Identification of Ergonomic-Related Hazards in an Industrial Sample Using the National Occupational Exposure Survey.
The National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) was used to determine probabilities for 4 potential physical-agent and 10 potential ergonomic-related exposure hazards among a representative sample of U.S. industries. Potential physical-agent hazard exposures, principally whole-body and segmental vibration, were highest among railroad and heavy construction industries. Several construction industries had high probabilities of potential ergonomic-related exposure hazards, especially to the back and upper extremities. Establishments with 100 to 249 employees had the highest probability of potential exposures to the 2 types of hazards. Measures of safety and health climate did not differ consistently between high-hazard and low-hazard establishments. The approach taken in this paper may be used to help identify highrisk industries, evaluate interventions, and develop inspection strategies.
Biersner
Robert J
RJ
a U.S. Department of Labor , USA.
Winn
Francis J
FJ
b East Carolina University , USA.