List of Titles

Rasmussen's legacy in the great outdoors : A new incident reporting and learning system for led outdoor activities

- Salmon, Paul, Goode, Natassia, Taylor, Natalie, Lenne, Michael, Dallat, Clare, Finch, Caroline

Authors: Salmon, Paul , Goode, Natassia , Taylor, Natalie , Lenne, Michael , Dallat, Clare , Finch, Caroline
Date: 2017
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 59, no. (2017), p. 637-648
Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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Description: Jens Rasmussen's seminal risk management framework and accompanying Accimap method have become highly popular in safety science circles. Despite this, widespread adoption of the model and method in practice has not yet been achieved. This paper describes a project involving the development and implementation of an incident reporting and learning system underpinned by Rasmussen's risk management framework and Accimap method. The system was developed for the led outdoor activity sector in Australia to enable reporting and analysis of injuries and near miss incidents, with the aim of supporting the development of more effective countermeasures. An analysis of the data derived from the first 3 months use of the system by 43 organisations is presented. The outputs provide an in-depth Accimap-based analysis of all incidents reported by participating organisations over the 3 month period. In closing, the importance of developing usable domain specific tools to support translation of Ergonomics theory and methods in practice is discussed.
Description: Jens Rasmussen's seminal risk management framework and accompanying Accimap method have become highly popular in safety science circles. Despite this, widespread adoption of the model and method in practice has not yet been achieved. This paper describes a project involving the development and implementation of an incident reporting and learning system underpinned by Rasmussen's risk management framework and Accimap method. The system was developed for the led outdoor activity sector in Australia to enable reporting and analysis of injuries and near miss incidents, with the aim of supporting the development of more effective countermeasures. An analysis of the data derived from the first 3 months use of the system by 43 organisations is presented. The outputs provide an in-depth Accimap-based analysis of all incidents reported by participating organisations over the 3 month period. In closing, the importance of developing usable domain specific tools to support translation of Ergonomics theory and methods in practice is discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An analysis of the forces required to drag sheep over various surfaces

- Harvey, Jack, Culvenor, John, Payne, Warren, Cowley, Stephen, Lawrance, Michael, Stuart, David, Williams, Robyn

Authors: Harvey, Jack , Culvenor, John , Payne, Warren , Cowley, Stephen , Lawrance, Michael , Stuart, David , Williams, Robyn
Date: 2002
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 33, no. 6 (Nov 2002), p. 523-531
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Description: Some occupational health and safety hazards associated with sheep shearing are related to shearing shed design. One aspect is the floor of the catching pen, from which sheep are caught and dragged to the shearing workstation. Floors can be constructed from various materials, and may be level or gently sloping. An experiment was conducted using eight experienced shearers as participants to measure the force exerted by a shearer when dragging a sheep. Results showed that significant changes in mean dragging force occurred with changes in both surface texture and slope. The mean dragging forces for different floor textures and slopes ranged from 359 N (36.6 kg) to 423N (43.2 kg), and were close to the maximum acceptable limits for pulling forces for the most capable of males. The best floor tested was a floor sloped at 1:10 constructed of timber battens oriented parallel to the path of the drag, which resulted in a mean dragging force 63.6N (15%) lower than the worst combination.
Description: C1
Description: 2003000244

Developing a contributing factor classification scheme for Rasmussen's AcciMap : Reliability and validity evaluation

- Goode, Natassia, Salmon, Paul, Taylor, Natalie, Lenné, Michael, Finch, Caroline

