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Accident research - 525 entries found

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  • Accident research

1973

CIS 74-1813 Radl G.W.
Can visibility be improved on fork-lift trucks?
Sind Verbesserungen der Sichtverhältnisse beim Fahrbetrieb von Gabelstaplern möglich? [in German]
Description and results of a research programme. Factors affecting visibility are analysed; conditions of "adequate visibility" are defined using a computer programmed to simulate accident situations. The behaviour of drivers was studied in the laboratory and in actual driving conditions (8 drivers and 12 truck models with a lifting capacity of 1 to 4t). In conclusion, suggestions are made as regards engineering and administrative measures for improving safety.
Heft 17, Modern Unfallverhütung, Vulkan-Verlag, Haus der Technik, 43 Essen, Germany (Fed.Rep.), 1973, p.41-49. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 74-2084 Di Naro C., Novaga M., Coletti G., Colli S.
Safety and productivity: influence of technological variables on workers' behaviour
Sicurezza e produttività: influenza delle variabili tecnologiche sul comportamento lavorativo [in Italian]
Description of a survey carried out in a steelworks in the Milan region, as part of the "Community research project on the relations between productivity and safety" sponsored by the Commission of European Communities. The object of the survey was to analyse production methods on the one hand, and to observe human behaviour in the presence of various technological factors in the undertaking, on the other. Field sampling was carried out day and night from a point in the works selected as presenting a typical cross-section of activity (from the cabin of an overhead travelling crane). The research team noted the behaviour of the workers and their supervisors in different working conditions, which they call technological variables, and came to the conclusion that these factors do have an effect on the personnel; for instance, behaviour is different during the daytime (when there are more workers) than at night (when there are less); supervisors appear less frequently at night, even in the most dangerous zones, and they spend less time on each inspection than during the daytime. The survey should be supplemented by further research.
Securitas, 1973, Vol.58, No.7, p.743-756. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 74-2077 Neagu V.
Ergonomic aspects of effort by workers operating soil compacting equipment in the construction of forest roads
Aspecte ergonomice privitoare la efortul mecanicilor de pe utilajele de compactare a drumurilor forestiere [in Romanian]
Comments on the "unilateral stress" encountered in certain tasks, which leads to subnormal demands on all functions not directly linked to the work being performed. This phenomenon is giving rise to a problem today in Romania in the construction of forest roads, where it is considered to be a causative factor in the rising trend in occupational accidents (25% higher in 1972 than in 1971). The operation of soil compacting equipment induces fatigue as a result of unilateral stress and other factors (e.g. engine noise) which affect attention and vigilance; this was demonstrated by tests carried out by the author, who recommends that workers should be trained to operate different types of equipment and be transferred at intervals to different work.
Revista pădurilor, May 1973, Vol.88, No.5, p.265-269. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 74-1885 Tisserand M., Krawsky G., Grosdemange J.P., Liévin D.
Personal protection against noise - Method for assessing comfort
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Méthode d'évaluation du confort. [in French]
For personal protection to be suitable for man, it should not only be efficient but capable of being worn regularly without disturbing the wearer in his work. In the particular case of earmuffs, a review is given of the different stages of comfort evaluation: measurement of the mechanical characteristics of earmuffs; personal testing of earmuffs to obtain a classification according to an overall comfort value; in-depth survey of comfort criteria by questionnaire; development of a method for the calculation of an overall comfort index from mechanical characteristics. A mathematical section is appended.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail, 4th quarter 1973, No.73, Note No.865-73-73, p.443-452. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 74-2065 Mantovani G., Di Naro C., Cesa-Bianchi M.
Training for safety: notes on methodology and experience at the shop floor level
A proposito di formazione alla sicurezza: appunti metodologici ed esperienze di applicazione sul campo a livello operaio [in Italian]
The authors propose a systematic approach to the problem of occupational safety incorporating the most recent research in ergonomics carried out by the Commission of European Communities. This approach seems the most appropriate one, from the theoretical and practical viewpoint, for the study of man-machine systems and for the introduction of new production processes. Any accident, whether caused by human or technical factors, can provide information on the structure and functioning of a production system. Comments on the usefulness of trainng experience, particularly at the worker's level, to promote effective workers' participation in order to increase safe working methods in the production system in which they are employed. This objective can be achieved only by safer behaviour on the part of the workers, together with increased awareness of the possibilities of applying ergonomics to the layout of a production process. On the basis of these considerations, the authors have drawn up a safety training method and describe the experience gained in an iron and steel works.
Securitas, 1973, No.4, p.449-486. Illus. 29 ref.

