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Joanne is currently the WorkSafe New Zealand Chair in Health and Safety based in Wellington New Zealand. Her research interests include occupational health and safety, ergonomics and applying methodologies to understanding occupational and environmental problems
(1) Background: There is increasing awareness that the quality of the indoor environment affects our health and well-being. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in particular has an impact on multiple health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular illness, allergic symptoms, cancers, and premature mortality. (2) Methods: We carried out a global systematic literature review on indoor exposure to selected air pollutants associated with adverse health effects, and related household characteristics, seasonal influences and occupancy patterns. We screened records from six bibliographic databases: ABI/INFORM, Environment Abstracts, Pollution Abstracts, PubMed, ProQuest Biological and Health Professional, and Scopus. (3) Results: Information on indoor exposure levels and determinants, emission sources, and associated health effects was extracted from 141 studies from 29 countries. The most-studied pollutants were particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene, toluene, xylenes and formaldehyde; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including naphthalene. Identified indoor PM2.5 sources include smoking, cooking, heating, use of incense, candles, and insecticides, while cleaning, housework, presence of pets and movement of people were the main sources of coarse particles. Outdoor air is a major PM2.5 source in rooms with natural ventilation in roadside households. Major sources of NO2 indoors are unvented gas heaters and cookers. Predictors of indoor NO2 are ventilation, season, and outdoor NO2 levels. VOCs are emitted from a wide range of indoor and outdoor sources, including smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. Formaldehyde levels are higher in newer houses and in the presence of new furniture, while PAH levels are higher in smoking households. High indoor particulate matter, NO2 and VOC levels were typically associated with respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms in children. (4) Conclusions: Household characteristics and occupant activities play a large role in indoor exposure, particularly cigarette smoking for PM2.5, gas appliances for NO2, and household products for VOCs and PAHs. Home location near high-traffic-density roads, redecoration, and small house size contribute to high indoor air pollution. In most studies, air exchange rates are negatively associated with indoor air pollution. These findings can inform interventions aiming to improve IAQ in residential properties in a variety of settings.
Sotiris Vardoulakis; Evanthia Giagloglou; Susanne Steinle; Alice Davis; Anne Sleeuwenhoek; Karen S. Galea; Ken Dixon; Joanne O. Crawford. Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8972 .
AMA StyleSotiris Vardoulakis, Evanthia Giagloglou, Susanne Steinle, Alice Davis, Anne Sleeuwenhoek, Karen S. Galea, Ken Dixon, Joanne O. Crawford. Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (23):8972.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSotiris Vardoulakis; Evanthia Giagloglou; Susanne Steinle; Alice Davis; Anne Sleeuwenhoek; Karen S. Galea; Ken Dixon; Joanne O. Crawford. 2020. "Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 23: 8972.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems remain the most frequent reason why individuals are absent from work, including those with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs or MSDs) and those with chronic MSK problems. This paper aims to examine changes in work and the workforce since 2000; how work impacts on chronic MSK conditions and how we can help people with these conditions to stay at work. While our knowledge of the causes of WRMSDs has increased since 2000, there has been limited workplace action in reducing exposure to hazards. A life course approach is needed as individuals of all ages are reporting MSK problems. How people work has also changed and informalisation of work contracts has increased with a perceived concurrent reduction in occupational safety and health (OSH) protection. Retaining people at work with MSK problems requires compliance with relevant safety, health and diversity legislation and a risk management approach. Good and open communication within the workplace and identification of other sources of support is also necessary. Considerations must be made at the individual level (internal motivation), organisational level (a supportive manager) and self-management of symptoms. Simple case examples are provided in the paper of what works in practice as well as a proposed research agenda. Increased awareness at all levels of society of MSK health is essential.
Joanne O. Crawford; Danielle Berkovic; Jo Erwin; Sarah M. Copsey; Alice Davis; Evanthia Giagloglou; Amin Yazdani; Jan Hartvigsen; Richard Graveling; Anthony Woolf. Musculoskeletal health in the workplace. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology 2020, 34, 101558 .
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford, Danielle Berkovic, Jo Erwin, Sarah M. Copsey, Alice Davis, Evanthia Giagloglou, Amin Yazdani, Jan Hartvigsen, Richard Graveling, Anthony Woolf. Musculoskeletal health in the workplace. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2020; 34 (5):101558.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford; Danielle Berkovic; Jo Erwin; Sarah M. Copsey; Alice Davis; Evanthia Giagloglou; Amin Yazdani; Jan Hartvigsen; Richard Graveling; Anthony Woolf. 2020. "Musculoskeletal health in the workplace." Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology 34, no. 5: 101558.
