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Accident research - 525 entries found

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  • Accident research

1997

CIS 98-562 Quintana R., Nair A.
Continuous safety sampling methodology
Topics: accident research; description of technique; prediction; safety analysis.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1997, Vol.3, No.1-2, p.3-14. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 98-870 Documentation on dust explosions - Analysis and case studies
Dokumentation Staubexplosionen - Analyse und Einzelfalldarstellung [in German]
Topics: accident investigation; analysis of accident causes; brick and tile industry; cement industry; coal dust; dust explosions; flammable dust; fodder silos; Germany; grain elevators; metals; paper and paper products industry; plastics industry; report; statistical aspects; woodworking industry.
Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, Dec. 1997. 99p. 19 ref.

1996

CIS 01-1101 Laflamme L., Menckel E., Lundholm L.
Aging and occupational accidents - 2. Male and female assemblers in the Swedish automobile industry
This retrospective and longitudinal study examines age-related selection and accident risks for male and female assembly workers in the Swedish automobile industry. Results suggest that accident ratios tend to be higher among younger assemblers of both sexes, and lower among older ones, for both aggregate and specific accident risks. There was also strong evidence for age-related selection, i.e. for a tendency by younger workers to leave the profession. On the other hand, there was some evidence that older workers had more severe accidents - but the reasons for this may have socio-economic or psychological, rather than age-related medical, causes. Summaries in English and Swedish.
Arbetslivsinstitutet, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1996. 30 + [14]p. 46 ref.

CIS 00-106 Behrens J., Westerholm P.
Occupational health policy, practice and evaluation
Topics: backache; building industry; evaluation of control measures; hairdressing; ISO; medical supervision; occupational medicine; plant health services; skin diseases; small enterprises; WHO.
World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, 8 Scherfigswej, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark, 1996. iii, 277p. Illus. 3 ref.

CIS 98-660 Monteau M.
Fault tree analysis in the Brazilian forest
L'arbre des causes dans la forêt brésilienne [in French]
Topics: analysis of accident causes; Brazil; fire hazards; human behaviour; mechanical hazards; occupational accidents; particle board manufacture; plant safety and health organization; sawmilling industry; woodworking industry; work organization.
Travail et sécurité, July-Aug. 1996, No.550-551, p.41-45. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 97-1170 Banse G.
Intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary risk research: From the illusion of safety to dealing with its absence
Risikoforschung zwischen Disziplinarität und Interdisziplinarität: Von der Illusion der Sicherheit zum Umgang mit Unsicherheit [in German]
Compilation from papers, discussions and ideas presented at a symposium in Cottbus, Germany, 1994: introduction to risk research; risk and reliability; psychological, social, economic, legal and ethical aspects of risk assessment.
Edition Sigma, Karl-Marx-Strasse 17, 12043 Berlin, Germany, 1996. 234p. Illus. 311 ref. Price: DEM 35.60.

CIS 97-528 van Steen J.
European Process Safety Centre
Safety performance measurement
This manual provides a general introduction to safety performance measurement followed by practical examples of techniques currently used in specific companies. These examples cover measuring plant and equipment, measuring systems and procedures, measuring people, and measuring outcomes. It is emphasized that designing and implementing safety performance measurement in a particular company must be tailored to the needs and characteristics of the company in question.
Institution of Chemical Engineers, Davis Building, 165-189 Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3HQ, United Kingdom, 1996. vii, 135p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 97-255 Quigley D.
Herald of Free Enterprise: Report retrospective
This report reviews the accident in which the British roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry (Herald of Free Enterprise) capsized on 6 March 1987 near Zeebrugge, on the Belgian coast. The direct cause was the inflow of water through the bow door, which had not been shut (contrary to ship's standing orders). Although the ship did not entirely sink, a large number of passengers and crew were trapped inside and died. The report analyzes the reasons why the rescue organization failed. Among other causes: negligence of the captain and officers; passenger overloading; lack of electronic monitoring of the doors; difficulties in having access to lifejackets etc. Comments and recommendations are made relating to the safety, loading and stability of the ship and to life-saving measures in such emergencies.
Occupational Safety and Health, Nov. 1996, Vol.26, No.11, p.38-43. Illus.