CIS 74-1800 McKelvey R.K., Engen T., Peck M.B.
Performance efficiency and injury avoidance as a function of positive and negative incentives.
40 inexperienced subjects (median age 22 years) were paid to operate a modified, foot-operated power press. At the same time, they had to respond to a visual indicator (signal light) of press malfunction and to avoid manipulation errors which could cause accidents. 4 different monetary incentives (both positive and negative) were used in these tests. The experimental procedure and the results are presented and discussed in detail. One of the findings of the study is that pay incentives used to increase production may also increase the number of accidents. These may be caused not only by increased carelessness related to a desire to earn more money, but also by the reduction in ability resulting from overwork and fatigue.
Journal of Safety Research, June 1973, Vol.5, No.2, p.90-96. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 74-1769 Vermov G.P., Rubin V.S., Krasuckij F.K., Berzuk V.K.
Methodological study of accident causes
O metodologii izučenija pričin travmatizma [in Russian]
A structural chart of events leading to an accident is described. It consists of a mathematical model simulating the probability of an accident in a given hazardous situation. The method described makes it possible to study the conjunction of circumstances leading to an accident, to establish a relation between phenomena underlying a hazardous situation and to evaluate the effect of production and work organisation and of safety techniques on the degree of efficiency of the safety measures adopted.
Bezopasnost' truda v promyšlennosti, Oct. 1973, No.10, p.26-28. Illus.

CIS 74-1768 Monés Castro G.
Transcendency of the accident in accident prevention
Transcendencia del accidente en la prevención [in Spanish]
Considering the fact that human behaviour, conditioned by many factors within and extraneous to the occupation, is unpredictable, the author poses the principle that these factors act not only on the worker but also on those who play a part in designing installations, tools, machinery and systems. For greater efficacy in accident prevention, accident analysis should highlight shortcomings and defects at the planning stage to enable them to be remedied. A practical example is given to illustrate this argument.
Revista Seguridad, Oct.-Dec. 1973, No.51, p.4-7. Illus.

CIS 74-1490 Gürtler H.
Laws and influencing factors of the mental mechanism which relate to the recognition of rare occurrences, in particular accidents with varying consequences
Gesetzmässigkeiten und Einflüsse auf das Merken seltener Ereignisse, insbesondere auf das Merken von Unfällen mit unterschiedlichen Folgen [in German]
This study is based on the hypothesis that accidents occurring in an undertaking are not noted, even repetitive accidents. It presents several series of accidents which occurred in 14 different workshops and which had more or less serious consequences, and reports the results of surveys carried out on all the workers. The incidents and attitudes are analysed in detail. The conclusion is that accidents were noted, but that the hazards were accepted and even considered inevitable.
Forschungsbericht Nr.102, Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Unfallforschung, Postfach 25, 46 Dortmund-Marten, Germany (Fed.Rep.), 1973. 156p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: DM.10.50.

CIS 74-1174 Stary D.
Investigation into the relationship between work shifts and occupational accidents in a number of Yugoslav undertakings
Ispitivanje povezanosti radnih smjena i nezgoda pri radu u nekim jugoslavenskim poduzećima [in Serbocroatian]
A literature review on the relationship between work shifts (specially the night shift) and accidents is followed by the description of a survey carried out in 10 Yugoslav undertakings. Accident frequency and severity indexes are tabulated and broken down according to the 3 shifts; they are also broken down into 4 two-hour shift periods for a factory and a coal mine. After analysing the data collected, the author concludes that the differences in accident frequency during various shifts may be due to differences in intensity of work, fatigue and disrupted circadian rhythm.
Sigurnost, 1973, Vol.15, No.1, p.70-79. 13 ref.

