Safety Management and Human Factors

AHFE International

Accelerating Open Access Science in Human Factors Engineering and Human-Centered Computing

Safety Management and Human Factors

book-cover

Editors: Pedro Arezes, Anne Garcia

Topics: Safety Management and Human Factors

Publication Date: 2025

ISBN: 978-1-964867-65-6

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006000

Articles

Method to measure the effectiveness of new technologies that contribute to reducing damage from natural disasters

Natural disasters pose various challenges to the national land. While various technological innovations have contributed to overcoming these difficulties, there are still many problems that need to be solved to play a preventive role. A framework is needed to examine social design proposals that promote the production of technology. However, in order to implement such an idea in society, a new business model based on non-monetary value and reputation must be developed to address various social issues, including not only disaster prevention but also maintenance and management of social infrastructure and green infrastructure, including agriculture. This research is therefore focused on the concept of adaptive finance, which is a practical approach to finance for adaptation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to organize basic data and visualize the characteristics of new technologies in order to put the concept of adaptive finance into practice. We examined ways to visualize the effects of new technologies based on a database of new technologies (domestic open data) that have been developed for the maintenance and management of social infrastructure and for disaster prevention and mitigation. In addition, we developed an index to quantitatively evaluate the degree of damage reduction. By doing so, we aimed to clarify how the introduction of new technologies contributes to disaster prevention and mitigation, and to promote their application to actual disaster prevention policies. For this visualization, we used generative AI to create an index based on various technological data. The results of this research will support policy makers, local governments, and private companies in their decisions to introduce disaster prevention technologies and contribute to minimizing disaster damage in the future.

Yurina Koyama, Yusaku Okada

Conference Proceedings

Development of an analysis support tool for near-miss events using AI technology - Improving human factor management capabilities in the field

Near-miss analysis is essential for identifying factors contributing to human errors and developing preventive measures. However, conventional text mining methods primarily extract direct causes, such as "lack of attention" or "insufficient verification," often overlooking broader background factors embedded in work environments. This study explores the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance factor analysis by capturing a more comprehensive range of underlying causes. Using Llama3-ELYZA-JP-8B, we incorporated 87 predefined background factors based on established frameworks, including PSF lists and the m-SHEL model. The developed factor analysis support system was applied to actual near-miss reports, and its effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the number and diversity of extracted factors before and after implementation. Results showed that LLM-based analysis significantly increased factor extraction and enhanced the identification of diverse causes. Additionally, factor aggregation and visualization improved the interpretation of trends over time. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, particularly regarding biases in data, factor extraction, and decision-making. Future research should focus on managing these biases through data diversity, optimized extraction balance, and improved transparency in analysis. By addressing these issues, a more reliable and practical near-miss factor analysis support system can be developed, contributing to improved workplace safety and more effective error prevention strategies.

Yuka Banno, Yusaku Okada

Conference Proceedings

A system for evaluating the status of future human error prevention activities in manufacturing sites based on information noticed during daily work

In factories such as aircraft manufacturing, where the number of products manufactured is so small that the defective product rate must be reduced to zero, a great many human error countermeasures are taken. However, the burden on workers due to too many countermeasures has exceeded the limit, and there is an urgent need to optimize the management of error countermeasures as a whole. To that end,(1) Collection of detailed human factor information on problematic events such as nonconformance events(2) Collection of human factor information during normal operations(3) Structural analysis of human factors(4) Propose guidelines for human error countermeasures based on the analysis results and present multiple specific measures(4) Propose guidelines for human error countermeasures based on the results of the analysis and present multiple specific countermeasures.In this study, with regard to (2), we attempted to examine a method for collecting human factor information from on-site conversations, based on the activation of constructive communication at the work site. We called “hints that lead to constructive communication” “positive words,” and designed a system to evaluate this information from multiple perspectives. In the collection phase, the system uses Google Form, which allows workers to input information at any time from their own information terminals, and simple summaries are fed back to the site as a preliminary report the next morning.In the evaluation phase,Phase I: Establishment of a safety management systemPhase 2: Strategic safety management: Leadership, followership, and information gathering/sharing system in the field.Third step: Reputation management: educational curriculum for the next generation, development of generalist staff with diverse knowledge.Fourth step: Strategic management: Future production including social contribution, regional contribution, investment in the future, and fostering future value.We have developed a system that can present the satisfaction level of on-site communication regarding the four levels of communication, as well as advice on communication content that should be activated in the future. We have developed a generative AI that has been specially trained using past literature data on safety management, reputation management, and brand management, and this generative AI can provide “advice on communication content” in response to on-site data. The prototype application was tested at an actual factory. The prototype application is now being tested at an actual factory, and improvements are being made in order to deploy it in activities aimed at preventing nonconformance events.

Kosei Koizumi, Yusaku Okada, Chikori Ino

Conference Proceedings

Simulation of the Effect of Nurse Staffing and Rotation on the Prevention of In-Hospital Fall Accidents

Patients’ falls and fall-related incidents account for approximately 24% of all medical accidents, emphasizing the need for enhanced preventive measures. Traditional fall risk assessments do not consider nursing systems and impose a significant operational burden. In this study, we developed a simulation program that replicates hospital nursing systems and fall duration, analyzing the relationship between the number of nurses and fall duration.The simulation results showed that as the number of nurses increased, fall duration decreased. However, the effectiveness plateaued when the number exceeded eight nurses. Additionally, the distribution of fall duration followed a log-normal distribution, allowing it to be formulated as a cost-performance optimization problem. As a result, the optimal number of nurses per floor was suggested to be between six and eight.Future research will incorporate nurse patrol routes and skill differences into the simulation to improve its applicability to real hospital environments. Collaborating with medical safety managers, we aim to develop and implement highly practical fall prevention measures.