CIS 97-103 5th International Symposium - Interdisciplinary research for safety and health protection at work
5. Internationales Kolloquium - Interdisziplinäre Forchung für Sicherheit und Gesundheit bei der Arbeit [in German]
5e colloque international - Recherche interdisciplinaire au service de la santé et de la sécurité au travail [in French]
Proceedings of the 5th international symposium on interdisciplinary research for safety and health protection at work, held in Bonn, Germany, 18-20 Sep. 1995. Topics covered: risk assessment by means of statistical analyses and criteria, and analyses of risk factors in companies; prevention approaches based on organization, quality assurance and economics, ergonomics and safety technology, and qualification, motivation and participation; future research perspectives. Includes a number of studies of specific occupations and hazards. Papers are presented in the original language (English, French or German) with summaries in all three languages.
International Social Security Association, International Research Section, Case Postale 1, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. 566p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 97-89 Budworth N.
Indicators of performance in safety management
Commonly used indicators of safety performance are examined: use of accident data; near miss reporting; safety auditing; behaviour measurement; duration of an accident-free period; safety inspections and safety sampling; accident costs; setting specific goals and monitoring progress; amount of management time spent on safety measures; absence figures; attitude measurement. The strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed and it is suggested that appropriate measures should be selected to suit the requirements of individual organizations.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Nov. 1996, Vol.14, No.11, p.23-29. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 96-2307 Duchaine C., Bédard G., Mériaux A., Cormier Y.
Hay treatment with lactic bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus) does not seem to protect the respiratory health of agricultural workers
Le traitement du foin avec des bactéries lactiques (Pediococcus pentosaceus) ne semble pas protéger la santé respiratoire des travailleurs agricoles [in French]
In the province of Quebec (Canada), lyophilized lactic bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus) are added to hay in order to prevent the development of farmer's lung and other respiratory diseases among exposed farmers. A study was conducted on 19 farms of the Quebec City area that had used this kind of treatment for at least 2 years and on 18 "control" farms that had not. The study relied on answers to a questionnaire survey concerning respiratory symptoms and on the evaluation of specific serum IgG in blood samples (in particular, against P. pentosaceus and 3 common air contaminants). Spirometry was used to measure ventilatory capacity. The proportion of farmers with specific serum IgE against the antigens in question was similar in the two groups, while the respiratory health indices did not differ significantly either. It appears therefore that P. pentosaceus does not protect the health of farm workers, even though almost one half (47%) of users rely on this microorganism for this purpose.
Travail et santé, Dec. 1996, Vol.12, No.4, p.S-20 to S-23. 15 ref.

CIS 96-1846 Kales S.N., Castro M.J., Christiani D.C.
Epidemiology of hazardous materials responses by Massachusetts district HAZMAT teams
This study is an analysis of responses obtained from six district hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams in the state of Massachusetts (USA). Of the total number of responses, 79% related to spills, leaks or other escapes of hazardous materials, 18% to fires, 10% to vehicle accidents and 8% to explosions or other uncontrolled chemical reactions. The total exceeds 100% because more than a single cause was responsible for some of the accidents. Chemicals most frequently involved were hydrocarbons and corrosive materials. Civilians were injured in 21% of the incidents, but for most of them there were no reported injuries. Further systematic study is recommended to generate ideas for primary prevention and better control of secondary health effects.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1996, Vol.38, No.4, p.394-400. 29 ref.

CIS 96-1652 Choi B.C.K., Levitsky M., Lloyd R.D., Stones I.M.
Patterns and risk factors for sprains and strains in Ontario, Canada 1990: An analysis of the Workplace Health and Safety Agency data base
In 1990 there were 171,047 compensated lost-time injuries in Ontario, Canada; 50.43% of these were sprains and strains. They occurred more frequently than expected in the morning hours and in the first 4 hours of the workshift, during the early part of the week and of the year. Workers 30 to 59 years old had an increased risk of sprains and strains. Workers who were not single and females had also a higher risk. The same was observed for nurses and truckers. Higher risk of occurrence was related to a number of work environments and activities. Significant reduction in the number of occupational sprains and strains could be achieved by prevention programmes reducing as far as possible the risk variables.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1996, Vol.38, No.4, p.379-389. 21 ref.