CIS 74-1186 Schulz U.
Statistics as a basis for accident research - Methods, problems and practice of occupational accident statistics
Statistik als Grundlage der Unfallforschung - Methoden, Probleme und Praxis der Arbeitsunfallstatistik [in German]
This manual examines some of the principal statistical methods as regards their possible application to accident reseach. A general review of the fundamental objectives of accident statistics is followed by definitions and sections devoted to the characteristics and numerical values used for the registration and description of accidents. Collection of data, methods of carrying out random samplings and their value. Screening and interpretation of statistical data with a view to decision-making (main methods for taking decisions and concrete examples of their application). The need for caution in interpreting statistics is stressed.
Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, Langwartweg 103, 53 Bonn 1, Germany (Fed.Rep.), Mar. 1973. 336p. Illus. 93 ref. Gratis.

CIS 74-1155 Schnadt H., Heinatsch S., Kvasnicka E.W.
Determining accident black spots in the chemical industry
Ermittlung von Unfallschwerpunkten in der chemischen Industrie [in German]
The results of this study do not enable conclusions to be drawn yet as regards accident prevention; they merely constitute the basis for a subsequent analysis of the conditions surrounding accidents. It describes methods for assessing accident notifications and investigations among witnesses. Part of the study is devoted to the presentation of the results. The following "black spots" are taken into consideration: repair of ducts, carrying drums by hand, in-plant commuting at commencement and end of shifts. The article concludes that "black spots" should be determined above all on the basis of on-the-spot inquiries. Recommendations are made for the analysis of surrounding circumstances.
Forschungsbericht Nr.105, Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Unfallforschung, Postfach 25, 46 Dortmund-Marten, 1973. 92p. Illus. 26 ref. Price: DM.8.25.

CIS 74-1185 Shafai-Sahrai Y.
Determinants of occupational injury experience - A study of matched pairs of companies.
A study to determine factors which influence the variability of injury frequency rates in different industries and within the same industry. Data were gathered from 11 matched pairs of similar small firms in 11 different industries, with one of the firms in each pair having a relatively better occupational injury experience than the other firm. An explanation of the methodology of the study is followed by sections devoted to the influences of management, environmental conditions and employees on occupational safety. It is concluded that a good safety record is not the result of chance. The research material, questionnaire and statistical tests used by the author are appended.
Graduate School of Business Administration, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, USA, 1973. 113p. Illus. 91 ref. Price: US-$4.50.

CIS 74-1198 Skiba R.
The theory of hazard carriers
Die Gefahrenträgertheorie [in German]
In this study the author attempts to develop a theoretical conception of research on accidents and their prevention. His approach is based on the principle that an accident can just as well be linked to the subject (man) as to the object (tool, machine). He formulates several models enabling the links in the chain of events leading to the accident to be systemised, and draws a number of conclusions which can be applied to accident prevention.
Forschungsbericht Nr.106, Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Unfallforschung, Postfach 25, 46 Dortmund-Marten, Germany (Fed.Rep.), 1973. 47p. Illus. 28 ref. Price: DM.5.95.

CIS 74-943
Committee on Hazardous Materials, National Research Council, Washington, D.C.
Pressure-relieving systems for marine cargo bulk liquid containers.
Report of a Panel on Cargo Containment set up to review existing equipment for pressure relief of containers for the marine transport of bulk liquids and to recommend improved pressure-relief systems. The report reviews the various causes of overpressure (fire, chemical reaction in cargo, insulation loss and improper operation), considers existing formulae for calculating the necessary relief capacity and proposes a new formula for the capacity required for venting vapour. The sizing of pressure-relief valves, relief-vent location and vent-system design are also dealt with. A safety checklist for evaluation of terminals and related facilities is included. Numerous appendices give illustrations of vessel types requiring relief valves, formualae for calculating vapour flow in systems and for sizing pressure-relief valves, etc. Recommendations for further study are made.
National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20418, USA, 1973. 149p. Illus. 76 ref. Price: US-$7.25.