Risako Iwabuchi, Yusaku Okada

Conference Proceedings

Prototype of a safety management support tool using the results of a safety activity awareness survey

In recent years, enhanced safety management has been implemented in various sectors. In particular, it has been aimed at voluntarily evaluating the culture, awareness, and organization of safety on an ongoing basis with the cooperation of employees.Until now, the evaluation of motivation regarding safety activities has been carried out using a questionnaire-based survey method. However, it is difficult even for those with sufficient experience and skills in safety management to decipher the background of the collected results and future issues. For this reason, many companies ask experts and safety consultants to conduct assessments, but the reality is that they are not able to analyze the results down to the detailed departmental level due to the high cost involved. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a system that automatically indicates issues related to safety management and their solution policies by analyzing the results of an awareness survey on safety activities from various perspectives.Since 2007, this laboratory has conducted a total of 200,000 people at more than 70 businesses, and has data on their awareness of safety activities. These big data were processed using variance-covariance structural analysis to create a structured model of the influence of the questionnaire items. Based on this structural model, all survey data were multilayered. Furthermore, the relationship between the multilayered data and the past findings of the experts (assessment results) was formulated using machine learning (deep learning). Finally, we developed an application that implements the results obtained in this way. In other words, we developed a system that, upon inputting the results of an awareness survey on safety activities, outputs “Current issues regarding safety activities,” “Priorities for solving issues,” and “Advice for solving issues. The system was developed to output “current issues regarding safety activities,” “priorities for resolving issues,” and “advice for resolving issues.The system is now being used to examine the content of the “advice for on-site management” obtained from this system for the businesses that conducted the safety awareness survey in 2024 (approximately 15,000 subjects). In the future, we plan to have businesses in the railroad, manufacturing, IT service, and medical industries join the project to verify the validity of the system and to improve its practicality.

Saki Akita, Yusaku Okada

Conference Proceedings

Run, Hide, or Freeze: Social and Emotional Influence on Behavior in an Immersive School Shooting Simulation

As school shootings rise in frequency across the United States, understanding how individuals respond during such crises is critical for developing effective safety protocols. This study used an immersive, computer-based simulation to investigate how social influence and emotion level from non-player characters (NPCs) affect behavior during an active shooter event. A total of 285 participants were randomly assigned to one of six experimental conditions varying NPC behavior (run, hide, or mixed) and emotional intensity (high vs. low). Participants were more likely to run when surrounded by NPCs who ran and more likely to hide when NPCs hid, showing that social influence significantly shaped behavior. Emotional evocative imagery and sounds, however, did not significantly affect decision-making. Increases in negative affect after the simulation and male gender were also associated with a greater likelihood of running. These findings suggest that visible social behavior, rather than emotion, drives emergency responses and highlights the value of social modeling in safety training.

Kevin Kapadia, Alyssa Franczak, Nutchanon Yongsatianchot, Stacy Marsella, Richard John

Conference Proceedings

Impact of introducing sparse inertial Measurement Units in Computer Vision-Based Motion Capture Systems for Ergonomic Postural Assessment

In ergonomics, considering a worker's movement is important for assessing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders, among many other factors. Several commercial motion capture systems are available, mostly based on monocular or multi RGB (THEIA system www.theiamarkerless.com) or RGB-D videos (Microsoft Kinect system). Hybrid systems combining computer vision and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) have been introduced, such as the KIMEA (1 RGB-D+4 IMUs) and the KIMEA Cloud (1 RGB+4 IMUs) solutions (www.Moovency.com). Although previous works analyzed the accuracy of some of these systems, the relevance of coupling computer vision and IMU has not been studied. Hence, we tested the performance of these systems in measuring bimanual handling tasks, which lead to partial occlusions of the body in the images. As in previous works, the Xsens (www.movella.com) system was used as a reference (Kim et al., 2021), because it is not affected by such occlusions. Three Orbbec depth cameras were installed around the participant with different viewpoints. Six RGB cameras were also placed around the subject. Additional inertial (IMU) sensors were placed over both arms and the forearms, as recommended by the KIMEA and KIMEA Cloud systems. Testing several camera viewpoints makes sense in real industrial conditions where the camera placement is generally strongly constrained. 12 participants, 3 women and 9 men (age: 32.6 +/- 10 years, height: 1.73 +/- 0.079 m, mass: 76 +/- 16 kg) performed the following task: removing an empty cardboard box (size: 39x29.5x19cm, weight: 250g) from a three-tier shelf and transferring it to another one, repeated five times. A reference pose (corresponding to 0 value for each degree of freedom) was preliminary performed for each subject. It enabled us to estimate the same angular offsets for each pose, compared to this reference pose. As a results, angles measured by the various systems have similar definitions and can be compared. This study was approved by the Operational Committee for the Evaluation of Legal and Ethical Risks (COERLE) No. 2021-32.Results for the computer vision methods only are similar to those reported in Kim et al. (2021) and Lakhar et al. (2022). The THEIA system exhibits an average of 11.1° error for all the joints, with larger Root Mean Square errors on the wrists and the shoulder (>14° error). KIMEA Cloud with IMU obtained similar global RMS error (10.3 ° to 10.9° depending on the viewpoint), but with obviously better results for the wrists (3.9 ° to 4.3°). The impact of coupling RGB-D images and IMU data is even bigger: the RMS error of the Kinect decreased from 17.2° to 8.9° when adding the IMUs information (KIMEA system). This difference is even bigger for the wrists: 28.3° to 38.5° for the Kinect, and 3.8 ° to 4° for KIMEA. When studying the Mean Absolute Error, or the Spearman’s correlation coefficient, these statements are consistent. These results confirm the advantage of introducing a few IMU sensors, especially for the wrists which are badly tracked in the images: often occluded and consisting in a little number of pixels in the image. We also show that it leads to more robust measurement for various points of views, including from the back. The information provided by the IMU, not impacted by the occlusions, seems to help the computer vision system to reconstruct the whole-body posture. However, adding IMUs also introduces some experimental constraints compared to simply placing one camera. THEIA obtained the best results for the whole-body reconstruction, but still had difficulties to correctly reconstruct the wrists angles. On the one hand, THEIA does not involve to add sensors. On the other hand, it involves the calibration of a multi-camera system, which might be difficult to place in real industrial environment. References Kim, W., Sung, J., Saakes, D., Huang, C., Xiong, S., 2021. Ergonomic postural assessment using a new open-source human pose estimationtechnology (openpose). International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 84, 103164. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2021.103164Lahkar, B.K., Muller, A., Dumas, R., Reveret, L., Robert, T., 2022. Accuracy of a markerless motion capture system in estimating upper extremitykinematics during boxing. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 4, 939980. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.939980.