CIS 96-1286 Glendon I., Stanton N.
Risk homeostasis and risk assessment
Risk homeostasis theory (RHT) asserts that accident loss (all costs associated with accidents) is not determined by the intrinsic risk within the environment, but by the outcome of individual estimates of the costs and benefits of risky versus cautious behaviour, leading to the establishment of a target level of risk. Risk reduction occurs when a person perceives that actual risk exceeds the target level for an activity, and so changes behaviour or replaces the activity with another. Proponents of risk assessment (RA) argue that reducing the level of intrinsic risk (i.e., making the environment safer) will have a corresponding effect on accident loss. While RHT was formulated to describe driving behaviour, its implications are broader. The origins of RA lie in industrial loss control. The papers collected here include both theoretical and empirical studies within the two paradigms. Data are still to scanty to give a clear advantage to either approach. Many of the papers were presented at a conference held in March 1994 in Birmingham, England.
Safety Science, 1996, Vol.22, No.1-3, p.1-262. Illus. Bibl.ref.

1995

CIS 00-105 Safety and health at work - Self-audit handbook for SMEs
Topics: air temperature; bakery products industry; check lists; dangerous substances; European Communities; evaluation of control measures; explosion hazards; fire hazards; first-aid organization; garages; hazard evaluation; lighting; machinery; maintenance and repair; materials handling; noise; personal protective equipment; plant safety organization; printing industry; small enterprises; training material; ventilation; vibration; woodworking industry; workers participation.
Directorate-General V, Occupational health and hygiene unit, Jean Monnet building - C4, BP 1907, 2920 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 1995. 280p. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 96-1872 Gräff B., Hubert K., Zoller H.J.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz
Study on air velocities and air temperatures in industrial workplaces
Untersuchungen von Luftgeschwindigkeiten und Lufttemperaturen an industriellen Arbeitsplätzen [in German]
Air temperature, air velocity and relative humidity were measured at various locations in 11 industrial plants. The measurements were taken at 0.1, 1.1 and 1.7m above the ground. In all cases the values for air turbulence and air temperatures were in the acceptable range. Industrial plants studied included manufacturers of ventilation and air conditioning systems, a large truck assembly plant, a manufacturer of electronic components, a boiler manufacturer, a company producing punched metal products and chemical plants producing household products.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Verlag für neue Wissenschaft GmbH, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1995. 188p. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 96-1711 Pianosi G., Zocchetti C.
Work-related accidents among minors in Lombardy
Gli infortuni sul lavoro nei minori in Lombardia [in Italian]
This paper examines work-related injuries in children and adolescent who received compensation and which occurred in the Lombardy Region (Italy) between 1984 and 1989. The injuries occurring in the same period and area in workers over 18 years of age were used for comparison. Work-related injuries in minors were more frequent in craft activities than in industry, but their severity (in terms of deaths or permanent consequences) was lower than in the corresponding adult workers. Ninety percent of the events in young workers occurred in males, in each age category, and about 5% of the cases occurred in very young workers (less than 15 years). Cuts/lacerations are the most frequent type of lesion (49.9%), with hands being the site most frequently involved (55.5%). About 75% of the cases occurred in ten economic sectors. Metal manufacturing, construction and machine production scored first, with interesting correlations with the same sectors in adult workers. The prevalence of injuries in craft activities and the high frequency of occurrence in a limited number of specific economic sectors and/or occupations suggest some priorities for intervention, i.e. the involvement of paediatricians with experience in the prevention of accidents in children.
Medicina del lavoro, July-Aug. 1995, Vol.86, No.4, p.332-340. 22 ref.

CIS 96-1498 Knollmann H.
Field tests with knee pads for work in kneeling posture
Feldversuch mit Knieschützern für Arbeiten, die eine kniende Haltung erfordern [in German]
The comfort of ergonomically designed knee pads was tested in jobs involving a kneeling position, such as paving roads with cobblestones, asphalting, tiling, floor-laying and plumbing. Questionnaires were distributed to assess the knee pads. Of 1,068 wearers, 425 found the comfort of the knee pads better than average, 416 found them average and 272 found them unsuitable. Hot asphalt destroyed the polyurethane material the knee pads were made of. Floor-layers in particular liked the knee pads; tilers and pavers followed.
Die BG, June 1995, No.6, p.300-303. Illus.

CIS 96-1372 Le Bot J. Y.
Monitoring ventilation. Applications for painting booths
Contrôle de la ventilation. Applications aux cabines de peinture [in French]
This article discusses existing methods of monitoring (measurement of airspeed, visual observation of the state of the filters, measurement of static and differential pressures) and presents the major types of differential manometer (liquid column, diaphragm), their principles of operation and their regulation as a function of calculated changes in load. It also reviews general issues (the use of painting booths, malfunctions, regulations, standards, general principles, definition of insufficient ventilation.
Travail et sécurité, Jan. 1996, No.544, p.56-59. Illus.

