Abstract
For the construction industry, especially the roofing industry, slips/trips and falls have the highest incident rate leading to an injury and fatality. This study investigated the eye movement and postural sway patterns of industrial workers (n=48) with various work experience (months of work experience on inclined surfaces), fatigue conditions (none, half and full), visual cues (none, H cue), tasks (stationary, reach) and surface inclinations (0°, 14°, 26°). Eye movement variables of length and area of movement as well as fixation data and postural sway variables of area and length were significantly affected (p<0.05) by incline, cue, task and work experience. The effect of the eye movement variables on the postural balance was limited and further study is necessary. The use of visual cues is an effective means of increasing postural stability and could be used in occupational situations where no vertical or horizontal cues are naturally available.
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