The Accuracy of Workload Assessed by Screening and Observation Methods Compared to Oxygen Consumption Measurement Method

Abstract

his study investigated the accuracy of workload assessment methods, using screening and observation methods in ISO 8996, compared with those obtained from the oxygen consumption measurement method (Accuracy ±20%) by three participant groups including 52 occupational
health safety students, 60 safety offcers, and 26 other personnel (academicians in occupational health and safety, environmentalists, and
safety and environment managers). Four tasks performed in a foundry factory were videotaped; one scenario used for training, and the rest were
used for exercise. During the videotaping, the oxycon mobile was attached to the workers’ body for measuring the workers’ oxygen consumption
for workload calculation to be used as a reference value. The participants were trained to  assess workload using screening and observation methods. All participants’ workload assessment results were compared with the reference value. A total of 47.6% and 60.4% of the participants
could provide accurate answers for workload assessment when screening and when observation methods were used, respectively. The participants who provided the most accurate assessments comprised one student and one safety offcer. Thus, the observation method should be used to assess workload by any individual who had qualifcations or knowledge in occupational health and safety and experience in workload
assessment.