CIS 96-1112 Adams P.S., Keyserling W.M.
The effect of size and fabric weight of protective coveralls on range of gross body motions
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Apr. 1995, Vol.56, No.4, p.333-340. Illus. 29 ref. ###

CIS 96-1125 Redfern M.S., Chaffin D.B.
Influence of flooring on standing fatigue
Eight flooring conditions of varying thickness and stiffness (including one shoe insert) were evaluated by 14 workers. Both the stiffness and thickness of the flooring materials had a significant effect on workers' perceptions of tiredness, fatigue and discomfort. In general, softer materials caused less perceived tiredness; however, one extremely soft floor resulted in higher ratings of tiredness. The shoe insert condition showed low tiredness ratings compared with most floors. Hard surfaces caused greater discomfort including greater low back discomfort. The dynamic properties of the floor surfaces may be important in relieving fatigue and discomfort.
Human Factors, Sep. 1995, Vol.37, No.3, p.570-581. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 95-1666 Hatina T.
Possibility of using research in safety and technical practice
Možnosti využitia výskumu v bezpečnostnotechnickej praxi [in Slovak]
Research tasks in the field of occupational safety: analysis of negative factors at work; creation of a system for monitoring dangerous factors; research on the technical safety of machines and equipment; protection against explosion of flammable gases and vapours; new trends in personal protective equipment; occupational safety education in organizations and in schools (vocational training, management training, workers in special occupations, educational methods, evaluation of education programmes); a government testing station for personal protective equipment; solution of occupational safety problems according to the requirements of enterprises.
Bezpečná práca, Jan.-Feb. 1995, Vol.26, No.1, p.5-8.

1994

CIS 96-1877 Balbino P.
Risk factors in passenger lifts
Situazioni di "Rischio" negli ascensori [in Italian]
This brief study covers probable risk factors in passenger lifts with an analysis of accident causes. This is graphically represented by means of three typical "fault trees" (analysis of possible sequences of events), which are commented.
Fogli d'informazione ISPESL, July-Sep. 1994, Vol.7, No.3, p.34-39. Illus.

CIS 95-2246 O'Leary C., Parsons K.C.
The role of the IREQ index in the design of working practices for cold environments
For any cold environment a calculation can be made of the minimum clothing insulation required by workers (IREQ). Two studies are reported which investigated the role of the IREQ index in the design of working practices for cold indoor environments. The two studies suggest that the use of the IREQ index alone as a working practice may not be adequate to provide thermal comfort. The IREQ index was suggested as adequate initial protection against the strain induced on a worker in a cold environment. The design tool included the IREQ index as an initial indicator of cold stress; subsequent application of local clothing adjustment, followed by suitable general working practices were then required to achieve thermal comfort.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 1994, Vol.38, No.5, p.705-719. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 95-1247 FaultrEASE version 1.2
Graphic computer software for the creation, editing and evaluation of fault trees. Basic fault tree mathematical functions are included.
Arthur D. Little, Inc., Acorn Park, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA. Computer software available for MS-DOS (Windows 3.1) and Macintosh (System 7) microcomputers. Price: USD 475.00. Demo disk available.

CIS 95-642 Hedge A., Erickson W.A., Rubin G.
The effects of alternative smoking policies on indoor air quality in 27 office buildings
The effect of alternative smoking policies, which prohibited or restricted smoking, on indoor air quality was studied in 27 air-conditioned office buildings. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, respirable particulates, formaldehyde, ultraviolet particulate matter, nicotine, air temperature, relative humidity and illumination were measured at eight sample sites in each building. Smoking policy had no effect on carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, formaldehyde, air temperature or illumination for open office areas. It did have an effect on levels of respirable suspended particulates, ultraviolet particulate matter and nicotine.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, June 1994, Vol.38, No.3, p.265-278. 21 ref.