Authors: Goode, Natassia , Salmon, Paul , Taylor, Natalie , Lenné, Michael , Finch, Caroline
Date: 2017
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 64, no. (2017), p. 14-26
Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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Description: One factor potentially limiting the uptake of Rasmussen's (1997) Accimap method by practitioners is the lack of a contributing factor classification scheme to guide accident analyses. This article evaluates the intra- and inter-rater reliability and criterion-referenced validity of a classification scheme developed to support the use of Accimap by led outdoor activity (LOA) practitioners. The classification scheme has two levels: the system level describes the actors, artefacts and activity context in terms of 14 codes; the descriptor level breaks the system level codes down into 107 specific contributing factors. The study involved 11 LOA practitioners using the scheme on two separate occasions to code a pre-determined list of contributing factors identified from four incident reports. Criterion-referenced validity was assessed by comparing the codes selected by LOA practitioners to those selected by the method creators. Mean intra-rater reliability scores at the system (M = 83.6%) and descriptor (M = 74%) levels were acceptable. Mean inter-rater reliability scores were not consistently acceptable for both coding attempts at the system level (MT1 = 68.8%; M T2 = 73.9%), and were poor at the descriptor level (MT1 = 58.5%; M T2 = 64.1%). Mean criterion referenced validity scores at the system level were acceptable (MT1 = 73.9%; M T2 = 75.3%). However, they were not consistently acceptable at the descriptor level (MT1 = 67.6%; M T2 = 70.8%). Overall, the results indicate that the classification scheme does not currently satisfy reliability and validity requirements, and that further work is required. The implications for the design and development of contributing factors classification schemes are discussed. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Pre-shift fluid intake : Effect on physiology, work and drinking during emergency wildfire fighting

- Raines, Jenni, Snow, Rodney, Petersen, Aaron, Harvey, Jack, Nichols, David, Aisbett, Brad

Authors: Raines, Jenni , Snow, Rodney , Petersen, Aaron , Harvey, Jack , Nichols, David , Aisbett, Brad
Date: 2011
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol.43, no.3 (2011), p.532-540
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Description: Wildfire fighters are known to report to work in a hypohydrated state, which may compromise their work performance and health. Purpose: To evaluate whether ingesting a bolus of fluid before the shift had any effect on firefighters' fluid consumption, core temperature, or the time they spent in high heart rate and work activity zones when fighting emergency wildfires. Methods: Thirty-two firefighters were divided into non-bolus (AD) and pre-shift drinking bolus (PS, 500Â ml water) groups. Results: Firefighters began work hypohydrated as indicated by urine colour, specific gravity and plasma osmolality (Posm) results. Post-shift, firefighters were classified as euhydrated according to Posm and hypohydrated by urinary markers. No significant differences existed between the drinking groups in pre- or post-shift hydration status, total fluid intake, activity, heart rate or core temperature. Conclusion: Consuming a bolus of fluid, pre-shift provided no benefit over non-consumption as both groups had consumed equivalent ad libitum volumes of fluid, 2.5Â h into the shift. No benefits of bolus consumption were observed in firefighter activity, heart rate response or core temperature response across the shift in the mild weather conditions experienced. Ad libitum drinking was adequate to facilitate rehydration in firefighters upon completion of their emergency firefighting work shift. Â© 2011 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society.

From control to causation : Validating a ‘complex systems model’ of running-related injury development and prevention

- Hulme, Adam, Salmon, Paul, Nielsen, Rasmus, Read, Gemma, Finch, Caroline

Authors: Hulme, Adam , Salmon, Paul , Nielsen, Rasmus , Read, Gemma , Finch, Caroline
Date: 2017
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 65, no. (2017), p. 345-354
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Description: Introduction There is a need for an ecological and complex systems approach for better understanding the development and prevention of running-related injury (RRI). In a previous article, we proposed a prototype model of the Australian recreational distance running system which was based on the Systems Theoretic Accident Mapping and Processes (STAMP) method. That model included the influence of political, organisational, managerial, and sociocultural determinants alongside individual-level factors in relation to RRI development. The purpose of this study was to validate that prototype model by drawing on the expertise of both systems thinking and distance running experts. Materials and methods This study used a modified Delphi technique involving a series of online surveys (December 2016- March 2017). The initial survey was divided into four sections containing a total of seven questions pertaining to different features associated with the prototype model. Consensus in opinion about the validity of the prototype model was reached when the number of experts who agreed or disagreed with survey statement was ≥75% of the total number of respondents. Results A total of two Delphi rounds was needed to validate the prototype model. Out of a total of 51 experts who were initially contacted, 50.9% (n = 26) completed the first round of the Delphi, and 92.3% (n = 24) of those in the first round participated in the second. Most of the 24 full participants considered themselves to be a running expert (66.7%), and approximately a third indicated their expertise as a systems thinker (33.3%). After the second round, 91.7% of the experts agreed that the prototype model was a valid description of the Australian distance running system. Conclusion This is the first study to formally examine the development and prevention of RRI from an ecological and complex systems perspective. The validated model of the Australian distance running system facilitates theoretical advancement in terms of identifying practical system-wide opportunities for the implementation of sustainable RRI prevention interventions. This ‘big picture’ perspective represents the first step required when thinking about the range of contributory causal factors that affect other system elements, as well as runners' behaviours in relation to RRI risk. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

