title: Handheld-assisted field data collection for occupational risk assessment.
abstract: A computerized handheld procedure is presented in this paper. It is intended as a database complementary tool, to enhance prospective risk analysis in the field of occupational health. The Pendragon forms software (version 3.2) has been used to implement acquisition procedures on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and to transfer data to a computer in an MS-Access format. The data acquisition strategy proposed relies on the risk assessment method practiced at the Institute of Occupational Health Sciences (IST). It involves the use of a systematic hazard list and semi-quantitative risk assessment scales. A set of 7 modular forms has been developed to cover the basic need of field audits. Despite the minor drawbacks observed, the results obtained so far show that handhelds are adequate to support field risk assessment and follow-up activities. Further improvements must still be made in order to increase the tool effectiveness and field adequacy.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland. David.Vernez@inst.hospvd.ch
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vernez
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Poffet
authors.forename: Adel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Besrour
mesh_terms: D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D013557:Switzerland