Fatemeh Fasih-Ramandi, Mohammad Reza Monazzam-Esmaeelpour, Farideh Golbabaei, Hadi Shakibian, Seyed Mohammad Asadzadeh
{"title":"Artificial intelligence and personal protective equipment: a scoping review.","authors":"Fatemeh Fasih-Ramandi, Mohammad Reza Monazzam-Esmaeelpour, Farideh Golbabaei, Hadi Shakibian, Seyed Mohammad Asadzadeh","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2722494","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2722494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objectives</i>. Smart technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), have significant potential to enhance occupational health and safety programs. This scoping review examines AI applications in personal protective equipment (PPE). <i>Methods.</i> Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024. Two independent reviewers screened 277 records, and 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. <i>Results</i>. AI applications in PPE were categorized into three domains: AI-based PPE compliance detection (59.6%) using computer vision and deep learning for automated monitoring of helmets, masks and vests; big data-driven PPE stockpiling and analysis frameworks (17.0%) for supply chain management and inventory optimization; and AI-based smart PPE for occupational hazard prevention (23.4%) integrating sensors and AI algorithms for real-time worker monitoring and risk prediction. The most commonly employed techniques included convolutional neural networks, YOLO, SSD and support vector machines, with applications across construction, healthcare, oil and gas, and nuclear industries. <i>Conclusion</i>. Integration of AI with PPE has demonstrated promising results in enhancing worker safety across various industries. This emerging field requires further research attention and wider industrial implementation to fully realize its potential in preventing occupational injuries and illnesses.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149128932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness, applicability and challenges of active exoskeletons in manual materials handling tasks in industry: a systematic review.","authors":"Davood Afshari, Seyvan Sobhani, Sara Tabanfar","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2732412","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2732412","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Active exoskeletons are designed to provide physical assistance and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study reviews the effectiveness, applicability and challenges of using these devices in manual materials handling (MMH) tasks in industrial settings. A systematic search (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) up to June 2025, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) guidelines, identified 37 studies. Objective and subjective measures were analyzed, with bias assessed via the Cochrane tool. Based on the available evidence, active exoskeletons appear to reduce muscle activity and spinal loading in controlled laboratory settings, and users generally reported improved comfort. However, trade-offs in support versus mobility, limited versatility and usability challenges hinder broader adoption. Future research should focus on more versatile designs, long-term field studies and diverse participant populations to better assess the practicality and acceptability of these devices in industrial environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149082514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jingmei Lu, Yunyun Wang, Ju Huang, Zongjian He, Chengyuan Lei
{"title":"Occupational benzene exposure and worker health outcomes: a cross-sectional study in Nanning, China.","authors":"Jingmei Lu, Yunyun Wang, Ju Huang, Zongjian He, Chengyuan Lei","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2734098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2734098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objectives</i>. This study assessed the health effects of occupational benzene exposure to inform preventive strategies. <i>Methods</i>. Occupational health surveillance data for benzene-exposed workers in Nanning (2020-2024) were obtained from the China Occupational Disease and Health Hazard Factors Monitoring Information System. Demographic, occupational and physical examination data were analyzed using <i>χ</i><sup>2</sup> tests and multivariate logistic regression. <i>Results</i>. Abnormalities occurred in complete blood count (CBC) (4.47%), liver function (5.95%), electrocardiogram (ECG) (14.10%) and blood pressure (BP) (13.69%). Female workers had higher odds of CBC abnormalities (odds ratio [<i>OR</i>] 1.352) but lower odds of liver function (<i>OR</i> 0.362), ECG (<i>OR</i> 0.813) and BP (<i>OR</i> 0.572) abnormalities than males. Older age was associated with more ECG and BP abnormalities but fewer liver function abnormalities. Longer employment and manufacturing work (<i>OR</i> 1.735) increased the CBC abnormality risk. <i>Conclusion</i>. Occupational benzene exposure is associated with multifactorial health risks, warranting coordinated prevention by governments, enterprises and workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149082500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Proactively unpacking socio-technical hazards in aviation management of change: an application of the accident scenario model for systemic risk identification.","authors":"Oke Hendra, Nawang Kalbuana","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2719106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2719106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Management of change (MoC) processes often fail to prevent incidents by overlooking emergent socio-technical hazards. Conventional assessments lack the systemic depth to proactively identify these factors. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the accident scenario model as a proactive methodology for MoC hazard identification. Employing a single-case study of an Indonesian aviation provider's MoC project, data (documents, interviews, observations) were triangulated and findings validated through focus group discussions. The methodology successfully identified 11 major socio-technical hazards including workload saturation, competency gaps and cultural reticence. Accident scenarios revealed complex failure pathways stemming from these often-latent conditions. This research offers novel empirical validation for the proactive application of the accident scenario model to MoC, providing a practical tool for systemic, human and organizational factors (HOF)-focused hazard identification that moves beyond traditional linear assessments. The findings provide actionable insights for enhancing MoC effectiveness by addressing critical socio-technical vulnerabilities in aviation and beyond.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149065119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matin Mohammad Amini, Hannaneh Zakersani, Atefeh Mohammadinejad, Omran Ahmadi
{"title":"Increasing the sensitivity of posture assessment using rapid upper limb assessment, Bayesian network and fuzzy numbers.","authors":"Matin Mohammad Amini, Hannaneh Zakersani, Atefeh Mohammadinejad, Omran Ahmadi","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2723671","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2723671","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study introduces a novel scoring system based on triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) and proposes a new scoring combination approach integrating the original rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) worksheet with a Bayesian Network (BN) model. The resulting method, named fuzzy Bayesian network-based RULA (FBnRULA), was evaluated by comparing it with the RULA method for assessing 14 different postures. The FBnRULA method showed a maximum difference of 1.75 and an average difference of 0.62 compared to RULA. This enhancement addresses the shortcomings of traditional methods that lack sensitivity to variations in input variables, which can hinder the accurate assessment of ergonomic interventions. The developed FBnRULA method demonstrates its effectiveness in detecting minimal changes in ergonomic postures following interventions in industrial settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149018223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Human perception of ergonomic demand and safety across physical tasks.","authors":"Hari Iyer, Heejin Jeong","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2723660","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2723660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines how professional background and personal protective equipment (PPE) use affect perceptions of ergonomic ease, task risk, skillfulness and safety. While ergonomics research has focused on biomechanical load, less is known about how individuals perceive ergonomic demand across tasks. A total of 94 individuals, including laypersons and professionals, performed structured tasks in three domains: assembling objects using four tools; executing a 12-step culinary sequence involving actions such as chopping, stirring and oven use; and ascending and descending ladders under different PPE conditions. Statistical analyses included <i>t</i> tests, Pearson correlation and Bayesian models to assess group-level differences and interactions. Professionals perceived lower risk in assembly (e.g., spanner; <i>t</i> = 2.52, <i>p</i> < 0.05), greater comfort in culinary tasks (e.g., stirring; <i>t</i> = -2.57, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and higher perceived safety during ladder activities with combined PPE use. These findings show how expertise and PPE shape ergonomic perceptions, supporting task-specific safety solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149002701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qiwei Wang, Xiaoya Zhu, Matteo Curcuruto, Manman Wang
{"title":"How safety training impacts safety early warning in high-risk industries: safety proactivity behavior as mediator.","authors":"Qiwei Wang, Xiaoya Zhu, Matteo Curcuruto, Manman Wang","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2722541","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2722541","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines the associations between safety training and organizational safety early warning, and the role of safety proactivity behavior in this relationship. Specifically, it tests whether distinct behavioral dimensions mediate the relationships between safety training and safety management, prevention and control. Using structural equation modeling, survey data from 707 employees in high-risk industries were analyzed. The results indicate that employee perceptions of safety training are positively associated with self-reported safety management, prevention and control, and that these associations are mediated by safety proactivity behaviors. Change-oriented safety voice, affiliative-oriented safety stewardship and proactive safety initiative functioned as domain-specific mediators within the estimated model. Because the data are cross-sectional, these findings are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. The patterns observed nonetheless underscore the relevance of targeted safety training to proactive safety frameworks and offer actionable implications for safety managers seeking to strengthen leading safety indicators in complex sociotechnical systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adelano Esposito, Alexandre José Bühler, Herbert Martins Gomes, Ivan Bucco