Hasnaa Ouadoudi Belabzioui, Pierre Plantard, Charles Pontonnier, Georges Dumont, Franck Multon

Conference Proceedings

Health at Risk: How Organizational Culture Impacts the Health of Oil and Gas Workers in Brazil.

The importance of the oil and gas industry in the global context is widely recognized, both for fuel production and for other derivatives. In Brazil, the sector has shown strong potential for expansion, driven by the discovery of new, yet-to-be-explored reservoirs. With the market heating up, the number of offshore units has grown, and forecasts indicate even greater expansion ahead. The remote and hostile environment of offshore installations presents unique characteristics compared to other industries. The intense interaction among workers, the high level of control and procedural requirements, and the confined living and working conditions in high-risk units are elements that set this context apart.This article examines, through case studies, the factors that lead workers to avoid using onboard health services, such as infirmaries, even when experiencing symptoms of discomfort or minor accidents. This study was developed within the framework of the Human and Organizational Factors of Industrial Safety project, which aims to develop a quantitative and qualitative diagnostic methodology, grounded in Ergonomics and Human Factors, to support positive changes and foster the maturation of Safety Culture in the oil and gas industry in Brazil. Initiated in 2020 and scheduled to conclude in 2025, the project addresses topics such as blame culture (related to punishment systems and deviation management), safety bureaucracy (performance indicators), and experience feedback (lessons learned from incidents). These factors reveal a concerning relationship with the utilization of healthcare resources in offshore units.According to the workers themselves, seeking care at the infirmary entails risks associated with several factors: negative exposure, conflicts with the work team, bureaucratic procedures, and the possibility of disembarkation or even dismissal. The fear of exposure stems from an organizational culture that often, even indirectly, blames workers who have been injured. This blame culture discourages workers from seeking medical help due to fear of judgment and stigmatization. The fear of conflicts with the work team also discourages the use of infirmaries, as their absence can result in an increased workload for other team members. This is particularly problematic if their condition is not perceived as severe by everyone. The fear of punishment persists despite the significant changes the sector has undergone in recent years. Many believe that accidents attributed to errors can still lead to severe consequences, such as warnings, transfers to other units, dismissals, or even "exclusion," which refers to being blacklisted by companies in the sector.These fears foster a culture of self-medication and neglect of health, where workers exchange medications among themselves and only seek medical care in critical situations that have worsened or are difficult to hide. Mental health issues are even more frequently ignored or silenced due to the stigma associated with these conditions. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to transform the organizational culture, creating an environment that encourages seeking medical care without fear or negative consequences.

Eliel Oliveira, Francisco Lima, Dalisson Vieira, Vitor Fernando Gomes, Francisco José De Castro Moura Duarte, Lucas Farah

Conference Proceedings

Empirical Analysis of Earbud Output Levels Across Various Devices for User Safety

Earbuds are recognized for their ability to eliminate or reduce surrounding noise, allowing users to concentrate on specific tasks. However, this primary function can be compromised by introducing additional hazards when used across multiple devices. This study examines the variability in decibel (dB) outputs of a single pair of earbuds across three different devices while maintaining the same volume setting. The earbuds chosen for this investigation were the Billboard model, commonly used on airlines, and tested with a laptop, desktop, and a cell phone. To measure the output of the earbuds, a GRAS 45CB Acoustic Test Fixture was employed. All devices were procured from a retail store to simulate typical product usage. Data collection took place in a controlled acoustic laboratory. The results indicated that, at each tested volume level, the average difference in dBA between the left and right ear was 3 dBA or more. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that 23% of the output readings for the right ears between devices and left ears between devices collected by the GRAS 45CB from the earbuds at volume levels of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 across all devices fell below 3 dBA. In contrast, 47% of the output measurements surpassed 10 dBA. Moreover, 30% of the average output differences were recorded at 3 dBA or higher. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that for every increase of 3 dBA, the recommended exposure time should be halved, which aligns with the just noticeable difference (JND) threshold for human sound detection. The findings from this study reveal that the Billboard earbuds do not provide a consistent output across different devices at the same volume level. Consequently, the researchers advocate for an intervention to standardize the design of earbuds to enhance user safety.

