A Framework of Task Demand Factors for Residential Framing Accidents
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time: 8:00am - 9:15am
Code: 5A
This study investigates the task factors that affect the task difficulty of the residential framing activities and consequently the likelihood of errors and accidents. The study analyzed 654 safety incidents that occurred over a period of 5½ years in a large residential framing company. The study identified five task factors that increase the task difficulty of residential framing activities and consequently the likelihood of accidents: (1) support conditions; (2) body posture constraints; (3) load handling requirements; (4) tool accuracy requirements; and (5) external forces. The combination of these factors generates high task demands that can lead to errors and accidents. Reducing the task difficulty (independent of the hazards) is an important safety strategy that can reduce the likelihood of accidents while at the same time it can increase productivity.
Proceedings (pdf reader required)