The effect of prescribed fluid consumption on physiology and work behavior of wildfire fighters

- Raines, Jenni, Snow, Rodney, Petersen, Aaron, Harvey, Jack, Nichols, David, Aisbett, Brad

Authors: Raines, Jenni , Snow, Rodney , Petersen, Aaron , Harvey, Jack , Nichols, David , Aisbett, Brad
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 44, no. 3 (2013), p. 404-413
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Description: The purpose of this study was to examine 1) wildfire fighters' ability to consume the prescribed fluid volume (1200 mL h-1), 2) the effect of fluid intake on plasma sodium and hydration, and 3) the effect of fluid intake on firefighters' heart rate, core temperature and activity during emergency suppression shifts. Methods: Thirty-four firefighters were divided into ad libitum (AD, n = 17) and prescribed (PR, n = 17) drinking groups. Results: PR drinkers did not meet the prescribed fluid target, yet consumed over double the volume of AD drinkers. No differences between groups in plasma sodium or hydration were noted. PR drinking resulted in lower core temperature between 2 and 6 h. This did not coincide with reduced cardiovascular strain, greater work activity or larger distances covered when compared to AD drinkers. Conclusion: Extra fluid consumption (above AD) did not improve firefighter activity or physiological function (though PR firefighters core temperature was lower earlier in their shift). Firefighter can self-regulate their fluid consumption behavior and work rate to leave the fireground euhydrated. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society.

Pack Hike Test finishing time for Australian firefighters : Pass rates and correlates of performance

- Phillips, Matthew, Petersen, Aaron, Abbiss, Chris, Netto, Kevin, Payne, Warren, Nichols, David, Aisbett, Brad

Authors: Phillips, Matthew , Petersen, Aaron , Abbiss, Chris , Netto, Kevin , Payne, Warren , Nichols, David , Aisbett, Brad
Date: 2011
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 42, no. 3 (2011), p. 411-418
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Description: The pack hike test (PHT, 4.83 km hike wearing a 20.4-kg load) was devised to determine the job readiness of USA wildland firefighters. This study measured PHT performance in a sample of Australian firefighters who currently perform the PHT (career land management firefighters, LMFF) and those who do not (suburban/regional volunteer firefighters, VFF). The study also investigated the relationships between firefighters' PHT performance and their performance across a range of fitness tests for both groups. Twenty LMFF and eighteen age-, body mass-, and height-matched VFF attempted the PHT, and a series of muscular endurance, power, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Bivariate correlations between the participants' PHT finishing time and their performance in a suite of different fitness tests were determined using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. The mean PHT finishing time for LMFF (42.2 Â± 2.8 min) was 9 Â± 14% faster (p = 0.001) than for VFF (46.1 Â± 3.6 min). The pass rate (the percentage of participants who completed the PHT in under 45 min) for LMFF (90%) was greater than that of VFF (39%, p = 0.001). For LMFF, VO_2peak in L min^-1(r = -0.66, p = 0.001) and the duration they could sustain a grip 'force' of 25 kg (r = -0.69, p = 0.001) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. For VFF, VO_2peak in mL kg^-1 min^-1(r = -0.75, p = 0.002) and the duration they could hold a 1.2-m bar attached to 45.5 kg in a 'hose spray position' (r = -0.69, p = 0.004) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. This study shows that PHT fitness-screening could severely limit the number of VFF eligible for duty, compromising workforce numbers and highlights the need for specific and valid firefighter fitness standards. The results also demonstrate the strong relationships between PHT performance and firefighters' cardiorespiratory fitness and local muscular endurance. Those preparing for the PHT should focus their training on these fitness components in the weeks and months prior to undertaking the PHT. Â© 2010 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society.

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