Most adults spend a significant part of their life working. The nature of work and work-related tasks, duties and risks has changed over time. As age-related demographic changes occur worldwide, the demographics of the workforce are also changing. A worker’s productivity and his longevity in the workforce are closely related to a nation’s economic performance. Across the world and especially in high-income countries, an increasing number of older adults are exiting the workforce and retiring. Many nations, states and businesses are struggling to meet the costs of paying retirement benefits for those who have already left the workforce, because standard retirement ages and retirement benefit calculations were first introduced when life expectancies were considerably less than they are now. Continued employment into later life has the potential to be beneficial to the employee, their employer and society at large. Occupational health has historically concentrated on improving safety and preventing injury in the work place. This remains a priority for an aging workforce. However, promoting health in the workplace is increasingly important to both allow those who wish to continue to work to do so and to support the ability to continue to work for those who have to. Progressive employers and progressive societies adopt policies that facilitate the continued work of their older employees. Good health is important in supporting the ability to work, and work has the potential to support good health.
Joanne Crawford. Employment and the Workplace Supporting Healthy Aging. New Pharmacological Approaches to Reproductive Health and Healthy Ageing 2019, 349 -354.
AMA StyleJoanne Crawford. Employment and the Workplace Supporting Healthy Aging. New Pharmacological Approaches to Reproductive Health and Healthy Ageing. 2019; ():349-354.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne Crawford. 2019. "Employment and the Workplace Supporting Healthy Aging." New Pharmacological Approaches to Reproductive Health and Healthy Ageing , no. : 349-354.
There are a growing number of studies suggesting a link between night shift work and increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer described shift work involving circadian disruption as probably carcinogenic to humans. A systematic review of the epidemiology on shift work and cancer from 2005 to 2015 was carried out. We used standard systematic review methodology to identify, critically appraise and summarize the relevant epidemiological literature. We looked at reviews and meta-analyses from 2005 to 2015 and recent studies published from 2013 to 2015. For breast cancer, the relative risks of working night shifts have been reducing from 1.5 to around 1.2 over the past decade. A recent meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies has suggested that the overall relative risk of breast cancer may not be raised at all. The evidence for a raised risk of cancers other than breast cancer remains somewhat limited. The epidemiological evidence suggests that if a cancer risk exists from occupational exposure to night shift work, then the relative risk will be no more than around 1.1 or 1.2 and indeed may not exist at all.
D. M. McElvenny; J. O. Crawford; A. Davis; K. Dixon; C. Alexander; Hilary Cowie; J. W. Cherrie. A review of the impact of shift-work on occupational cancer: part 1 – epidemiological research. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 2017, 16, 71 -108.
AMA StyleD. M. McElvenny, J. O. Crawford, A. Davis, K. Dixon, C. Alexander, Hilary Cowie, J. W. Cherrie. A review of the impact of shift-work on occupational cancer: part 1 – epidemiological research. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2017; 16 (1):71-108.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD. M. McElvenny; J. O. Crawford; A. Davis; K. Dixon; C. Alexander; Hilary Cowie; J. W. Cherrie. 2017. "A review of the impact of shift-work on occupational cancer: part 1 – epidemiological research." Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 16, no. 1: 71-108.
The aim of this study is to carry out a review of the putative mechanism and health and safety evidence between 2005 and 2015 to inform practice using a systematic review methodology. The International Agency for Research on Cancer highlighted two potentially important mechanisms that may be involved in causing breast cancer following (night) shift work; light at night suppressing melatonin production and epigenetic changes in genes controlling circadian rhythms. Other mechanisms that have been investigated include the effect of chronotype, vitamin D status, psychological stress, fatigue, physiological dysfunction and poor health behaviours including smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, the timing of eating food and obesity. Interventions that have been investigated include shift design, pharmacological, chronotype selection, strategic napping and adherence to national cancer screening programmes. Suppression of night time production of melatonin and/or obesity remains the most plausible biological mechanisms for an association between shift work and cancer. Employers should facilitate the overall reduction in cancer risk for shift workers by enabling better health behaviours and facilitate access to national cancer screening programmes.
J. O. Crawford; J. W. Cherrie; A. Davis; K. Dixon; C. Alexander; Hilary Cowie; D. M. McElvenny. A review of the impact of shift work on occupational cancer: Part 2 – mechanistic and health and safety evidence. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 2017, 16, 109 -144.