Bankole Fasanya, Efrem Reeves, Precious Fasanya

Conference Proceedings

Transitioning Workplace Risk Assessments from Qualitative to Quantitative

Risk-assessment grew out of a need for a feasible means to compare risks of a system after application of risk-reduction tactics. In workplace risk assessments, common parameters considered are predicted severity of hazardous outcomes and estimated likelihood of such outcomes occurring. Two fundamentally different ways of characterizing risk are qualitative and quantitative. Both approaches use a rectangular area for locating a risk indicator. This article explains these two approaches and how they affect accuracy of the risks depicted in the area. The qualitative approach uses a table structure in which columns are labeled using ordered terms for severity, while the rows are labeled using ordered terms for likelihood. Where rows and columns meet are cells, like in a spreadsheet, where entries indicate level of risk. The quantitative approach also uses a rectangular area but without being filled with rectangular cells; instead, risk indicators (RI) may be located anywhere with the risk area based on RI = Severity x Likelihood.Qualitative approaches involve dividing the risk area into rectangular spaces, like a chess board, where words or colors indicate risk level. A common approach to creating numbers for the cells is to assign order numbers to both severity and likelihood axes, then inserting a numeric into each cell based on multiplying the row and column order numbers. Although multiplying order numbers make no sense mathematically, the risk indicators resulting from this approach provides an easy means for separating zones of similar risk indicators. Quantitative approaches have a means for computing a numerical RI value for any point on the rectangular space. The system safety community has been using this approach for high-risk hazards like aviation crashes, nuclear power generation, and highly-hazardous chemical processes. The occupational safety community has recognized the mathematical validity of this approach, but embraced it only for high-hazard systems.A novel, mathematically justifiable, feasible, and accurate approach to create a valid risk-assessment matrix is described in this paper. It involves establishing each axes using a 0–100 scale with points in the risk area being RI = Severity x Likelihood. By connecting points of equal RI on a risk space, lines of iso-risk can be drawn in the risk area and used to serve as an employer’s criteria for risk acceptance or tolerance. An essential property of the axis scales for this approach is making each axis use a continuous scale in the range 0–100 based on prior research. The process envisioned for implementation of the quantitative approach involves using a risk-assessment team to evaluate a recognized hazard by: (1) each team member becomes familiar with the hazard, (2) uses judgment to assign numerical values to both severity and likelihood, then (3) plotting the team’s mean ratings on a risk area for comparison with an employer’s risk criteria. The whole process is to complement the typical compliance-focused approach to achieve safety by recognizing possibilities for reducing risk through reducing severity, reducing likelihood, or both.

Roger Jensen

Conference Proceedings

Major Epidemic Public Health Safety Sign Text Messages: Grounded Analysis of WHO Website Texts

During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency signs and graphic messages announced prohibitions or recommendations regarding certain behaviours. They needed to be repeatedly and frequently communicated to the public in order to promptly prevent harm caused by the virus. The purposes of this study were to clarify the most commonly used public health text messages and types issued during the epidemic, to summarise the messages that the public needed to pay attention to during the public health emergency, and to establish norms for text messages related to major epidemic prevention and control in the post-epidemic era. This study investigated text data regarding the prevention and control of public health emergencies published on the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO). It used Grounded Theory to conduct content analysis of the text data. The study found that: (1) the two categories emphasized in public health text messages included ‘Preventive Behaviour’ with an indication function, and ‘Own Health’ with a warning function. (2) ‘Prevention Transmission’ was the main dimension of the two categories of public health text messages, emphasising that people should take the initiative to avoid behaviours that may be detrimental to their health and safety. In addition, the two properties that appeared with the highest frequency were ‘Vaccination’ and ‘Keep Distance’.

Regina W Y Wang, Jiacheng Wang, I Ning Liu

Conference Proceedings

Human factors in emergency rescue: Can real-time spatial video enhance communication and command capabilities?

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether real-time spatial video feedback could enhance navigation and command capabilities of emergency rescue teams. Participants engaged in search and rescue missions using a simulated virtual disaster scenario in Unity, with two methods of communication available: traditional voice communication and real-time video feedback. Forty individuals were separated into 20 groups, and each group carried out four experiments using a within-subject design. Post-experimental evaluations included the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), task completion time, and walking distance and a short interview. A repeated measures analysis of variance found that, as compared to traditional communication, real-time video feedback considerably reduced perceived workload, task completion time, and walking distance. These findings imply that using real-time spatial video can improve the efficiency of rescue teams and ease human factors issues in emergencies.

Weixuan Li, Glyn Lawson, Setia Hermawati, Kyle Harrington

Conference Proceedings

Understanding sensory Perception and Cognitive Abilities Based on the Elderly's Capability for Independent Evacuation

As societies age, ensuring elderly safety during evacuations is crucial. However, research on elderly-specific evacuation patterns, particularly sensory and cognitive factors, remains limited. Given age-related declines, tailored strategies are essential, especially in long-term care facilities. This study examines the impact of visual, auditory, and cognitive levels on independent evacuation capability among the elderly. Data were collected through an on-site survey, and the findings indicate that cognitive ability is the most critical factor, followed by visual and auditory perception. Those unable to evacuate independently had significantly poorer cognitive function, vision, and hearing, hindering route recognition and decision-making. This study highlights the need for elderly-friendly evacuation systems and calls for further research on cognitive-based evacuation methods to improve emergency preparedness.

Sungkyung Kim, Jihye Ryu, Youngchan Kim, Jun-ho Choi, Seong-hwan Yoon, Wonhwa Hong

Conference Proceedings

Work and safety in the decommissioning of flexible lines

Workplace safety in the decommissioning of flexible pipelines from offshore oil and gas production platforms has traditionally been analyzed based on occupational health and safety indicators. However, this quantitative approach often conceals the actual working conditions in the unloading and dismantling activities of these materials. The dismantling of the pipelines integrates a developing productive ecosystem, involving companies and cooperatives that operate under intense competition and low profitability, resulting in precarious working conditions. Objective: The study aims to analyze working conditions in the unloading and dismantling processes of flexible pipelines, expanding the focus beyond indicators and discussing strategies that promote a fairer and safer production model, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodology: The research uses a qualitative and exploratory approach, combined with field observation. Based on the principles of Activity Ergonomics, working conditions were analyzed both in unloading at the port and in the dismantling of flexible pipes at a recycling company. Results: The results indicate that safety in the post-decommissioning phases is often treated superficially, disregarding the concrete working conditions at ports and recycling centers. Discussion: Recycling companies operate with low profit margins and precarious conditions, highlighting the need for support from oil companies to ensure a more sustainable ecosystem with decent work. Conclusion: The adoption of a cooperative model and the revision of economic incentives are crucial for balancing occupational safety and economic viability. Ergonomics, integrated with a reevaluation of the economic model, can contribute to the consolidation of a sustainable and socially responsible production model.

