Abstract
As a temporary measure to reduce the risk of injury at the Chipping Line in a foundry, the number of workers was increased from three to four per shift. To examine the effects of the intervention, electromyography (EMG), heart rate, and questionnaire measures were taken eight months before the intervention and four months after the intervention. Questionnaire measures were repeated approximately every two months throughout the year. Decreases in discomfort were found in most body parts in the intervention group, but not in the comparison groups (p<0.10 for the left shoulder and wrist between groups). There was a decrease in absolute heart rate in the intervention group (p<0.05). Changes in forearm muscle activity were not apparent.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.