CIS 74-1089 Jabłońska B., Kopczyńska T., Łotach H.
Assessment of the usefulness of protective clothing for workers in contact with powdered mineral fertilisers
Ocena przydatności odzieży pyłoochronnej do prac z pylistymi nawozami mineralnymi [in Polish]
For the purposes of this assessment, the authors investigated the properties of several types of material, the efficiency of methods (beating and washing) for the removal of the dust deposited on the surface of these materials, the effects of the quantity of dust deposited and of washing on their imperviousness and air permeability, as well as the physiological consequences of wearing protective clothing made of one of the materials examined. A detailed account is given of the tests carried out and of checks of the thermoregulatory processes and of stress on the circulatory system performed in the laboratory on 10 subjects tested on a bicycle ergometer. The increase in the quantities measured was found to be significant; nevertheless, not even the largest deviations exceeded the organism's capacity. Conclusions are drawn from this regarding the manufacture of the tested clothing, as well as on the duration of work and rest periods for wearers of this type of clothing.
Prace Centralnego instytutu ochrony pracy, 1973, Vol.23, No.77, p.99-119. 18 ref.

CIS 74-1087 Roszkowski W.
Assessment of the properties of materials to be used in manufacturing personal protective equipment against sparks, flame and high temperatures
Ocena właściwości materiałów przeznaczonych do produkcji sprzętu ochronnego, zabezpieczającego przed działaniem iskier, płomienia i wysokich temperatur [in Polish]
Study of the properties of plastics used for the production of hard hats, protective screens and shields. Tests carried out include a determination of resistance to flames, water and thermal radiation, as well as for shock and puncturing. From the results, reproduced in many tables and amply discussed, the author proposes using, for the production of hard hats for workers exposed to high temperatures in industry and in coal mines, new self-extinguishing polyester resins and polycarbonates which possess not only good mechanical properties, but also a strong resistance to combustion and very good dielectric properties. He recommends utilising polyester resins reinforced by glass fibres for the production of screens and shields to be used by arc-welders.
Prace Centralnego instytutu ochrony pracy, 1973, Vol.23, No.78, p.277-288. 16 ref.

CIS 74-997 Trynkowska D.
Methods for measuring the sound absorption efficiency of ear plugs
Metoda pomiaru skuteczności tłumienia dźwięków przez ochronniki słuchu typu wkładek [in Polish]
The efficacy of 3 models of ear plugs of Polish, Swedish and East German design was checked by the psychoacoustic method of absolute hearing threshold shift, by the audiometric method and by the objective method of the "real ear". A statistical analysis of the test results shows that the best method for evaluating the sound attenuation afforded by these hearing protectors is the psychoacoustic method applied in the free acoustic field, which is very similar to the actual acoustic field at a workpost located near a noise source. This method also allows comparisons between various types of ear protectors (for example earmuffs and ear plugs). The 2nd experimental method, which gave much higher values than the actual attenuation values, is not recommended, whereas that of the "real ear", using white noise filtered into octave bands, is only useful for studying the sound damping efficacy of earmuffs.
Prace Centralnego instytutu ochrony pracy, 1973, Vol.23, No.78, p.245-259. 14 ref.

CIS 74-849 Accident black spot chart for the statistical recording of occupational accidents in the textile industry
Unfallschwerpunkt-Tabelle zur statistischen Erfassung von Arbeitsunfällen in der Textil-Industrie [in German]
A method is described for the recording of occupational accidents, using a simple, practical chart. 3 basic criteria most applicable to the course and nature of an accident were selected: material agent, type of occurrence, work done by the injured person. These criteria are broken down in a chart so that accidents may be accurately grouped and accident black spots revealed. The method was tried for a year in a medium-sized textile plant; the accident black spots found are listed.
Der Unfallschirm, Mitteilungsblatt der Textil- und Bekleidungs-Berufsgenossenschaft, Sep. 1973, No.3, p.2-5+detachable folder chart.

