Skip navigation

Using body mapping as part of the risk assessment process - a case study

Using body mapping as part of the risk assessment process - a case study

Thomas, David, Hare, B. and Cameron, I. (2018) Using body mapping as part of the risk assessment process - a case study. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 16 (2). pp. 224-240. ISSN 1477-3996 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/14773996.2018.1491146)

[img]
Preview
PDF (Author Accepted Manuscript)
20476 THOMAS_Using_Body_Mapping_as_Part_of_the_Risk_Assessment_Process.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (417kB) | Preview
[img]
Preview
PDF (Tables)
20476 THOMAS_Tables_2018.pdf - Supplemental Material

Download (228kB) | Preview
[img]
Preview
PDF (Figures)
20476 THOMAS_Figures_2018.pdf - Supplemental Material

Download (346kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper reports on a study undertaken to identify levels of MSD in relation to methods of waste collection. The need to quantify and eliminate ill health arising out of work is vital to reduce workplace absence leading to debate on associated relationships between the methods of waste collection and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Body mapping is a participatory research tool that has been successfully used to investigate workplace ill health problems. Participatory body mapping exercises were carried out using staff at a UK District Council 2 years before and after the move from boxes and baskets to a wheeled bin recycling service. The study introduces the concept of Average Pain Count (APC).

The data, supports previous studies showing wheeled bin based services (APC 2.07 & 2.80) are associated with less MSD outcomes than services including boxes, baskets and sacks (APC 4.02).The surveys provided compelling evidence to suggest that there are associations between age and self-reported pain although there appeared to be no patterns with regards length of service. These findings should help Local Authorities better understand critical factors regarding waste collection strategies and self-reported pain. There are recommendations regarding the use of body mapping and for industry practice.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: musculoskeletal disorder - MSD; ill health absence; domestic recycling collection; body mapping; Epidemiology
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Design (DES)
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > Integrated Nature & Technology Research Group (INTENT)
Last Modified: 04 Nov 2021 00:40
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/20476

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics