American Society of Safety Engineers News |
Michael Nowak |
for immediate release |
DES PLAINES, IL (September 29, 2005) — As falls continue to be a leading cause of workplace injuries in the U.S., a new study through the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Foundation addresses the effects an elevated surface has upon a workers' balance, which can significantly contribute to falls. The research findings appear in ASSE's Professional Safety Journal September article 'Transitioning Sloped Surfaces: The Effects of Roofing Work on Balance and Falls' by Lloyd Robert Wade III, Ph.D., CPE and ASSE member Jerry Davis, PhD., CSP, CPE.
The study involved observing 20 roof workers on a model pitched roof, with the proper fall protection equipment, in a controlled environment, to better understand the effects that elevated heights and angled surfaces have on balance and posture. The study demonstrated that when workers walk on a flat surface like a ladder immediately following exposure to an inclined surface, their balance decreases, therefore further exposing them to a potential fall.
"The results further suggest that individuals should be [given] ample time to recover before moving into heavy lifting tasks or activities which would place them at higher risk of injury from falls," stated Wade in the article ( www.asse.org/45-50Sept2005.PDF).
Wade is a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, PA, and he holds a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from Auburn University, AL. A member of ASSE's Academics and Engineering Practice Specialties, Davis is a research assistant professor at Auburn University.
Chartered in 1990, the ASSE Foundation is committed to ensuring the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Funding for the Foundation comes from corporations and voluntary donations from ASSE members - individual and through chapters countrywide for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. For more information on the Foundation and its programs visit www.asse.org/foundat.htm.
Formed in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the largest and oldest professional safety organization and has more than 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members who manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education. For more information check ASSE's website at www.asse.org.