visual strain. Statistically verified differences were found to exist in relation to changes in the various eye functions and in relation to the subjective experience of visual strain and other forms of stress between the To provide readers of Applied Ergonomics with a selection of current two different microscope-intensive ergonomics literature likely to be of direct practical value, abstracts are published working routines. The investigation selected from the collection held at the Ergonomics Information Analysis Centre. indicates that microscope work requires These abstracts are classified in a similar manner to the main articles in the journal; a work organisation such that tasks in for easy reference, the code number at the head of each abstract (eg, 1.1.21) consists which the visual demand are more of the volume number, part or issue number and a sequential abstract number. normal are naturally integrated with microscopy assignments so that the The published abstracts are only a selection of the Centre's material and readers adverse effects of the job, such as visual concerned with specific areas are invited to contact the Centre for further information. Those readers unable to obtain copies of the original articles abstracted strain, physical and psychological stress, are minimised. here through their usual sources, such as company librarian, may obtain photocopies from the Centre. Details of this service are available from The Ergonomics Information Analysis Centre, Department of Engineering Production, University of 15.2.5 (85490) Birmingham, PO Box 363, Birmingham 15. Tel. 0 2 1 - 4 7 2 1301. Zabel, L., Bouma, H., and
Abstracts
Melotte, H.E.M. workers. The Fund, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 1981, 54 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 82-851).
General 15.2.1 (85413)
Anderson, D.M. From accident report to design problems - A study of accidents on board ship. Ergonomics, 1983, 26.1, 43-50. A study of shipboard accident reports was carried out as part of a Government sponsored project on ship boarding and access. The data were re-processed to arrive at the location of accidents on specific ships, which were then subject to survey and ergonomics appraisal. Locations inspected included gangways and accommodation ladders, stairways, lifts and hoists, engine rooms, ladders, masts and platforms, lifeboats, holds and tanks and staging. Recommendations based on applicable regulations and best ergonomics practice were prepared and proposed as a Code of Practice for the industry.
This report, designed to increase the awareness of employers, government and employees to health hazards in the modern office, covers: job stress, its physical and psychological effects; health problems associated with videodisplay terminals; air quality and ventilation; noise, lighting, workplace and machine design in the office environment; accidents, injuries and fire hazards. The sources and health effects of each hazard are documented and recommendations are made for research and corrective action.
Visual processes in man 15.2.4 (85489)
Soderberg, I., et al 15.2.2 (85420) Bubb, H. Systems ergonomics (Systemergonomie). (In German.) Zeitschrift ffir Arbeitswissenschaft, 1983, 37.1, 16-23. Systems ergonomics is a new branch of ergonomics procedures. It provides instruments for the design of new and the improvement of existing machine systems which make it possible to improve the operability of the machine system. Dependent on the task which the machine system is designed to fulfil it is possible to derive concrete suggestions for improvement or to estimate the degree of operability. This paper gives a brief overview of the content of systems ergonomics. 15.2.3 (85476)
Working Women Education Fund Warning: Health hazards for office
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Applied Ergonomics
Investigation of the use of the TV magnifier fGr VDUs in the Netherlands (Ondersoek naar het Gebruik van de TV-Loep in Nederland). (In Dutch.)
Ti/dschrift voor Sociale Geneeskunde, 1981, 5 9 . 1 1 , 3 8 4 - 3 8 8 ; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 82-390). Operators with poor vision (visual acuity 0" 15-0"015) can read displayed texts with a VDU screen magnifier. A survey of 400 magnifier users showed that 98% of them found it a useful aid, and 75% of them use their magnifier at least once a day. The survey identified potential improvements of this equipment such as: adaptation for other uses, e g, with typewriter; further adaptation of its ergonomic design to reading posture; portability of the equipment. Recommendations for directions for use, with initial guidance for operators.
Information processing and transmission by man
Microscope work. III - Investigation of visual strain and eye changes in histological technicians during two different microscope-intensive working routines. National Board of Occupational 15.2.6 (85514) Wheatley, D.J., and Drake, B.M. Safety and Health Practical implications of the interest in (Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen), Stockholm, Investigation Report No 1981:25, 38 pp. ergonomic aspects of VDUs. In: Ergonomic Aspects of Visual Display Thirty-four histological technicians Terminals, Edited by E. Grandjean and were examined to establish the changes E. Vigliani. Taylor & Francis Ltd, in various eye functions (range of fusion, 1980, pp 2 5 1 - 2 5 6 . near points of convergence and accommodation) and the incidence of This paper discusses the problems eyestrain and other forms of stress as encountered when information and data experienced during two different currently existing are put to use in microscope-intensive working routines. solving practical problems relating The objective was to derive a basis for to visual display units. Much detailed recommendations regarding suitable information is available and the work spells and work organisation for maior problem now faced is the microscope work and to develop problem of communication; the methods of measuring eyestrain. Besides research has been done and we have at the measurements, the investigation least some of the answers, but can we comprised questionnaires and interviews communicate them to people who really need them? The authors' dealing with subiective experience of
June 1984