Abstract
BackgroundDocumentation of posture measurement costs is rare and cost models that do exist are generally naïve. This paper provides a comprehensive cost model for biomechanical exposure assessment in occupational studies, documents the monetary costs of three exposure assessment methods for different stakeholders in data collection, and uses simulations to evaluate the relative importance of cost components.MethodsTrunk and shoulder posture variables were assessed for 27 aircraft baggage handlers for 3 full shifts each using three methods typical to ergonomic studies: self-report via questionnaire, observation via video film, and full-shift inclinometer registration. The cost model accounted for expenses related to meetings to plan the study, administration, recruitment, equipment, training of data collectors, travel, and onsite data collection. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using simulated study parameters and cost components to investigate the impact on total study cost.ResultsInclinometry was the most expensive method (with a total study cost of € 66,657), followed by observation (€ 55,369) and then self report (€ 36,865). The majority of costs (90%) were borne by researchers. Study design parameters such as sample size, measurement scheduling and spacing, concurrent measurements, location and travel, and equipment acquisition were shown to have wide-ranging impacts on costs.ConclusionsThis study provided a general cost modeling approach that can facilitate decision making and planning of data collection in future studies, as well as investigation into cost efficiency and cost efficient study design. Empirical cost data from a large field study demonstrated the usefulness of the proposed models.
Highlights
Documentation of posture measurement costs is rare and cost models that do exist are generally naïve
There is widespread acceptance that in occupational studies, not all biomechanical exposure assessment methodologies are equal; most readers will be familiar with the ‘validity hierarchy’, which lists direct measures at the top, followed by observation methods and self-report [1,2,3,4,5,6]
The current study develops a new generic model for estimating costs associated with biomechanical data collection and uses that model to investigate the costs associated with collecting data using three commonlyused methods of assessing daily postural exposure: selfreport via questionnaire, observation via video film, and direct measurement using inclinometers
Summary
Documentation of posture measurement costs is rare and cost models that do exist are generally naïve. There is widespread acceptance that in occupational studies, not all biomechanical exposure assessment methodologies are equal; most readers will be familiar with the ‘validity hierarchy’, which lists direct measures at the top, followed by observation methods and self-report [1,2,3,4,5,6] This hierarchy generally forms the basis of validation studies [7,8] and studies modeling the determinants of exposure [9,10]. No study used comprehensive assessments in a comparison of basic exposure measurement methodologies
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