CIS 74-600 Mason K.
Industrial accident survey.
A report on a postal survey of persons claiming workmen's compensation in British Columbia, intended to determine broad areas in which accident research might be carried out. The results of the analysis of 618 responses are given. The study covered such matters as specific safety suggestions (the main suggestions were "more safety inspections" and "introduction of new equipment and machinery"), having breakfast before starting work, workers' sleep patterns, the effects of job change, accident sequence. No relationship was found between having breakfast or not (hence blood-sugar levels) and accident occurrence, but a relationship was found between the disruption of sleeping/waking patterns and accidents. An examination was made of the accident potential of those job changes that involve similar, but not identical, work procedures. A model of an accident as a sequence of warning-related events was roughly outlined. Claimants' suggestions for changes in safety procedures are tabulated.
Workmen's Compensation Board of British Columbia, 5255 Heather Street, Vancouver 13, British Columbia, Canada, no date. 15 p. 2 ref.

1972

CIS 72-2535 Goodwin J.W.
Twenty years handling TNT in a shell loading plant
Human exposure to trinitrotoluene (TNT) cannot be completey avoided in the processing and handling of this compound in ammunition factories. The results of extensive industrial hygiene surveys carried out since 1952 in such a factory are briefly reviewed, and the protective measures implemented to minimise TNT exposure are listed. The thymol turbidity test developed by MacLagan was a valuable indicator of liver functional impairment.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Jan. 1972, Vol.33, No.1, p.41-44. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 73-82 Hale A.R., Hale M.
Committee on Safety and Health at Work
A review of the industrial accident research literature
A review of research on road and industrial accidents based on a study of the literature. Individual sections are devoted to: definitions, criteria and thories (definition of accident, sources of data, recorded accidents, summary of the main theories); methodology (studies of accident victims and accident situations, studies of accident distributions within one group, fitting statistical distributions to accident data, comparing accident distribution to other variables, general criticisms of methodology); findings (part played in accidents by such factors as sex, age, experience, health and physical characteristics, sensory function and attention, fatigue, alcohol, job satisfaction, environmental factors, etc.); general conclusions and recommendations on future research. A bibliography of all papers consulted is included.
HM Stationery Office, P.O. Box 569, London S.E.1, United Kingdom, 1972. 66p. 355 ref.

CIS 73-15 Savenko S.K., et al.
The relationship between accident frequency and individual temperament
Zavisimost' urovnja travmatizma ot individual'nyh kačestv rabotajuščih [in Russian]
Individual temperaments and accident history were studied in 652 miners and factors such as training, age, length of service, type of job and individual reactions to hazard and accident situations were investigated; workers were also classified by temperament into 5 categories (dynamic but unbalanced, dynamic and balanced, calm, passive, dynamic-indeterminate). The number of accidents was broken down on the basis of these categories. The results have made it possible to determine whether given temperaments are suitable for employment on hazardous jobs in different types of work.
Bezopasnost' truda v promyšlennosti, Apr. 1972, No.4, p.22-23.

1971

CIS 73-150 Stroh C.M.
Vigilance: The problem of sustained attention
This book organises, critically reviews and summarises research on vigilance phenomena. After a brief historical introduction, the author examines the factors held to influence vigilance performance, integrating the findings of workers using physiological correlates before surveying the theories of vigilance. Discrepancies in earlier research work are elucidated, and findings from other areas of psychology are employed to help explain apparent contradictions. The last part of the book presents a new theory of vigilance performance, emphasises the need for a more rigorous research approach, and presents some of the data resulting from the author's recent investigations.
International Series of Monographs in Experimental Psychology, Vol. 13, Pergamon Press Ltd., Headington Hill Hall, Oxford OX3 0BW, United Kingdom, 1971. 106p. Illus. 296 ref.

1970

CIS 72-2748 Hagenkötter M., Wilmes O., Horney H.L.
Accident cause analysis - Man in the industrial environment
Unfallursachenanalyse - Der Mensch in der betrieblichen Umwelt [in German]
Short explanation of the objectives of accident prevention work, definition of certain specific terms and basic considerationsof personal protection. Analysis of the basic elements of human behaviour and working relations and conditions. Using actual examples, accident causes are studied.
Arbeitsschutz- und Grubensicherheitsstelle der Westfälischen Berggewerkschaftskasse, Herner Strasse 45, 463 Bochum, Germany (Fed.Rep.), 1970. 93p. Illus. 3 ref.

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