Forklift Truck Drivers Research Articles

Cognitive Workload of Novice Forklift Truck Drivers in VR-based Training

There is increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) to train forklift truck operators but a lack of sufficient understanding of how cognitive workload changes with respect to different task demands in VR-based training. In this study, 19 novice participants completed three forklift driving lessons with varying difficulty levels (low, medium, and high) using a VR simulator. To examine the effect of repeated training on cognitive workload, two sessions were repeated by participants using the same procedures. Cognitive workload was assessed with objective (electroencephalogram [EEG] activity) and subjective (NASA-TLX) measurements. EEG theta power and NASA-TLX (mental workload) scores were significantly higher for high than low difficulty levels. However, both EEG and NASA-TLX responses were reduced with repeated training in the second session. These findings highlight the effectiveness of EEG in continuous monitoring of workload variation caused by task difficulty and implementing training programs to moderate cognitive workload for forklift operators.

Pallet Recognition for Forklift: A Literature Review

Abstract: Forklift trucks are essential tools for manual pallet handling. Storage heights at high rack storage areas often reach up to 12 meters in which bulky Cargo can hide the view of forklift operator. Pallet recognition is afundamental issue for Industries & warehouses, Particularly, a pallet recognition approach is presented to recognize pallets in the warehouses, based on calculating the degree of similarity at each location of the palette. Once a pallet has been recognized, it is matched that data with stored data. Transporting and handling pallets in a storage area is the essential function of a forklift truck. The view of the forklift truck driver is limited during his work by the lift pole, the fork, and the roof of the forklift truck. If a pallet is loaded the view is additionally hindered by its load. When the storage rack is not at a ground level or near to it the pallet handling becomes more difficult because of the distance between the forklift truck driver and the storage rack. To support the forklift truck driver during his work, there is need to advance theforklifts with different technologies and systems which provide diversity in Working and safety, security for forklift operator and other workers. This paper shows various results from research on different pallet recognition and forklift operation systems.

An Entropy-Guided Monte Carlo Tree Search Approach for Generating Optimal Container Loading Layouts.

In this paper, a novel approach to the container loading problem using a spatial entropy measure to bias a Monte Carlo Tree Search is proposed. The proposed algorithm generates layouts that achieve the goals of both fitting a constrained space and also having “consistency” or neatness that enables forklift truck drivers to apply them easily to real shipping containers loaded from one end. Three algorithms are analysed. The first is a basic Monte Carlo Tree Search, driven only by the principle of minimising the length of container that is occupied. The second is an algorithm that uses the proposed entropy measure to drive an otherwise random process. The third algorithm combines these two principles and produces superior results to either. These algorithms are then compared to a classical deterministic algorithm. It is shown that where the classical algorithm fails, the entropy-driven algorithms are still capable of providing good results in a short computational time.

Use of a modified HYBRID III 50th dummy to estimate the effectiveness of market restraint systems for forklift truck drivers

This study concerns the development of an experimental method intended to estimate the effectiveness of restraint systems for forklift truck drivers during a lateral tip-over.Tests performed on human subjects placed in situations of partial lateral tip-over were used to modify a HYBRID III dummy and to validate its performance. Another more realistic test setup was used to simulate a 90° lateral tip-over and assess the effectiveness of market restraint systems. The results show that systems that kept the dummy inside the cab (door-bar systems, seat-belt, etc.) would considerably increase the driver's chances of survival. Conversely, other poorly dimensioned equipment might not block the dummy's movement or might break. Head injury criteria (HIC15) calculation gave values lower than the threshold of 560 that was set in our approach for impacts inside the cab, whereas our assessments showed that impacts with the ground could be very serious or fatal.

