Workvests (Lifevests) Used for Dredge Mining

Abstract

This paper presents a study to develop an improved workvest (lifevest) for use on dredge mining operations. A prototype workvest having several innovative ergonomic and safety features was developed based on interviews with dredge workers. A series of three experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of workvest features on worker comfort and body movement. Later a field study was conducted in which workers wore the workvest for 30 days while performing tasks.