AMA StyleJ. O. Crawford, J. W. Cherrie, A. Davis, K. Dixon, C. Alexander, Hilary Cowie, D. M. McElvenny. A review of the impact of shift work on occupational cancer: Part 2 – mechanistic and health and safety evidence. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2017; 16 (1):109-144.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. O. Crawford; J. W. Cherrie; A. Davis; K. Dixon; C. Alexander; Hilary Cowie; D. M. McElvenny. 2017. "A review of the impact of shift work on occupational cancer: Part 2 – mechanistic and health and safety evidence." Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 16, no. 1: 109-144.
John William Cherrie; Joanne O. Crawford; Alice Davis; Ken Dixon; Carla Alexander; Hilary Cowie; Damien Martin McElvenny. A review of the impact of shift-work on cancer: summary of the evidence for practitioners. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 2017, 16, 145 -151.
AMA StyleJohn William Cherrie, Joanne O. Crawford, Alice Davis, Ken Dixon, Carla Alexander, Hilary Cowie, Damien Martin McElvenny. A review of the impact of shift-work on cancer: summary of the evidence for practitioners. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2017; 16 (1):145-151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn William Cherrie; Joanne O. Crawford; Alice Davis; Ken Dixon; Carla Alexander; Hilary Cowie; Damien Martin McElvenny. 2017. "A review of the impact of shift-work on cancer: summary of the evidence for practitioners." Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 16, no. 1: 145-151.
Joanne O. Crawford. Older workers—workplace health evidence-based practice? Occupational Medicine 2016, 66, 424 -425.
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford. Older workers—workplace health evidence-based practice? Occupational Medicine. 2016; 66 (6):424-425.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford. 2016. "Older workers—workplace health evidence-based practice?" Occupational Medicine 66, no. 6: 424-425.
Joanne O. Crawford; Alice Davis; Guy Walker; Hilary Cowie; Peter Ritchie. Evaluation of knowledge transfer for occupational safety and health in an organizational context: development of an evaluation framework. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 2016, 14, 7 -21.
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford, Alice Davis, Guy Walker, Hilary Cowie, Peter Ritchie. Evaluation of knowledge transfer for occupational safety and health in an organizational context: development of an evaluation framework. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2016; 14 (1):7-21.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford; Alice Davis; Guy Walker; Hilary Cowie; Peter Ritchie. 2016. "Evaluation of knowledge transfer for occupational safety and health in an organizational context: development of an evaluation framework." Policy and Practice in Health and Safety 14, no. 1: 7-21.
In 2011 recommendations for the prescription of lung cancer in coke oven workers were made in the UK. In the 1970s, a powered helmet respirator, the Airstream helmet, was introduced to the UK coking industry with the aim of reducing exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) aerosols and consequent lung cancer risks for workers on the coke oven tops. This review set out to identify the level of protection afforded by the Airstream helmet, when the helmets could be considered to have provided effective protection and whether the levels of protection have been maintained to the current time. Five approaches were taken to identify review material, including searching the peer-reviewed and grey literature; searching material held in the National Archive; using a Freedom of Information to the Health and Safety Executive; interviews with employees involved in the introduction of the Airstream helmet; and acquisition of company reports. The two principal companies involved in coke production in the UK took different approaches to the introduction of the Airstream helmets. Because of this, it can only be considered that effective wearing occurred in the industry as a whole from 1982 onwards. Exposure measurements made by British Steel in the late 1970s suggested that the mean protection factor of the Airstream helmet was ~10 (5th percentile~2.5), regardless of whether exposure was assessed as the inhalable aerosol or other measures more specific to aerosol of PAH. More recent data collected using biological monitoring has identified that average urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) generally correspond with the inhalation occupational exposure limit for benzene soluble material. Although on occasions, relatively high air concentrations in-mask and urinary 1-HP concentrations have been identified, underlining the necessity to maintain close supervision of workers wearing respirators. Overall, we concluded that the wearing of helmet respirators has effectively controlled long-term average exposure to PAH for most workers on coke ovens since 1982.
Joanne O Crawford; Ken Dixon; Brian G Miller; John W Cherrie. A Review of the Effectiveness of Respirators in Reducing Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Coke Oven Workers. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2014, 58, 943 -54.