CIS 95-768 Müller G. F., Nachreiner F.
Office chairs and subjective judgement: Problems of comfort assessment and compliance testing of work equipment by user judgement
Der Büroarbeitsstuhl im subjektiven Urteil: Zu Fragen der Komfortbeurteilung und Konformitätsprüfung von Arbeitsmitteln anhand von Nutzer-Urteilen [in German]
The comfort of various ergonomically designed office chairs was assessed by 12 female volunteers who were regular users of office chairs and by an age-matched control group of 12 students. A rating scale was used to evaluate 14 design features. The experienced group was capable of a more differentiated assessment and expressed appreciation of an ergonomic design by a more positive judgement than the inexperienced group.
Zeitschrift für Arbeitswissenschaft, June 1994, Vol.48, No.2, p.113-118. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 94-1779 Dul J., Douwes M., Smitt P.
Ergonomic guidelines for the prevention of discomfort of static postures based on endurance data
The use of endurance data as a basis for guidelines for the prevention of discomfort of static postures is discussed along with the aim and scope of a 'work-rest model for static postures' (WR model). Discomfort can be predicted from the 'remaining endurance capacity' (REC); the WR model estimates at group level the mean REC of a given static posture and work-rest schedule, based on endurance data from the literature. The validity of the model is discussed. The model may be used on the assessment and optimization of static postures and work-rest schedules.
Ergonomics, May 1994, Vol.37, No.5, p.807-815. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 94-1260 Hammer W.
Accidents due to walking, running, carrying, pushing and pulling in agriculture and their prevention
Unfallgefährdung und -verhütung beim Gehen, Laufen, Tragen, Schieben und Ziehen im landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb [in German]
Data on farm accidents involving walking, running, carrying, pushing and drawing were analyzed in order to locate accident clusters, to determine causal factors and to find starting points for safety measures. Women had more accidents than men. The risk was highest for the youngest and oldest age groups and increased with volume of work per worker and thus with farm size. Accumulations of accidents were found when walking on snow or ice and on paved surfaces; slip resistance was frequently inadequate. Preventive measures are suggested including good work organization to avoid extreme efforts, hurry and stress and recommended maximum loads for materials handling.
Safety Science, Jan. 1994, Vol.17, No.2, p.117-143. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 94-1195 DeJoy D.M.
Managing safety in the workplace - An attribution theory analysis and model
Actions to manage workplace safety are based less often on objective knowledge of cause-effect relationships than on attributions, that is, on what individuals believe or infer to be the relevant relationships. These attributions may be complicated or biased by social or organizational factors. Although hundreds of papers on attributional processes have been published in the last 20 years, few have dealt with the workplace. The proposed model shows where attribution of causes fits into the safety management process. Whereas in the past the search for causes has been associated with the assignment of blame or responsibility, awareness of the role of attribution should lead managers to modify their safety programmes so as to improve communication between workers and supervisors, eliminate adversarial relationships between them, increase the objectivity of accident reporting and investigation and make the results widely available.
Journal of Safety Research, Spring 1994, Vol.25, No.1, p.3-17. Illus. 80 ref.

CIS 94-1356 Weisburger E.K.
Lowering threshold limit values (TLVs) has additional benefits
Early attempts to develop limits on the levels of volatile industrial substances to which workers could be exposed are described along with events leading to the formation of the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and its Airborne Contaminants Committee, later to be the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Committee. Currently, the TLV Chemical Substances Committee has four subcommittees reviewing data for different types of industrial substances. As the TLVs are lowered to prevent evidence of toxicity in exposed workers, the possibilities for fire/explosion due to reaching flammable limits are also decreased.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, Feb. 1994, Vol.36, No.2, p.143-148. 13 ref.

1993

CIS 98-612 Bestratén Belloví M.
Event tree risk analysis
Análisis de riesgos mediante el árbol de sucesos [in Spanish]
Topics: analysis of accident causes; data sheet; explosion hazards; fire hazards; hazard evaluation; occupational safety; probability analysis; safety analysis; Spain.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1993. 5p. Illus. 3 ref.

CIS 94-1749 Li G., Baker S.P.
Crashes of commuter aircraft and air taxis - What determines pilot survival
National Transportation Safety Board (USA) data for 1983 to 1988 were analyzed for the factors related to pilot survival in commuter aircraft and air taxi crashes. Case fatality rates were calculated for the pilots in command and odds ratios were estimated from a multivariate logistic regression model for variables related to pilots, aircraft, and circumstances. During the six-year period, 536 people were killed and 744 injured in 888 commuter aircraft and air taxi crashes. The pilot case fatality rate was 20%. The most important determinants of pilot fatality were postcrash fire, off-airport location, bad weather and non-use of shoulder restraints. Crash survival could be enhanced by more crashworthy fuel systems and aircraft seats, and use of restraint systems in commuter aircraft and air taxis.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Dec. 1993, Vol.35, No.12, p.1244-1249. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 94-1707 Zhang G.S., Tang M.J.
The investigation of a devastating accident - An accidental explosion of 40 tons of TNT
An explosive accident occurring in the TNT production line of a factory in China in 1991 is described. The total amount of explosives in the incident was estimated to be the equivalent of 40 tons of TNT. Two primary causes of the explosion were identified through event tree analysis. It was concluded that the incident was a human element accident which occurred because of poor safety conditions. Lessons learned from the accident are summarized.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, June 1993, Vol.34, No.2, p.225-233. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 94-590 Magna B., Cantoni S.
Occupational accidents in food supermarkets
Infortuni sul lavoro nel settore grande distribuzione alimentare [in Italian]
The application of a systematic method of reading accident registers is proposed for food supermarkets. The study covered 461 accidents occurring in the five-year period 1986-1990 in 25 food supermarkets in the area of Milan, Italy. The proposed method is based on the identification of each accident according to a special coding scheme. Subsequent analysis may pinpoint the principal causes of accidents and the appropriate protective measures to be taken.
Medicina del lavoro, May-June 1993, Vol.84, No.3, p.226-231. Illus. 6 réf.