Influence of the Posture of the Trunk on the Spine Forces during Whole-Body Vibration

Typically drivers of container-bridge cranes are forced to sit with a forward bent upper trunk to control the position and motion of the container. Fork-lift truck drivers incline the upper trunk to the side to look forward or they twist to one side during reversing. Assuming that these inclined postures result in a higher health risk than vibration exposure in the upright sitting posture the forces transmitted in the lumbar spine were assessed by means of a biomechanical model. Under realistic vibration stress the bent postures result in an increase of the compressive and the shear forces. By the enhanced shear forces a displacement of the upper motion segments is prevented. The quantitative relationship between the mean values of the forces and the chest inclination can be sufficiently approximated by regression functions. The increase of the spine forces is the result of the increased muscle forces stabilizing the inclined trunk. On container bridge cranes or fork-lift trucks the typical postures of the drivers result in enhanced spinal forces compared with the upright sitting posture. This effect must be considered in the risk analysis of workplaces with whole-body vibration.

Vibration Research on Fork-Lift Truck by Harmonic Analysis

Aimed at the vibrations of driver seat and wheel of a working fork-lift truck, the acceleration was measured and a vibration analysis based on the finite element method was made. Comparing the finite element analysis result with the result of model test analysis, the finite model is modified with the result of test. The mode analysis is done. The result shows that the fork-lift truck driver seat and wheel frequency is far away from the exciting frequency of engine. The vibration is forced vibration but not resonance.

Understanding, knowledge and attitudes towards current UK driving advice in insulin treated diabetic patients

AbstractUK driving licences are issued and controlled by a government body, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Diabetic drivers must inform the DVLA and their motor insurer about their condition. Current advice is to test the capillary blood glucose level before driving. If symptomatic hypoglycaemia occurs during driving, the driver should stop, take carbohydrate, and wait 45 minutes after euglycaemia to allow brain function to recover before driving on. Previous studies have shown that diabetic drivers are good at informing both the DVLA and their insurer, but not good at following advice regarding testing and hypoglycaemia treatment. In order to inform our current education process, this study aimed to explore why drivers do not seem to follow this advice by examining the attitudes of patients and their acceptance of current UK advice for diabetic drivers.Fifty consecutive insulin treated drivers attending a hospital clinic were interviewed over a two‐week period. All 50 agreed to interview; there were 34 men and 16 women, the median age was 49 years (range 19–77 years), and the median diabetes duration was 16 years (one month to 46 years). A questionnaire modified from Graveling et al. to include attitudes and acceptability of current advice was used.Median driving duration was 22 years (four months to 56 years) and annual mileage 500–50 000 miles. Thirty‐six (72%) drove to work by car and 34% (including a lorry driver and a forklift truck driver) drove as part of their job; nine subjects had no period restriction on their licence. Only 34% always carry a blood glucose testing kit with them when driving. Testing before driving was performed: always (20%), long journeys (20%), sometimes (22%), never (38%); however, only 40% admitted to being previously advised to test before each journey. After the advice about testing before driving was explained, 64% thought it was reasonable, but 52% would not accept it. After hypoglycaemia when driving, the subjects reported that they would wait a mean of 25 minutes (5–60) before driving on. Only 10% knew of waiting 45 minutes after hypoglycaemia. After the current advice was explained, 24% found it unreasonable, while 36% would not accept this stricture.Current advice for insulin treated drivers is not widely known. Better education is required. However, when given current advice about testing before each journey and waiting 45 minutes after hypoglycaemia, many patients considered this unreasonable and unacceptable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons.

Commentary

Commentary

An epidemiological study of low back pain in professional drivers

The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) was investigated in 598 Italian professional drivers exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV) and ergonomic risk factors (drivers of earth moving machines, fork-lift truck drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers). The control group consisted of a small sample of 30 fire inspectors not exposed to WBV. Personal, occupational and health histories were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Vibration measurements were performed on representative samples of the machines and vehicles used by the driver groups. From the vibration magnitudes and exposure durations, alternative measures of vibration dose were estimated for each subject. Daily vibration exposure, expressed in terms of 8-h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration, A(8), averaged 0.28–0.61 (range 0.10–1.18) m s −2 rms in the driver groups. Duration of exposure to WBV ranged between 1 and 41 years. The 7-day and 12-month prevalence of LBP was greater in the driver groups than in the controls. In the professional drivers, the occurrence of 12-month LBP, high intensity of LBP (Von Korff pain scale score ⩾5), and LBP disability (Roland & Morris disability scale score ⩾12) significantly increased with increasing cumulative vibration exposure. Even though several alternative measures of vibration exposure were associated with LBP outcomes, nevertheless a more regular trend of association with LBP was found for vibration dose expressed as ∑ a vit i (m s −2 h), in which the frequency-weighted acceleration, a v , and lifetime exposure duration, t, were given equal weight. In multivariate data analysis, individual characteristics (e.g. age, body mass index) and a physical load index (derived from combining manual materials handling and awkward postures) were significantly associated with LBP outcomes, while psychosocial work factors (e.g. job decision, job support) showed a marginal relation to LBP. This study tends to confirm that professional driving in industry is associated with an increased risk of work-related LBP. Exposure to WBV and physical loading factors at work are important components of the multifactorial origin of LBP in professional drivers.

