Overview
Keywords: Helmet; Ergonomics; Mining; Forestry
Timeline: 2010 - 2012
Researchers: Alison Godwin (Principal Investigator, Laurentian University), Tammy Eger (Laurentian University)
Funder: Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)
Project type: Seed grant
Sector/Workplace type: Mining; Forestry
Themes:
Theme
2
Risk
factors
Theme
4
Interventions
Background/rationale
Based on previous research and published literature, the researchers were aware that helmet design and the addition of safety accessories to the helmet had an impact on neck posture and comfort.
Research question/objectives/methods
Two experiments were designed to address this research using discomfort surveys, posture tracking, and eyetracking technology. The main objectives of the first study were to quantify gait variables and head posture while navigating through an obstacle avoidance course using different head load conditions (mining helmet and wireless caplamps). The second study utilized a comfort and usability questionnaire, eyetracking and head/neck postures to evaluate a variety of helmet designs used in the arborist industry. An additional virtual reality evaluation of helmet brim styles was completed in the simulation program, Classic JACK.
Key findings
In the first study, participants increased their take-off distance in the low-light environment when navigating with either a low or high intensity caplamp beam. The non-adjustable caplamp required significantly higher amounts of neck flexion in the dark environment. Recommendations to industry include promoting the use of a wireless, multi-beam caplamp that can be directionally adjusted. In the second study, it was determined that participants prefer a helmet with minimal brim and full harness support when performing an overhead task typical of pruning trees, and that there may be slightly less visibility restrictions using this helmet style. Safety associations may wish to consider whether these minimal-brim style helmets provide enough physical protection to the head to warrant their implementation, since they appear to approve visibility and user comfort.
Implications for the prevention of MSDs
This research has demonstrated that there are design features of helmets and accessories that lead to increased neck discomfort in the short term, and may extrapolate to increased risk of neck injury when used in long-term scenarios as experienced in industry. Since head protection is mandated in many industries as required by law, it is critical to determine which features minimize musculoskeletal load while maximizing safety.