AMA StyleJoanne O Crawford, Ken Dixon, Brian G Miller, John W Cherrie. A Review of the Effectiveness of Respirators in Reducing Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Coke Oven Workers. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 2014; 58 (8):943-54.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O Crawford; Ken Dixon; Brian G Miller; John W Cherrie. 2014. "A Review of the Effectiveness of Respirators in Reducing Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Coke Oven Workers." The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 58, no. 8: 943-54.
A systematic review was performed to identify any associations between pesticide exposure and the occurrence (both prevalence and incidence) of airways disease (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and wheezing symptoms.
Emma Doust; Jon G. Ayres; Graham Devereux; Finlay Dick; Joanne O. Crawford; Hilary Cowie; Ken Dixon. Is pesticide exposure a cause of obstructive airways disease? European Respiratory Review 2014, 23, 180 -192.
AMA StyleEmma Doust, Jon G. Ayres, Graham Devereux, Finlay Dick, Joanne O. Crawford, Hilary Cowie, Ken Dixon. Is pesticide exposure a cause of obstructive airways disease? European Respiratory Review. 2014; 23 (132):180-192.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmma Doust; Jon G. Ayres; Graham Devereux; Finlay Dick; Joanne O. Crawford; Hilary Cowie; Ken Dixon. 2014. "Is pesticide exposure a cause of obstructive airways disease?" European Respiratory Review 23, no. 132: 180-192.
Firefighters are exposed to a number of different workplace hazards. As a result of this and the perception of increased ill-health symptoms, a systematic review was carried out to identify significant associations. To carry out a systematic review of evidence relating to non-cancer occupational health risks in firefighters. Systematic literature searches were conducted using a predetermined search strategy that encompassed terms describing the population of interest and health outcomes. Titles and abstracts identified were subjected to an initial screening process using specified guidelines. Included papers were reviewed and data extracted. Additional material, in the form of papers cited by those selected for review, was also obtained and, where relevant, added to the review. Extracted data were then collated into evidence tables to support the narrative review. Relatively few papers were identified that addressed forms of ill-health in firefighters other than cancer. Nine papers were considered covering each of coronary heart disease and respiratory health. Other ill-health outcomes studied were hearing loss (five studies); hip osteoarthritis (two studies); and sarcoidosis (two studies). None of these sets of papers provided conclusive evidence of a consistent relationship between the specified disease outcomes and the occupation as a firefighter; although, in some instances (hearing loss, respiratory health, and hip and knee osteoarthritis), there were limited indications of some effect. None of the sets of papers reviewed showed any consistent association between the occupation of firefighter and any of a number of non-cancer disease and ill-health outcomes.
J. O. Crawford; R. A. Graveling. Non-cancer occupational health risks in firefighters. Occupational Medicine 2012, 62, 485 -495.
AMA StyleJ. O. Crawford, R. A. Graveling. Non-cancer occupational health risks in firefighters. Occupational Medicine. 2012; 62 (7):485-495.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. O. Crawford; R. A. Graveling. 2012. "Non-cancer occupational health risks in firefighters." Occupational Medicine 62, no. 7: 485-495.
Background Remote and mobile workers (RMWs), people who spend the majority of work time away from a home or office base, are estimated to number 1 million in the UK and Ireland. A number of advantages and challenges have been identified with this way of working but little is known about the impact of this type of work on the health and well-being of RMWs.
J. O. Crawford; L. MacCalman; C. A. Jackson. The health and well-being of remote and mobile workers. Occupational Medicine 2011, 61, 385 -394.
AMA StyleJ. O. Crawford, L. MacCalman, C. A. Jackson. The health and well-being of remote and mobile workers. Occupational Medicine. 2011; 61 (6):385-394.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. O. Crawford; L. MacCalman; C. A. Jackson. 2011. "The health and well-being of remote and mobile workers." Occupational Medicine 61, no. 6: 385-394.
Aims To evaluate current research on the health, safety and health promotion needs of older workers by identifying age-related change, whether older workers need support and evidence of successful intervention in the workplace.
J. O. Crawford; R. A. Graveling; Hilary Cowie; K. Dixon. The health safety and health promotion needs of older workers. Occupational Medicine 2010, 60, 184 -192.
AMA StyleJ. O. Crawford, R. A. Graveling, Hilary Cowie, K. Dixon. The health safety and health promotion needs of older workers. Occupational Medicine. 2010; 60 (3):184-192.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. O. Crawford; R. A. Graveling; Hilary Cowie; K. Dixon. 2010. "The health safety and health promotion needs of older workers." Occupational Medicine 60, no. 3: 184-192.