Evaluation of an occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration in forklift truck drivers: a controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate process and outcome of a multifaceted occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration (WBV) in forklift truck drivers. Methods: An experimental pretest/post-test control group study design. The...

全身振動曝露低減のための港湾フォークリフトの評価

Our preceding study revealed that many fork-lift truck drivers in Japanese dockyards suffer from fatigue symptoms such as low back pain (LBP). It has been suggested that exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) is a cause of their LBP. Using forklift models manufactured from 1982 to 2000, we measured and evaluated the vibration of forklift trucks operated in dockyards, adopting experimental procedures based on the European Standard. We investigated various factors related to WBV, with the main focus on attenuating seat vibration. This study showed that (1) the seats did not attenuate vibration in the vertical direction, (2) forklift trucks and their seats had not improved in terms of WBV attenuation for a decade, (3) some forklift trucks in which the seat suspension could no longer be adjusted to the driver's weight continued to be used without being repaired, and impractical seat adjustment methods were adopted, and (4) the seats did not attenuate vertical vibration well in the most undesirable frequency range. We conclude that forklift trucks and especially their seats should urgently be improved with regard to WBV attenuation in order to prevent LBP in forklift truck drivers.

Whole body vibration and posture as risk factors for low back pain among forklift truck drivers

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the risks from whole-body vibration and posture demands for low back pain (LBP) among forklift truck (forklift) drivers. Using a validated questionnaire, information about health history was obtained over a period of two weeks in face-to-face interviews. The forklift drivers were observed in respect of their sitting posture, including frequency with which different positions were adopted (bending, leaning and twisting) and postural analyses were conducted using the OWAS and RULA techniques. Forklift vibrations at the seat (exposure) were measured in the three orthogonal axes ( x-fore and aft, y-lateral and z-vertical) under actual working conditions according to the recommendations of ISO 2631-1. The results showed that LBP was more prevalent amongst forklift drivers than among non-drivers and driving postures in which the trunk is considerably twisted or bent forward associated with greatest risk. Furthermore, forklift drivers showed to be exposed to acceptable levels of vibration in the x- and y-directions (i.e., below the EU Physical Agents Directive on Vibration Exposure recommended action level—0.5 m/s 2), but not in the z-direction. There were indications that whole-body vibration acts associatively with other factors (not independently) to precipitate LBP.

LOW BACK PAIN IN PORT MACHINERY OPERATORS

The occurrence of several types of low back pain (LBP) was investigated by a standardized questionnaire in a group of 219 port machinery operators exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV) and postural load and in a control group of 85 maintenance workers employed at the same transport company. The group of port machinery operators included 85 straddle carrier drivers, 88 fork-lift truck drivers, and 46 crane operators. The vector sum of the frequency-weighted r.m.s. acceleration of vibration measured on the seatpan of port vehicles and machines averaged 0·90 m/s2 for fork-lift trucks, 0·48 m/s2 for straddle carriers, 0·53 m/s2 for mobile cranes, and 0·22 m/s2 for overhead cranes. The 12-month prevalence of low back symptoms (LBP, sciatic pain, treated LBP, sick leave due to LBP) was significantly greater in the fork-lift truck drivers than in the controls and the other two groups of port machinery operators. After adjusting for potential confounders, the prevalence of low back symptoms was found to increase with the increase of WBV exposure expressed as duration of exposure (driving years), equivalent vibration magnitude (m/s2), or cumulative vibration exposure (yr m2/s4). An excess risk for lumbar disc herniation was observed in the port machinery operators with prolonged driving experience. In both the controls and the port machinery operators, low back complaints were strongly associated with perceived postural load assessed in terms of frequency and/or duration of awkward postures at work. Multivariate analysis showed that vibration exposure and postural load were independent predictors of LBP. Even though the cross-sectional design of the present study does not permit firm conclusions on the relationship between WBV exposure and low back disorders, the findings of this investigation provide additional epidemiological evidence that seated WBV exposure combined with non-neutral trunk postures, as while driving, is associated with an increased risk of long-term adverse health effects on the lower back.

