White, T G (1975) Ergonomic analysis of human factors affecting optimum performance of mobile crane drivers. PhD thesis, University of Surrey, UK.
Abstract
This ergonomic study of mobile cranes began in 1969 and financed by the Construction Industry Training Board. It examined machines, where they operated, how they operated, who operated them, also factors affecting performances on site. But the safe operation and effective use of cranes was considerably influenced by misinformed site personnel who organised site work. Controller shapes and movement actions confused drivers and noise levels inside cabins subjected operators to risks of partial hearing loss. No crane driver had worked longer than seven years at his job, and all will leave it before their fiftieth birthday. Their reasons were attributed to health ailments. To investigate these ailments cooperation was obtained from Science Research Council and finance, also University Hospital (Wales) who developed a portable two band electrical impedance plethysmograph which continuously monitored servicemen and civilian subjects physiological responses during normal work. Crane drivers employed in the South Wales area and trainees from R. A. F. St. Athan participated in this programme. The subjects heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and respiration was continuously recorded. The data was analysed, tested, compared to reveal a significant difference between groups. Crane drivers generally have larger blood flows which over long periods of time can cause heart failure. Although operatives who become aware of this developing disease may leave their work. Others ignorant of symptoms die and be recorded in the Chief medical Officer of Health Report as having 'died from natural causes'. Each year this disease increases its toll on saciety.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | crane driver; cranes; failure; hospital; noise; operatives; personnel; site work; training |
| Index terms: | site work, operative, construction industry, heart, programme, toll, science, crane driver, movement, personnel, human factor, Wales, cooperation, mobile crane driver |
| Subjects: | project controls, occupational health and safety management, industry analysis, management, psychology, site logistics, specialized education, health behaviours and lifestyles, practitioner, transportation engineering, medical science and clinical practice, Geography |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Education, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Site Management, Time Control, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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