This cross-sectional observational study assessed the pattern of musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) suffered by bank office workers in Kuwait. A self-administered validated questionnaire was used that included the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ12). Of 750 employees, 80% suffered at least 1 episode of MSD during the previous year and 42% suffered at least 1 disabling episode. The most affected body parts were the neck (53.5%), lower back (51.1%), shoulders (49.2%) and upper back (38.4%). Nationality, GHQ12 score, smoking and sex were significant predictors of MSDs during the previous year, while alcohol drinking, marital status, GHQ12 score, years in Kuwait and sex were significant predictors of disabling MSDs during the previous year.
Q.A.S. Akrouf; J.O. Crawford; A.S. Al Shatti; M.I. Kamel. Musculoskeletal disorders among bank office workers in Kuwait. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 2010, 16, 94 -100.
AMA StyleQ.A.S. Akrouf, J.O. Crawford, A.S. Al Shatti, M.I. Kamel. Musculoskeletal disorders among bank office workers in Kuwait. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2010; 16 (1):94-100.
Chicago/Turabian StyleQ.A.S. Akrouf; J.O. Crawford; A.S. Al Shatti; M.I. Kamel. 2010. "Musculoskeletal disorders among bank office workers in Kuwait." Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 16, no. 1: 94-100.
A systematic review was carried out to address a set of questions with regard to the development and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in telecommunications workers. The review was carried out using the methodology developed by the Center for Reviews and Dissemination, The University of York. After an initial scoping study, searches were undertaken using a variety of databases. Two researchers reviewed each paper independently and then completed data extraction forms. The review found that MSDs and related risk factors occurred during a range of service technicians’ work tasks including manhole cover removal, ladder handling, overhead line work, cable handling and road breaking. There was increased reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms in call center workers compared to other computer users. Risk factors included non-optimal workplace layout and work organization issues. Although psychosocial factors were found to be implicated in the etiology of all types of MSDs, they appear to have more of an impact in the neck and shoulder region. Minimal research was found to support preventive interventions for call center workers. No evidence was found to support the use of health surveillance in either service technicians or call center workers. Data gaps and examples of best practice were identified. The telecommunications industry is at the forefront of technological change for business and home communication. This review identifies risk factors for MSDs within this industry and highlights data gaps which future research needs to address.
Joanne O. Crawford; Elpiniki Laiou; Anne Spurgeon; Grant McMillan. Musculoskeletal disorders within the telecommunications sector—A systematic review. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 2007, 38, 56 -72.
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford, Elpiniki Laiou, Anne Spurgeon, Grant McMillan. Musculoskeletal disorders within the telecommunications sector—A systematic review. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2007; 38 (1):56-72.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford; Elpiniki Laiou; Anne Spurgeon; Grant McMillan. 2007. "Musculoskeletal disorders within the telecommunications sector—A systematic review." International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 38, no. 1: 56-72.
Aim The literature review was carried out to identify and summarize the evidence-base for conservative clinical management of upper limb disorders (ULDs) including specific disorders and non-specific ULDs. Method Keywords were identified through a scoping study and guidance from the project sponsor. A number of databases were searched including Web of Knowledge, Pub Med, Medline, Ergonomics Online, the Cochrane Library and BMJ Clinical Evidence for the years 1993–2004. Abstracts were obtained for papers identified in the search and full papers were obtained for literature, which included diagnostic methods, conservative treatments, new data or results or systematic reviews. Results The review identified that there is evidence for the efficacy of conservative treatments for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, rotator cuff tendonitis and bicipital tendonitis and tension neck syndrome. There was no evidence found to support or refute conservative treatment of tenosynovitis, tendonitis, de Quervain's disease or diffuse non-specific ULDs. Conclusion The evidence reviewed was not always of good quality and data gaps including methodological design issues need to be addressed by future research.
Joanne O. Crawford; Elpiniki Laiou. Conservative treatment of work-related upper limb disorders--a review. Occupational Medicine 2006, 57, 4 -17.
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford, Elpiniki Laiou. Conservative treatment of work-related upper limb disorders--a review. Occupational Medicine. 2006; 57 (1):4-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford; Elpiniki Laiou. 2006. "Conservative treatment of work-related upper limb disorders--a review." Occupational Medicine 57, no. 1: 4-17.
Joanne O. Crawford. Working until 70, government policy, economic need and the role of ergonomics and occupational health. International Congress Series 2005, 1280, 29 -34.
