A heart rate evaluation approach to determine cost-effectiveness an ergonomics intervention.
This paper describes a hear-rate methodology to determine the cost-effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention to reduce workload and improve working conditions. This is a practical approach as opposed to the energy expenditure technique that is difficult to implement in natural settings. This was a laboratory study using a large excavator cabin with devices to simulate excavation operations. Mean heart rate was used to calculate the required rest time during a shift with or without air-conditioning. The criterion for evaluation was differences in required rest time during a shift under these 2 conditions. The simplicity and objectivity of this approach invites use to solve the problem of the economic evaluation of ergonomics interventions.
Bedny
G Z
GZ
Essex County College, Newark, NJ 07079, USA, innchik@aol.com
Karwowski
W
W
Seglin
M H
MH
D000389:Air Conditioning; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006804:Ergonomics; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D016526:Workload