Laís Bubach Carvalho Simão, Beatriz Bandeira Dos Santos, Ricardo Bruno Félix Nunes, Eduardo Ribeiro Nicolosi, Claudio Violante Ferreira, Marcelo Igor Lourenco De Souza, Francisco Duarte

Conference Proceedings

Safety in end-of-life offshore oil platforms

In the 1970s, there was a significant drive for the construction of offshore installations, and a substantial number of platforms and subsea infrastructures have been built since then. Although many of these installations have exceeded their original expected lifespan, estimated between 15 and 30 years, a growing number are reaching the end of their productive lives and require removal in a manner that meets safety standards. A resilient safety culture is essential for reducing incidents in high-risk industries, such as oil and gas. Progress toward a resilient culture becomes even more relevant in the context of aging platforms or those undergoing decommissioning, where the inherent risks of operations are often exacerbated by factors such as the degradation of installations, the absence of procedures for new tasks, and the perception of job instability. In this context, this research aims to analyze the safety culture on three offshore platforms of a Brazilian oil and gas company that are at the end of their service life, identifying the main constraints faced by the resident workforce. In light of the concepts of the activity ergonomics approach, this study adopts the case study method. Evidence collection followed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. In the quantitative phase, homogeneous groups were formed among onboard teams, and customized safety questionnaires were applied, with data analysis using an adapted Likert scale. In the qualitative phase, focus groups were organized to validate and enrich the results, encouraging the exchange of practices and values related to safety. The main findings of the research include: (1) The perception of worsening job instability on platforms in the decommissioning phase, with consequent detrimental effects on the psychological well-being of the resident workforce; (2) Design issues on older platforms, related to the lack of incorporation of real work aspects into the designs; (3) Lack of trust in the system, caused by the degraded condition of the platforms due to accumulated wear and operational life extensions beyond the original design. This state negatively impacts both the safety of professionals and the reliability of the installations. Based on these results, several recommendations were proposed, such as the integration of ergonomics into platform engineering design, going beyond technical specifications, and based on the feedback from existing situations for designing new conditions. Other recommendations include structuring retraining plans for workers on decommissioning platforms and creating new employment opportunities in related sectors. Finally, the practical contribution of this research is highlighted, addressing a field demand for studies focused on safety in platforms at the end of their service life, as well as its theoretical contribution by expanding the understanding of new risks inherent to offshore oil and gas platforms in the decommissioning phase, with a focus on real work.

Mariana Martins, Vitor Fernando Pereira, Francisco José De Castro Moura Duarte

Conference Proceedings

Impacts of Safety Culture in an Oil and Gas Research Laboratory in Brazil

The oil and gas industry plays a prominent role in Brazilian and global industrial landscape. Due to the high-risk nature of this sector, companies consistently invest in research on industrial safety. Operational incidents and accidents do not stem solely from human errors, technical failures, or environmental factors but result from a combination of these and other elements. In this context, studies highlight the potential for progress through the evaluation of safety culture in high-risk industries to understand how safety-related practices and values are shared among different homogeneous groups of an organization. This includes aspects such as preventive thinking, collective responsibility, effective communication, and proactive risk management. There is no standardized formula for identifying the level of safety culture in an organization. Moreover, discrepancies in the approaches used for this evaluation are not uncommon, leading to variations in interpretations and applied methods. Against this backdrop, the objective of this research was to assess the maturity level of safety culture in the research center of a Brazilian oil and gas company and propose actions to develop safety practices within this unit. To achieve this objective, the methodology developed in the Human and Organizational Factors of Industrial Safety Project was used. This methodology is based on the principles of ergonomics and human factors, employing a mixed approach that includes quantitative, qualitative, and ethnographic phases. As a result, a quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of the safety culture maturity level was developed for each homogeneous group analyzed. The diagnosis is based on the classification proposed by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), which defines five levels of safety culture: resilient, proactive, managerial, reactive, and pathological, with resilient being the highest level of maturity and pathological the lowest. The research identified characteristics of reactive or pathological cultures in the unit. Key findings pointing to these levels of safety culture maturity include: (1) Blame Culture, reported by different groups and stemming from the belief that human errors are the main causes of accidents, along with investigative methods focused on assigning blame; (2) Perceived disconnect between the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team and other teams, leading to a lack of trust and mutual support; (3) Underreporting, attributed to the excessive bureaucratic burden of incident/accident reporting processes or the absence of follow-up actions and feedback. Based on these observations, interventions were suggested, such as creating a local HSE team to promote engagement with other groups, rebuild trust, encourage reporting of anomalies, and foster improvement proposals without seeking to assign blame. Mechanisms for reporting and feedback were also proposed, including stages for discussion, resolution, and follow-up. One strategic intervention to restore trust between HSE and operational teams was the development of a new accident analysis methodology that integrates subjective, material, and organizational aspects. This research contributes to understanding and improving safety culture in oil and gas organizations, emphasizing the importance of proactive and integrated practices to prevent accidents and promote a safer work environment with active worker participation.