CIS 93-2086 Genaidy A.M., Karwowski W.
The effects of neutral posture deviations on perceived joint discomfort ratings in sitting and standing postures
Results of this study indicate that: upper extremity postures in which the arms are outstretched in the standing position lead to high levels of perceived shoulder discomfort ratings; supination of the forearm produces most joint stressfulness, followed by pronation and then both elbow flexion and extension; lateral bending of the neck appears to be more stressful than its flexion, extension and rotation; in the standing position, extension of the back should be given the highest ranking for back movements, followed by lateral bending and rotation, then flexion; hip movements are very stressful; ankle flexion is more stressful than ankle extension.
Ergonomics, July 1993, Vol.36, No.7, p.785-792. 13 ref.

CIS 93-1935 Sheehy J.W., Jones J.H.
Assessment of arsenic exposures and controls in gallium arsenide production
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers conducted a study of control systems for electronics facilities using gallium arsenide. Three facilities which appeared to have effective controls were chosen for in-depth evaluation through industrial hygiene sampling. The following gallium arsenide processes were studied: Liquid Encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) and Horizontal Bridgeman (HB) crystal growing, LEC cleaning operations, ingot grinding/wafer sawing, and epitaxy. Results at one plant showed that in all processes except epitaxy, average arsenic exposures were at or above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) action level of 5µg/m3. While cleaning the LEC crystal pullers, the average potential arsenic exposure of the cleaning operators was 100 times the OSHA PEL. At the two other plants, personal arsenic exposures were well controlled in LEC, LEC cleaning, grinding/sawing, and epitaxy operations.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Feb. 1993, Vol.54, No.2, p.61-69. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 93-1681 Drogaris G.
Learning from major accidents involving dangerous substances
The Major Accident Reporting System (MARS) has been established by the Commission of the European Communities within the framework of the implementation of the Seveso Directive 82/501/EEC (CIS 83-889). Accident reports (121 by end 1991) have been analysed and accidents classified according to a number of parameters in order to identify priorities for improving safety. Accident causes have been identified for the majority of accidents notified and consequently lessons for preventing similar recurrences or mitigating accident consequences have been extracted. This analysis shows that the vast majority of the accidents notified could have been easily prevented by proper application of available knowledge. Managerial/organisational omissions and design inadequacies are the most dominant underlying causes.
Safety Science, Apr. 1993, Vol.16, No.2, p.89-113. Illus. 53 ref.

CIS 93-1516 Springfeldt B.
Effects of occupational safety rules and measures with special regard to injuries - Advantages of automatically working solutions
This thesis evaluates safety rules and their application to Swedish industry. It is based on five Royal Institute of Technology studies which demonstrate various methods of solving safety problems: farm tractor roll-overs in Sweden; roll-over of tractors - international experiences; explosion injuries caused by tyres and rims; design of bolt guns for better safety; cutting of meat - attitudes to safety problems. The studies show that rules prescribing special safety standards for machinery and equipment are generally more effective than those prescribing supplementary protection. Detailed reports of the five studies are included.
The Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Work Science, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden, 1993. 127p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Annexes: 28p + 15p.

CIS 93-1175 Minaya Lozano G.
Analysis of company accident rates and measures to adopt - A psychological approach
Análisis de la accidentabilidad en la empresa y medidas a adoptar - Un aporte psicológico [in Spanish]
In order to achieve effective preventive action in any enterprise, an objective and in-depth analysis of the preventive measures to be taken should be carried out. In this respect, the following aspects are discussed: accident causes; effects and validity of preventive action; reaction of workers in the face of preventive action by the company and the social partners. Summary in English.
Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 1993, No.49, p.31-39. Illus. 8 ref.

