Physical Load Estimation of Flight Attendant Work by Direct Observation and Accelerometry

Abstract

Occupational groups with variable work tasks pose unique methodological challenges to ergonomists who need valid measures of physical job demands for occupational health research. In this study data on flight attendants' physical job demands were collected during five round-trip commercial passenger flights using direct observation and accelerometry. Thirty-five flight attendants (88% participation) each were observed inflight and equipped with two accelerometers (positioned on the leg and waist). Correlational analyses were performed to examine concordance between measures obtained by each method. Agreement was moderate to high between direct observation and accelerometry for measures of standing, lifting (leg), and overall physical effort level. Agreement was poor for back posture and push/pull activities. These findings suggest that accelerometry may provide an acceptable alternative to the labor-intensive but established observational approach when evaluating some physical job demands in occupational groups with variable work. However, supplementation of accelerometry with descriptive data from other methodologies (e.g., exposure diary, questionnaire, focus groups) is warranted to provide important information regarding the nature of workers' exposure to postural loading, exertion demands and task activity.