Lucas Farah, Mariana Martins, Eliel Oliveira, Francisco José De Castro Moura Duarte, Adson Eduardo Resende

Conference Proceedings

The Impact of Cultural Dimensions and Supervisory Leadership on Safety Climate in Multinational Oil and Gas Operations

Despite stringent safety regulations, workplace accidents in the oil and gas industry persist, particularly in multinational teams where cultural differences affect hazard reporting, risk perception, and compliance behaviors. Conventional safety frameworks inadequately address these variations, creating deficiencies in policy effectiveness. This study examines how cultural dimensions and supervisory leadership shape safety climate in multinational oil and gas operations. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study quantifies the influence of cultural traits on safety behaviors and compliance attitudes, providing insights into effective, culturally adaptive safety strategies. A field study was conducted within a multinational oil and gas company, utilizing structured questionnaires to assess (1) safety climate, (2) supervisor-employee relationships, and (3) Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Statistical analysis using SEM with SMART-PLS 4.0 and SPSS 28 examined the associations between cultural traits and safety compliance behaviors. The study further investigated the role of workplace hierarchy, communication patterns, and leadership engagement in either mitigating or amplifying safety risks in a culturally diverse workforce. Findings demonstrate that cultural dimensions significantly impact safety climate. Employees from high power-distance cultures were 39.35% less likely to report safety concerns (β = -0.500, 95% CI [-0.667, -0.293], p < 0.001), indicating that hierarchical workplace structures discourage open risk communication, leading to unreported hazards and increased accident risks. Workers with high uncertainty avoidance adhered strictly to safety protocols but resisted policy changes, while those with low uncertainty avoidance displayed greater adaptability but exhibited procedural deviations. Collectivist cultures often prioritized group harmony over transparent safety discussions, whereas individualist cultures encouraged proactive reporting. Additionally, workers from high masculinity cultures exhibited greater risk-taking in safety decisions, whereas those from femininity-oriented cultures prioritized collective well-being and risk-averse behaviors. Supervisory leadership quality emerged as a key moderating factor in cultural influences on safety climate. Employees perceiving strong supervisory support were more likely to participate in safety initiatives and report hazards (β = 0.421, p < 0.01), whereas ineffective communication exacerbated cultural barriers to hazard reporting. Supervisors with cross-cultural competence, inclusivity, and effective communication strategies mitigated cultural resistance to safety engagement and fostered a proactive safety culture. Employees from long-term-oriented cultures demonstrated greater compliance with evolving safety measures, whereas short-term-oriented workers prioritized immediate operational efficiency, sometimes at the expense of safety considerations. To enhance safety performance in multinational oil and gas operations, organizations should: (1) Develop structured leadership training programs incorporating scenario-based learning on cultural safety challenges; (2) Implement culturally inclusive safety policies with accessible reporting mechanisms; and (3) Establish mentorship programs to foster trust and proactive safety engagement. Integrating culturally adaptive leadership training and inclusive safety policies is critical for ensuring compliance, preventing workplace incidents, and fostering long-term workforce safety engagement. Addressing the intersection of culture and supervision strengthens risk mitigation strategies and improves global safety performance in high-risk industries. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, safety managers, and industry leaders seeking to optimize safety outcomes in multicultural environments.

Alexander Paselk

Conference Proceedings

Wildland Firefighter Helmet Air-Supply System for Reducing Smoke Exposure and Heat Stress

The scope and severity of wildfires worldwide have increased during the past several decades. Thousands of firefighters are employed each year to control these fires. The occupational health and safety risks associated with wildland firefighting are significant and numerous. The most common are physical injury, smoke inhalation and heat stress. A prototype helmet air supply system was developed to reduce such risks. The system uses air ducts inside the helmet that channel filtered air to the breathing zone and filtered air over the head of the firefighter. The system was designed to provide a comfortable, discreet, and simple solution for reducing occupational exposure to smoke and heat stress while providing an alternative to the respiratory and heat stress protection options currently available. Methods and Procedures:Airflow for the helmet air supply tubing was evaluated using a digital precision thermoanemometer probe. Air velocity measurements were based on three-minute sampling periods where the digital thermoanemometer recorded air velocities every second for a total of 180 individual measurements. To determine the airflow reaching the breathing zone, the tubing for head cooling was blocked. To determine the airflow for head cooling only, the tubing to the breathing zone was blocked. To determine the combined airflow to both the breathing zone and head cooling, all tubes remained open. To assess the sweat evaporation potential from the head, a thermal manikin head equipped with multiple skull thermocouple probes and including a sweat evaporation liner were used.Results:The data showed that the system provided a combined positive pressure airflow into the helmet of 400 l/min for both the firefighter’s breathing zone and the head. This air volume for the breathing zone is high enough so that a face shield is not needed to provide protection against an incursion of fire smoke into the breathing zone. The thermocouple data showed that the airflow over the head increased the scalp sweat evaporation by 35% in comparison to not wearing a helmet. The system is compatible with all current firefighter protective equipment safety and performance requirements. Additionally, the unit is intended to operate on batteries that are used in standard firefighting communication equipment. Conclusions:The development and testing of the prototype system have shown the potential for improving the health and safety of wildland firefighters in the future. Although the tests were conducted inside a controlled laboratory environment, the fundamental principle of providing fresh air to a firefighters' breathing zone thereby displacing smoke, while also reducing heat stress, appears feasible. The demand for wildland firefighter personnel is increasing throughout the world. Therefore, providing better respiratory protection and improved heat stress management is a common-sense solution. Applications of this technology to other occupations in the future such as construction work and industrial work will be possible.