1992

CIS 01-1401 Colvin R.J.
The guidebook to successful safety programming
This guide aimed a safety officers presents elements and activities necessary to implement successful safety and health programmes in an organization. Main topics covered: understanding safety programming; analysing root causes of accidents; management's and supervisors' role; safety committees and safety meetings; accident investigation procedures; hazard identification and control; inspection; teaching and training; employee safety equipment; industrial hygiene practices; facility and process loss of control; emergency planning; safety for handicapped employees; safety off-the-job; how to write safety policies; case studies.
Lewis Publishers Inc., 121 South Main Street, P.O. Drawer 519, Chelsea, Michigan 48118, USA, 1992. xvii, 292p. Illus. Index.

CIS 94-1752 Baratto G., Guérin J.J., Mongis J., Tournier C., Vieu A.
Morphological analysis of machine part failure - A guide
Analyse morphologique des défaillances d'organes de machines - Guide [in French]
A method of failure analysis is described. It involves a classification of failures, with particular attention paid to deformations, breakages and surface wear. Illustrated technical information notes provide examples of sudden breakage, and of breakage due to metal fatigue, corrosion, surface deterioration and wear on various machine parts.
Centre technique des industries mécaniques (CETIM), 52, avenue Félix-Louat, B.P. 67, 60304 Senlis Cedex, France, 2nd ed., 1992. 67p. Illus. 28 ref.

CIS 94-1318 Pasternack A.
Increasing acceptance of respirators by positive supply filter systems
Erhöhung der Trageakzeptanz von Atemschutzgeräten durch gebläseunterstützte Systeme [in German]
Air purifying respirators are perceived as a burden at work if they weigh more than 10kg, the breathing resistance is higher than 30mbar, temperature and humidity of the inhaled air are high and the CO2 concentration amounts to more than 2%. Positive supply filter respirators avoid these disadvantages as was confirmed by comparative 1h-tests. While walking on a treadmill with a speed of 5.3km/h, five male and two female volunteers assessed the comfort of an air purifying respirator with the particulate filter attached to the hose mask and a positive supply filter respirator with the filter and air supply unit attached to the belt.
Sicher ist Sicher, June 1992, Vol.43, No.6, p.290-294. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 93-1839 Luijten J.A.J.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz
Method of determining the water vapour permeability of safety shoes
Methode zur Bestimmung der Wasserdampfdurchlässigkeit von Schutzschuhen [in German]
A measurement chamber for the determination of the water vapour permeability of safety shoes is described and illustrated. The entire shoe is involved in the measurement, while the method described in German standard DIN 53333 determines only the water vapour permeability of the material used for the shoe uppers. The accuracy of the method was verified and the water vapour permeability of a number of different safety shoes was determined. A clear connection with the size and shape of the shoes was found. The results did not correlate with those of the DIN method. A standardised procedure for carrying out the measurements on the complete shoe is described. Detailed summaries in German, English and French.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, Am Alten Hafen 113-115, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1992. 62p. Illus. 24 ref. Price: DEM 17.00.

CIS 93-1517 Vásquez Martínez H.
Productivity and safety at work - Present problems in industry
Productividad y seguridad en el trabajo - Problema actual de la industria [in Spanish]
Based on the analysis of occupational accidents, a methodology for the prevention of accidents and the improvement of productivity in enterprises is presented. Theoretical, legal, economic, technological, educational, administrative and occupational aspects of occupational accidents are reviewed. After describing the present state of occupational safety in Mexico and its deficiencies, a new multifactor occupational safety model is presented. The concept of safety in connection with productivity, enterprise management, and factorial analysis is discussed. Safety diagnosis and safety planning, together with a case study from Mexico, are presented.
Editorial Diana S.A. de C.V., Robero Gayol 1219, 03100 México D.F., Mexico, 1992. 347p. Bibl.ref.