{"title":"Numerical and experimental analysis of horizontal lifelines under different types of anchors and freefall height.","authors":"Adelano Esposito, Alexandre José Bühler, Herbert Martins Gomes, Ivan Bucco","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2721159","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2721159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Designing fall protection systems for falls from heights, e.g., horizontal lifelines (HLL), is a complex task due to the multitude of parameters and the variety of anchors used. This complexity makes it challenging to estimate the dynamic behavior of these systems. The purpose of this study is to conduct numerical and experimental investigations of HLL under various types of anchorages and free-fall heights. The developed numerical model is based on a simple analytical formulation and has been adapted to account for anchor flexibility. The study presents a laboratory-scale experimental set-up designed for dynamic tests to validate the numerical model. This experimental set-up has proven a valuable tool for examining the behavior of HLLs anchored to flexible support structures. The numerical method has demonstrated sufficient accuracy for rapid assessment of key parameters in HLL design.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148946034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A data-driven work scheduling framework based on perceived physical fatigue in warehouse order picking.","authors":"Junsu Kim, Hosang Jung, Seungsik Oh","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2726076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2026.2726076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study addresses the problem of designing warehouse work schedules by incorporating workers' perceived physical fatigue. To better understand and mitigate workplace fatigue, a practical, data-driven methodological framework is proposed that integrates survey-based fatigue measurement, regression analysis and mathematical optimization. In a South Korean order fulfillment center, order pickers were surveyed to assess their perceived physical fatigue. The regression analysis identified six significant factors associated with fatigue, which were used as key inputs for schedule design. An optimization model, linked to the regression results, determines the timing and duration of work-break cycles. Four alternative schedules were generated to balance the objectives of minimizing the average fatigue level and the end-of-shift fatigue level. After managerial consultation, the schedule focusing on end-of-shift fatigue reduction was selected. Compared with the current schedule, it is expected to reduce the mean end-of-shift perceived fatigue level by 11.5% while maintaining the same total working hours.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148945955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Farhoud Kolahdouzipour, Mohammed Al-Zharani, Fahd A Nasr, Lina M Alneghery, Nadiah S Alzahrani, Leila Khalili, Jayanthi Barasarathi, Riyaz Sayyed
{"title":"Nutritional strategies to reduce fatigue-related occupational accidents among construction workers.","authors":"Farhoud Kolahdouzipour, Mohammed Al-Zharani, Fahd A Nasr, Lina M Alneghery, Nadiah S Alzahrani, Leila Khalili, Jayanthi Barasarathi, Riyaz Sayyed","doi":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2716446","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10803548.2026.2716446","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Construction work is physically demanding, increasing the health risk of fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, human error and occupational accidents, particularly falls from height. Poor nutrition, together with strenuous labor and challenging working conditions, further contributes to fatigue, impaired balance and reduced work performance. This review examined the relationship among nutrition, worker fatigue, occupational safety and job performance in the construction industry. Evidence suggests that fatigue frequently occurs when workers exceed their physiological capacity, increasing the risk of accidents. Nutritional strategies, including a proper diet, adequate hydration and targeted nutrient supplementation, have shown promise in alleviating fatigue by supporting neurotransmitter function, energy metabolism and antioxidant defense. These physiological benefits may improve alertness, balance and physical performance, thereby enhancing work efficiency and promoting safer work practices. Further construction-specific nutritional studies are needed to establish effective strategies to reduce fatigue and improve occupational safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":47704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148913846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}