Uwe Reischl, Budimir Mijovic, Alex Honn

Conference Proceedings

Development of Modern Prototype Water Filling Plant with Low Cost Automation Production System for Small and Micro Community Enterprise

The purpose of the research is to design and develop a prototype water filling plant with a low-cost automatic production system. Based on the survey of problems and needs for the development of production systems of community enterprises. It was found that most of the community enterprises mainly operated manual production. The production volume is low and there is no production monitoring system. Community enterprises need automated production systems that are easy to use, easy to maintain and maintain, and display systems that can record data. Therefore, this research designed a low-cost automated production system based on ergonomic design principles for work safety and the Kararuri principle. The use of the principle of kararuri uses mechanical energy instead of electricity. The principle of gravity is used, especially in the part of capping bottles. Operators closed the lid with bare hands, causing fatigue and injury to the hands and fingers. The lid set consists of 3 parts: the lid kit. Lid Tightening Kit and Lid Clamping Kit. For bottle Cap Kit, there is a bucket for the lid as a stock. The number of caps per 1 tank is 1500 caps and the speed of conveying the caps to the rails for capping Rotate by motor 1.5 m/min and close the cap with about 2 seconds / 1 bottle. Bottle capping uses a karakuri system to reduce energy consumption. The speed of Conveying water bottles is at about 9 m/min. The lid from the lid inlet is lifted with a lid inclination. The lid is sorted with the center of mass, the lid flows to the lid feed chute. The mouth of the bottle hooks the cap and passes through the upper regulator, allowing the cap to stay on the water bottle to go to the next capping system. At the point where the lid is hooked, there is a cutting sensor set up to count the use of the lid. When the number of lids remaining is less than the minimum number set. The system will notify you to continue filling the lid. Drinking water bottles are conveyed through a line through the lid polishing process to tighten the lid that is closed. By tightening the cap, the cap is tightened one bottle at a time. Lid Screw Kit, it uses a motor with a tightening torque of 15.3 N.m and it takes about 2 seconds / 1 bottle to tighten. This research helps community enterprises to improve capping efficiency and reduce injuries from empty-handed capping.

Nanthawan Am Eam

Conference Proceedings

Vocal Markers in Aviation of Workload, Stress, Fatigue, and Sleepiness: A Protocol Validation Study

This study is composed of two parts: the first part is a systematic review, and the second part is a protocol validation study. The systematic review aims to summarize and consolidate evidence from existing studies on the impact of workload, stress, fatigue, and sleepiness on speech, focusing on identifying specific vocal markers associated with these states within the context of aviation. Using PRISMA guidelines, we performed a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed to extract consistent vocal features indicative of these psychophysiological states in pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs). Key findings from the review indicate that stress and workload are associated with increased vocal intensity and pitch, reflecting heightened sympathetic nervous system activation. Conversely, fatigue and sleepiness manifest through reduced vocal energy, slower speech rates, and increased pauses, indicative of diminished central nervous system activity. Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) were highlighted as reliable and versatile indicators across all states. Building on the insights from the systematic review, the second part of the study focuses on validating an analysis protocol designed to detect and classify psychophysiological states in real-world aviation scenarios starting from vocal behavior. This protocol builds on the vocal markers identified in the review and applies structured acoustic analysis techniques using Praat.Real-world audio recordings were collected from pilots and ATCs. These scenarios included high-stress emergencies and routine operations. The recordings were processed to extract vocal features, including pitch, intensity, speech rate, pause duration, and MFCCs. Machine learning models were trained and tested on these features to classify the vocal data into categories of workload, stress, fatigue, and sleepiness. Although preliminary analyses are still underway, the current phase focuses on feature extraction and classification strategy development. Performance metrics will be assessed in future phases once model training is finalized.The integration of this validated protocol into aviation safety protocols may offer promising prospects for enhancing performance monitoring and risk mitigation. Real-time vocal monitoring systems could provide immediate feedback to pilots and ATCs, enabling timely interventions to address stress or fatigue before they compromise safety. Future work will focus on testing the system in operational settings and exploring the integration of vocal monitoring with existing cockpit technologies and ATC systems to support real-world implementation.

Martina Gnerre, Federica Biassoni

Conference Proceedings

Evaluation of Employees' Fire Safety Awareness: A University Example

Fire safety awareness among individuals directly impacts not only personal and institutional security but also societal safety. Fires are among the severe hazards that can cause significant loss of life and property in workplaces. Fire safety is one of the fundamental security measures that must be implemented in workplaces. From an occupational health and safety perspective, reducing fire risks and increasing employee awareness are of paramount importance. Fire safety awareness is a critical factor in preventing workplace accidents and directly influences the effectiveness of safety measures implemented in workplaces.Employees' fire safety awareness varies depending on their individual knowledge levels, education, workplace safety culture, and managerial attitudes. The presence of fire safety awareness among employees contributes to eliminating fire risks and positively impacts fire response efforts. However, in workplaces where fire safety awareness is lacking, even minor fires can result in significant casualties and property damage. This study aims to assess the fire safety awareness levels of employees at a higher education institution in Turkey, analyze the effectiveness of existing training programs and preventive measures, and identify necessary precautions to enhance workplace safety.A survey form, consisting of demographic questions and a fire awareness scale prepared via Google Forms, was distributed to university employees through a random sampling method. Out of 400 distributed surveys, 201 were returned (50%). However, incomplete and incorrectly filled forms were excluded, leaving 164 surveys for evaluation. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 24 statistical package program.Within the scope of the research, employees' fire safety awareness levels were assessed by examining their knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to fire prevention and response processes. Additionally, employees' perceptions of workplace fire safety measures, their reactions in potential fire situations, and the effectiveness of implemented precautions were evaluated.The results indicate that employees generally have a basic awareness of fire safety; however, there are deficiencies in their knowledge regarding emergency procedures. To enhance fire safety awareness, this study recommends increasing the frequency of internal training programs and conducting regular fire drills within the institution.