Effect of Truck Driving on Health of Japanese Middle Aged Male Workers of a Transport Company—Multiple Regression Analyses for Blood Pressure and HbA1C—

Effect of Truck Driving on Health of Japanese Middle Aged Male Workers of a Transport Company —Multiple Regression Analyses for Blood Pressure and HbA1c—: Yasushi Suwazono, et al. Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Chiba University—The effect on health of truck driving was investigated in a transport company. The study subjects consisted entirely of Japanese healthy male workers aged 40 yr or more (n=429) and were classified into the three occupations: truck driver, clerical worker, forklift truck driver and laborer. The truck drivers transport goods for short distances and work only in the daytime. The results of an annual health examination were used for comparing variables among occupations. The variables were tested by one‐way ANOVA. The percentages of abnormal findings were tested by chi‐square test. Multiple regression analyses were performed with SBP, DBP or HbA1c as the dependent variables and age, occupation, smoking, drinking, BMI, y‐GTP, T‐Cho or HbA1c as the independent variables. BMI of truck drivers and Hb of clerical workers were significantly higher than those of forklift truck drivers and laborers in ANOVA. The percentage of obesity (BMI>=26.4) was significantly different in the three occupations, with obesity being most frequent in clerical workers. Multiple regression analysis indicated that age, drinking, BMI and HbA1c were significantly associated with increased SBP. The analysis for DBP indicated that age, drinking and BMI were significantly associated with increased DBP, and smoking was associated with decreased DBP. The analysis for HbA1c indicated that age, BMI and T‐Cho were significantly associated with increased HbA1c. Occupation was not significant in these analyses, suggesting that the health effect of driving alone was relatively small in this company.

Prevalence and pattern of occupational exposure to whole body vibration in Great Britain: findings from a national survey

OBJECTIVESTo estimate the number of workers in Great Britain with significant occupational exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) and to identify the common sources of exposure and the occupations and...

Subjective assessment of fork-lift truck seats under laboratory conditions

A subjective assessment of fork-lift truck seats has been carried out to assess the range of preferred seat dimensions and the acceptability of different seat adjustments to fork-lift truck drivers. Twelve fork-lift truck seats fitted to a fixed bench were assessed by twelve fork-lift truck drivers. For each seat, each driver completed a questionnaire that covered the following areas: eleven seat dimensions, four seat adjustments and other features (arm rests, safety belts and safety wings). The drivers assessed the dimensions of a seat chosen at random, before moving to the adjacent seat in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Before each assessment, they were asked to look forward and backward in the seat as though they were driving a fork-lift truck. In general, significant correlations were obtained between the subjective assessments and objective measurements of the seat dimensions. This enabled preferred seat dimension ranges to be defined. Fork-lift truck drivers ranked the forward–backward and the backrest inclination adjustments as most important. The results showed that although the drivers had previous experience in the use of suspension seats, they did not understand the purpose of the weight adjustment. All adjustments should be easy to find, accessible, easy to move and they should enable a range of adjustments. In addition, clear and simple information on the seat is needed, especially for the weight adjustment. The most recently designed seats generally had dimensions within the preferred ranges compared with the older generation seats, mainly because they had more adjustments. However, the results show that adjustments on fork-lift truck seats could be improved further. Some tentative conclusions are made for the preferred fork-lift truck seat dimensions and adjustment ranges which are based on the evidence from this restricted sample of fork-lift truck drivers. They may be useful for seat and truck designers in the preparation of a standard on fork-lift truck seat dimensions.

