators alike are exposed to severe
loads, and these results coincide with survey results in which employees in these professions
complain abo
ut the physical load and mention lower back pain. Fault modes and their effects on
the sawing and packing processes were analysed using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, and
the main errors which were revealed in packing operations were related to machine
ry and lifting
equipment, as well as to ergonomics and errors involving the human factor. The risk priority was
calculated in terms of a figure. Financial indices were compared
before and after any potential
improvement in the sawing and packing processes.
Analysis proves that investments in the
improvement of ergonomics in relation to the automation of the production process saves human
resources and is economically favourable when it comes to ensuring the sustainable development
of the business in questio
n
Insomnia management for ageing employees with job stress
In Latvia, the number of aging employees suffering from sleep disorders caused by job stress and poor sleep hygiene is increasing. The non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment is prescribed for these employees in the sleep management. The aim of this research is to clarify the efficiency of using psychotherapy with learning and observing sleep hygiene, combined with the melatonergic drug during a six-week treatment course applied to 25 both male and female intellectual workers over 65 years suffering from insomnia caused by job stress. For the patients representing Group “A” cognitive hypnotherapy, intervention for improving coping with job stress and usage of the melatonergic drug was prescribed, while Group “B” patients received six weeks only drug. The severity of depressive episodes in employees was measured by Montgomery- Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the level of anxiety was assessed by use Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results of the research show that insomnia patterns disappeared for 75% of women and 80% of men employees in Group A, but in Group B individuals, – only for 20% of women employees. The results acquired let concluding that the six-week treatment – cognitive hypnotherapy combined with melatonergic drug – is an effective treatment for aging workers suffering from sleep disorders.publishersversionPeer reviewe
Qualimetry as productivity criteria in metal-cutting operations
The qualimetry method will allow an objective assessment of the performance of
metal-cutting machines and the production capacity of machinery, as well as an objective
assessment of their use in multi-product manufacturing, applying the qualimetry approach and
qualimetry indicators, which are based on the concept of qualification of metal removing during
machine operations. The aim of the study is to develop methods for measuring the performance
of metal-cutting machines and open the way to create a regulatory framework based on
quantitative indicators of the equipment quality. Qualimetry measured volume of metal removing
allows setting the maximum possible productivity (quali-power) of metal cutting machinery,
based on a small number of basic quality indicators contained in the machinery data sheets. It is
essential that the quali-power of the machinery is an objective indicator of its quality, independent
of the specific conditions of its operation at any given time. Hence the productivity criteria in
metalworking cutting operations can be measured
Sleep hygiene and psycho-emotional load for office employees
Received: February 10th, 2023 ; Accepted: June 16th, 2023 ; Published: July 6th, 2023 ; Correspondence: [email protected] development of technology and changes in the world have dramatically increased
the psycho-emotional risk exposure for office employees. At the work with computer and digital
devices in the offices, employees are exposed to several risk factors of the work environment and
one of the most frequent complaints is psycho-emotional load caused by various issues. There is
no denying that sleep is one of the basic human needs, and sleep quality is important for
maintaining and preserving good health and wellbeing. Sleep hygiene includes a set of various
measures, such as the regularity of waking up and going to bed, that can affect and improve the
quality of sleep. Sleep quality is closely related to mental health, as poor mental health can
negatively affect sleep quality and vice versa. Reduced psycho-emotional load is associated with
better sleep hygiene and also good sleep hygiene is associated with reduced psycho-emotional
load. Health promotion measures and a work environment that supports sleep health could reduce
psycho-emotional load experienced by employees, increase work ability, productivity and reduce
the risk of accidents at the workplace. The aim of this study was to investigate psycho-emotional
load and sleep hygiene importance for office employees
Use of qualimetry method in production labour estimation
ArticleEvery work process of production organization involves employees and employer
interaction with each other by “agreement”. Such agreement is contracted based on the
implementation of concrete types of work processes in particular workplaces. The general the
total number of workplaces are continuous interaction areas of people to transform substance,
energy and information. The solution of the assigned tasks requires the methodology for
designing product quality, analyzing market consumer needs, forecasting potential prices and
detecting effectiveness in order to present the strategic objectives in digital values. This study is
part of a larger investigation which involves principles of economic metrology and qualimetry of
work. The purpose of the research is to demonstrate use of qualimetry in the production
organization, based on experience of several years in many industry organisations by focusing on
engineering
Psychosocial risks analysis for employees in public administration
Nowadays psychosocial risks at work have a serious impact not only on the health of
employees, but also on the economic performance of organisations, and this is the biggest
challenge in working environment. In Latvia, employees in public administration comprise 11%
of the total population. Hence the aim of this study was to analyse the causes of psychosocial
risks and the differences in their prevalence among inspectorate officials employed in the State
Administration compared to office staff employed by the State Administration. A modified
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire from the Danish National Research Centre for the
Working Environment was used to assess psychosocial risks at work. One public administration
organisation was selected for the study, which involved 111 staff (60 inspecting officers and 51
office staff). The analysis of the results of the psychosocial risk assessment shows that there are
statistically significant differences in the assessment of four out of 11 psychosocial risks to the
working environment. The most common psychosocial work environment risk factor among
inspectors is the inadequate attitude of management, but the most common risk factor among
office employees is the lack of impact on work. To reduce the spread of psychosocial risks more
effectively, an individual approach is required for each worker
Work posture load evaluation in medium size metal processing enterprise in Latvia
ArticleThe aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of individual workers to ergonomic
risk factors associated with upper, lower extremities and trunk WRMSDs and to assess entire
body posture for risk of WRMSDs. The company that produces finished metal products (ironing
boards) was chosen for the research. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was used to assess
the entire body posture for risk of WRMSDs. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method
was used for ironing boards employees to evaluate exposure of the neck, trunk, arms and legs in
relation to physical load. Our study proved that employees are subjected to WRMSDs due to the
load on certain body parts during the work: shoulder and neck area, lower back, legs and arms.
Forced work postures are an essential risk factor at work. Assemblers and packers are subdued to
high risk level, but inspectors – to medium risk level, which corresponds to evaluation with
RULA and REBA methods
Work strain predictors in construction work
ArticleThe aim of this study was to predict the work strain indicators for construction workers
and to work out measures for prevention of strain at work. Subjective and objective research
methods were utilized in the research, including survey, work intensity measurements (Borg
Scale), work strain index, fatigue index and work ability index determination, objective blood
pressure and pulse measurements. Statistical analysis with significance calculations was carried
out. The limitation of this study is the small number of subjects involved in the research.
Subjective evaluation of fatigue index and strain index resulted in moderate and somewhat hard
work heaviness categories accordingly to Borg Scale. Measurements of heart rate, blood pressure
approved work strain of employees of both professions does not exceed the admissible heart rate
limit during physical load. The research proved that the strongest work strain predictors were
connected with psycho-social risks rather than with physical ones