Hüsre Gizem Akalp, Ugur Saklangıc, Serpil Aytac

Conference Proceedings

Safe Production Laboratory: the positive impact of human factors learning journeys on organizational culture

The VUCA/BANI world in which we live post-pandemic presents a series of challenges for organizations, which, in order to maintain their sustainability, must be able to learn, develop new knowledge, as well as adopt it in practice, learn to perform new tasks, in addition to continuing (or transforming) the old ones, more quickly and effectively according to Garvin (1998). In this context, industrial safety presents the great challenge of continuously evolving in risk management and consequently reducing occupational accidents. According to Daniellou (2010), occupational safety has changed, and the reinforcement of formalisms does not lead to a reduction in failures. To advance in this direction, experts concluded that it is necessary to direct efforts to the understanding of human activity, with the integration between human and organizational factors of security. This work consists of applied research, of exploratory nature whose data were approached in a qualitative and quantitative way, in the format of a case study with field research. The Safe Production Laboratory Project was created with the objective of promoting organizational learning to co-build a safer and more efficient work environment with people and for people. To this end, a series of learning journeys were developed, appropriate to the context of the organization, with an approach focused on concepts such as HOP – Human and Organizational Development, Andragogy, Human and Organizational Factors, among others. The results of the project showed positive impacts on the organizational culture, with significant improvements in the perception of workers on various aspects, which were also reflected in the frequency rate of incidents. The implementation of the Safe Production Laboratory was important for the promotion of organizational learning and the strengthening of occupational safety in the organization. To sustain and accelerate the progress made, stakeholder commitment to the application of learnings and program continuity is essential.

Ana Paula Ferreira Martins Pignaton, Fabio Viana Majdalani De Melo, Pedro Francisco Alvarenga Larrama, Marlen Oliva

Conference Proceedings

Optimizing Air Quality in Military Vehicles: A Sensor Fusion and Machine Learning Approach Focusing on Low-Ventilation Scenarios

Urban military vehicles frequently operate in environments with limited ventilation, a condition that can lead to the dangerous accumulation of airborne contaminants such as particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This ongoing study highlights the critical need for continuous air quality monitoring to safeguard the health and operational readiness of military personnel. Preliminary observations suggest that low-ventilation scenarios may significantly increase exposure to harmful substances, potentially resulting in adverse health effects ranging from respiratory irritation to long-term cardiovascular issues. Although final results are not yet available, our work emphasizes the urgency of developing robust monitoring strategies and raising awareness among military decision-makers and vehicle designers about the risks posed by inadequate air circulation.Within the context of the Brazilian military and its diverse fleet of vehicles, this research examines the specific challenges posed by PM and VOCs in military vehicles with low ventilation. This study aims to support the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to protect the health of Brazilian military personnel and ensure operational readiness across the full spectrum of military operations. The findings will be valuable to military decision-makers, vehicle designers, and health and safety professionals responsible for safeguarding personnel in challenging operational environments.

Rafael De Pinho Andre, Sofia Monteiro

Conference Proceedings

Ergonomical Evaluation of The Workstation Suitability Level Of Businesses: The Example of The Leather Sector

In ergonomic workstation design, the human factor should not be ignored and various postures during work should be systematically and reliably examined within the scope of anthropometric data. Body postures and postural loads that occur during work should be observed and analyzed using systematic ergonomic methods. In this way, optimal combinations of humans and production tools are determined, alternative suggestions for arrangements are made, and humane measures can be taken regarding time, performance and work environment. At the same time, the workstation and general work climate should be designed in a worker-centered manner and worker satisfaction should be ensured in this context.The purpose of ergonomic workstation design is to optimize the productivity and reliability of the system. In line with these objectives, the system should be designed to be efficient, safe, comfortable and to increase the satisfaction of the operator. This is possible by observing and evaluating the interaction between the operator and the machine well. If the desired performance requirements are greater than the performance limits of the operator, the rate of injury and accidents due to overload is high. This situation becomes more important especially in an area where heavy work and loads are involved, such as the leather sector. In this context, the study aims to evaluate the workstations in terms of ergonomics and to reveal the suitability of the workplace for the employee in general by collecting data through a survey and interview form conducted on employees in the leather sector.

Özlem Kaya

Conference Proceedings

Cognitive Load and Memory for Wireless Emergency Alerts

A Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) is an emergency message sent directly to compatible phones through mobile carriers in the United States to inform the public of specific emergencies (natural disasters, severe weather, acts of terror, or child abduction) occurring in their vicinity. WEAs must convey relevant and comprehensive information to the public to be effective. Unfortunately, individuals are often already engaged in a task when they receive a WEA, which could lead to interference between the information contained in the WEA and information related to the ongoing task. This study examines how repetition of a WEA for a tornado warning can improve memory for message details and explores the cost associated with interruption and resource requirements of the ongoing task. For the primary task, participants engaged in a memory matching task that was interrupted by one tornado WEA or the same tornado WEA repeated three times (with a three-minute delay between each). Results indicate better memory for message information if it is repeated three times compared to once. The data also suggest that individuals may have more difficulty processing and retaining information related to the tornado warning if they are also engaged in a visual/spatial task. Given that it may not be possible to know what an individual will be doing when they receive a WEA, these results suggest that repetition could be used to reinforce emergency information comprehension. Future work will consider the effectiveness of multimodal messages on information recall and the potential cost associated with repetition. The current study can be used to advance current WEA communication techniques and increase public awareness during emergency events.

Hagar Baruch, Mary Still

Conference Proceedings