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford. Working until 70, government policy, economic need and the role of ergonomics and occupational health. International Congress Series. 2005; 1280 ():29-34.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford. 2005. "Working until 70, government policy, economic need and the role of ergonomics and occupational health." International Congress Series 1280, no. : 29-34.
The following study investigated wrist torque strength measurements of a group of younger and older adults. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of shape, diameter and height of lid on wrist torque opening strength. Forty participants took part in the study in four groups, younger males and females and older males and females. Data were collected for 12 test pieces. Anthropometric data were also obtained for stature, weight, hand breadth, hand length, chuck grip force, grip force, lateral grip force and pinch grip force. The analysis of the wrist torque strength measurements found that participants could exert greater force with square test pieces compared to circular test pieces of the same diameter. Examination of the circular test pieces found that as diameter and height increased, so did torque exertion data for the test pieces between 20 mm and 50 mm diameter. The surface area of the test pieces was found to be highly correlated with the level of torque exertion, thus a linear model was developed to describe this relationship. The model could be used to predict maximal torque closure levels for use in the packaging industry. The anthropometric data revealed that as height, weight, hand length and hand breadth increased, there was a correlation with the levels of torque exerted. Future research needs to further examine the relationship between surface area and torque exerted and the design of spherical lids to increase the contact area between the hand and the lid.
Joanne O. Crawford; Eriko Wanibe; Laxman Nayak. The interaction between lid diameter, height and shape on wrist torque exertion in younger and older adults. Ergonomics 2002, 45, 922 -933.
AMA StyleJoanne O. Crawford, Eriko Wanibe, Laxman Nayak. The interaction between lid diameter, height and shape on wrist torque exertion in younger and older adults. Ergonomics. 2002; 45 (13):922-933.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne O. Crawford; Eriko Wanibe; Laxman Nayak. 2002. "The interaction between lid diameter, height and shape on wrist torque exertion in younger and older adults." Ergonomics 45, no. 13: 922-933.
The additional physiological strain associated with the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is mostly linked to the additional weight. Lightweight and conventional SCBA were assessed in a submaximal step test performed in full firekit (total weights 15 and 27 kg, respectively). Factors assessed were: comparative energy expenditure of the two sets, relationship between comparative energy expenditure and aerobic fitness and subjective discomfort. Measured variables were: oxygen consumption, heart rate, estimated VO2max and subjective discomfort (body part discomfort scale). The lightweight SCBA displayed a significant oxygen consumption benefit, which was independent of dynamic workrate and valued at 0.256 l min−1. Mean heart rate responses were significantly lower with the light set. No relationship was found between comparative energy expenditure and aerobic fitness. The light set was rated as significantly more comfortable than the heavy. Further research is required to assess the extent of the energy consumption benefit in realistic fire suppression protocols and the contribution of ergonomic factors to the energy and comfort benefits.
A J Hooper; J O Crawford; D Thomas. An evaluation of physiological demands and comfort between the use of conventional and lightweight self-contained breathing apparatus. Applied Ergonomics 2001, 32, 399 -406.
AMA StyleA J Hooper, J O Crawford, D Thomas. An evaluation of physiological demands and comfort between the use of conventional and lightweight self-contained breathing apparatus. Applied Ergonomics. 2001; 32 (4):399-406.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA J Hooper; J O Crawford; D Thomas. 2001. "An evaluation of physiological demands and comfort between the use of conventional and lightweight self-contained breathing apparatus." Applied Ergonomics 32, no. 4: 399-406.
The sick building syndrome has been associated with certain buildings and environmental characteristics and is estimated to affect up to 30% of new or renovated buildings. Investigations have concentrated on physical factors, and it is only recently that psychological factors have been examined. Work and personal factors have also been considered. Occupational stress has been found to be correlated with symptoms of the sick building syndrome, but much of the research has been of a cross-sectional nature, and it does not indicate whether stress is an active element or an outcome. There is a clear need for further research in this area to examine stress, personality and physical factors associated with the sick building syndrome longitudinally. There is also a clear need to assess the validity of the historical and self-report methods used to assess the sick building syndrome.
Jo Crawford; Sm Bolas. Sick building syndrome, work factors and occupational stress. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 1996, 22, 243 -250.
AMA StyleJo Crawford, Sm Bolas. Sick building syndrome, work factors and occupational stress. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 1996; 22 (4):243-250.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJo Crawford; Sm Bolas. 1996. "Sick building syndrome, work factors and occupational stress." Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 22, no. 4: 243-250.