CIS 93-804 Berthelette D., Pineault R.
Analysis of the implementation of occupational health programmes - Results of an evaluative research study
Analyse d'implantation du programme de santé au travail - Résultats d'une recherche évaluative [in French]
The purpose of this study was to examine variations among the results of occupational health programmes (OHPs) provided by public health agencies at Quebec worksites, including medical and environmental surveillance, primary prevention counselling and evaluation of first-aid personnel and kits available at the worksites. The objective was to identify the factors that contributed to the success or failure of the programme (rather than assess the results of the programmes themselves) provided by 14 teams in 96 firms of a sub-sector of the metal product manufacturing industry in Quebec. The availability of personal protection and of adequate training of first-aid personnel was significantly related to the frequency of visits by the occupational health team. However, the length of existence of occupational health and safety committees is the only variable significantly related to a reduction of occupational hazards at the source.
Travail et santé, Winter 1992, Vol.8, No.4, p.S-23-S29. 23 ref.

CIS 93-449 Roels J.
Accident analysis and accident reporting
Ongevalsonderzoek en -rapportage [in Dutch]
Traditional accident investigations start from the premise that there is only one cause for a specific industrial accident. This limits the framework and scope of the accident investigation, and does not take other factors into consideration that might be of essential importance for preventing similar accidents in the future. In this study a model for accident analysis is presented that widens the scope of the investigation, so that unexpected causes can be revealed. Attention is given to: description of the model (differentiation of four phases in the course of the accident; factors that play a role in causing accidents (personal factors, physical/technical factors, and organisational factors)), preparation and execution of the accident investigation at the site of the accident, registering of the data, and making the accident report.
Directorate-General of Labour (Directoraat-Generaal van de Arbeid), Postbus 90804, 2509 LV Den Haag, Netherlands, 1992. 110p. 16 ref.

CIS 93-446 Salminen S., Saari J., Saarela K.L., Räsänen T.
Fatal and non-fatal accidents: Identical versus differential causation
Competing hypotheses on whether minor and major injuries are preceded by identical or different circumstances were examined by comparing fatal occupational accidents with non-fatal accidents. A workplace analysis and an accident analysis were carried out on 99 serious occupational accidents, 20 of which had fatal consequences. Fatal accidents were found to differ from non-fatal accidents both in the type of accident and the distribution of accident factors. Results provide more support for the hypothesis that different circumstances produce minor and major accidents.
Safety Science, July 1992, Vol.15, No.2, p.109-118. 40 ref.

CIS 92-1835 Kletz T.A.
Hazop and hazan - Identifying and assessing process industry hazards
Third edition of the manual previously analysed as CIS 88-1138. It is primarily aimed at university students and those attending in-house training courses in industry. Contents: hazard identification and assessment; hazard and operability studies (hazop), including examples of accidents that could have been prevented by hazop; hazard analysis (hazan); a manager's guide to hazard analysis; objections to hazop and hazan; sources of data and confidence limits; history of hazop and hazan.
Institution of Chemical Engineers, Davis Building, 165-171 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HQ, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 1992. 150p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index.

CIS 92-1940
Health and Safety Executive
Dangerous maintenance - A study of maintenance accidents in the chemical industry and how to prevent them
Second edition of a report previously issued in 1987 (see CIS 88-845). It highlights the accident causes and gives practical advice for prevention. Covered are: general facts (incidents studied, industries included, timing of incident, description of incidents, maintenance activity, incident causes, off-site risk, responsibility, comment); case studies and means of prevention (systems of work, permits to work, protective equipment, defective equipment, machinery, safe access and place of work, training, instruction and supervision, working with contractors); further reading.
HMSO Books, P.O. Box 276, London SW8 5DT, United Kingdom, 2nd edition, 1992. 32p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 8.50.

1991

CIS 92-1855 Ruppert F.
The questionnaire for safety analysis - Application and standardisation
Der Fragebogen zur Sicherheitsdiagnose (FSD) - Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und Hinweise zur Verfahrensstandardisierung [in German]
The purpose of the "Safety Diagnosis Questionnaire" (SDQ) described in this article was to provide a practical useful instrument to analyse directly hazardous situations, behavioural requirements and safety-relevant conditions in man-machine systems. About 400 jobs were analysed in order to gain data from a representative sample of accident-prone occupations in industry in western Germany. In 390 workplaces 2,373 types of hazards were identified, the most frequent being falls of persons and striking against objects. Data show a wide range of applications for safety diagnosis: description of safety conditions, analyses of single jobs to improve safety, comparison between jobs and firms, testing of hypotheses. Data collecting was also useful for further standardising the SDQ (e.g. item-analyses, reliability testing) and for developing a fourth revised version of the Questionnaire.
Zeitschrift für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie, 2nd Quarter 1991, Vol.35, No.2, p.77-83. Illus. 18 ref.

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