Citation

Sullman MJM. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1998; 21(5): 397-405.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines methods for increasing seat belt usage in timber extraction machines (skidder's). Factors identified previously as being primarily responsible for the low level of skidder operator seat belt usage were simply forgetting to use the seat belt and the inconvenience of the conventional seat belt design. These factors were addressed by installing an improved seat belt design and an orange flashing reminder light into seven skidders. The experimental design had three experimental conditions (ABC), followed by a control condition (D), which was followed by the three experimental conditions (ABCDABC). Seat belt usage data were collected throughout the study. Results show that providing an improved seat belt design and installing a reminder light could, together, produce a mean increase in seat belt usage of 58%.Relevance to industryThe number of fatal and serious injuries resulting from timber extraction machine rollovers is high. One method to reduce this number is through the use of a seat belt. Unfortunately, use of the conventional seat belt is low. This research was initiated to find, and try, interventions suitable for increasing seat belt usage.