The carcinogenic risk of exposure to sulphuric acid fumes from lead acid batteries

Prolonged exposure to sulphuric acid fumes is associated with an increased risk of developing laryngeal carcinoma. Lead acid batteries are a potential source of these fumes. We present a case of an electric fork lift truck driver who developed laryngeal carcinoma as a result of such exposure.

Effect of fork-lift truck driving on low-back trouble.

In a population of 240 male fork-lift truck drivers who drove at least 4 h daily, the occurrence of low-back trouble was studied in relation to that of two reference groups. The participation rate of the fork-lift truck drivers was 88%. The responses to a questionnaire concerning low-back trouble were reviewed. Among the fork-lift truck drivers, a statistically significant higher occurrence of low-back trouble was reported for the year preceding the study, in comparison, according to age, to that of a reference group of 399 working men (65 against 47%); however, there was no significantly increased frequency when compared to that of a reference group of 66 unskilled male workers (65 against 51%). The fork-lift truck drivers had a significantly higher rate of absence from work within the previous year due to low-back trouble than the two reference groups (22% compared to 7 and 9%). These findings were confirmed during the follow-up year. A correlation was found between length of employment as a fork-lift truck driver and the occurrence of low-back trouble within the preceding year. It was concluded that fork-lift truck driving may be a contributory cause for low-back trouble.

Risk of back trouble in individual occupations in Denmark.

National accident statistics showed overstraining to be the major cause for back injuries, and that trauma, in particular falls, included nearly all other accidents affecting the back and spine. Hospital-work, home nursing and patient treatment together constituted not less than 42% of all the notified back injuries caused by overstraining. It was found that the frequency of low back complaints is high among plumbers, slaughterhouse workers, forklift truck-drivers as well as hospital porters, nurses and assistant nurses. Housewives had as much low back trouble as women in work generally. Examples of tabulations based upon readily available national statistics are presented. Thus, the rates of industrial accidents related to the back in various main occupational groups are produced for the whole of Denmark, both for accidents notified to the Department of Accident Statistics of the Labour Inspection Service and for the more severe accidents registered by the National Social Security Office, Industrial Injuries Insurance. It is to be stressed that it is possible to obtain more detailed statistics regarding accident rates for various subdivisions of the main occupational groupings by use of the registers at the National Bureau of Statistics. In the accident statistics presented, it was found that overstraining was the major cause of back injuries, and that trauma, in particular falls, included nearly all other accidents affecting the back and spine. Hospital work, home nursing and patient treatment together constituted not less than 42% of all notified back injuries caused by overstraining. That the handling of humans is probably the major cause in these accidents is also verified. Calculated rates-of applications for premature retirement because of back disorders is given for various occupational groups. Investigations of various occupational groups in Denmark shows that the frequency of low-back complaints is high among plumbers, slaughterhouse workers and fork-lift-truck drivers, as well as hospital porters, nurses and assistant nurses. It is noticed that housewives have as much low-back trouble as women in work generally.

Serum creatine kinase as an indicator of local muscular strain in experimental and occupational work.

Serum creatine kinase (SCK) was measured in ten subjects in the laboratory before and after the performance of bicycle ergometry and a lifting task. SCK was significantly increased 24 h and 48 h after the lifting work but not after the bicycle ergometry, although the work performed on the latter was four-times as great as on the former. The lifting work resulted in muscle pain and tenderness and, for six subjects, in clinical signs of shoulder tendinitis. In a field study, an increase in SCK was noted among assemblers/welders and cash-register operators, but not among controllers and forklift-truck drivers. A health interview revealed that musculo-skeletal complaints were most often located in the upper extremity in the cases of the assemblers/welders and the cash-register operators. It is proposed that the SCK increase during work is a result of a high local muscular load due to fatigue and energy depletion of muscle cells producing a greater efflux of muscle enzymes. The evaluation of SCK changes during work may be an important tool in occupational health for early detection of work tasks producing local muscular strain.