A Field Study of Repetitive Manual Work in Relation to Accidents at the Work Place

Abstract

Four hundred and twenty-seven reported accidents in the course of repetitive, self-paced work in the machine shop of a light engineering factory were analysed for time of occurrence. Four critical peak periods were found. During these periods observational studies of variability of speed of operation were conducted, particularly on lathes, which revealed that machine loading times varied more than cutting times. This was followed by a case study of variability of accuracy of hand movements. Unsuccessful Hand Movements (UHMs) were found to occur more often during the critical periods than at other times of the day. The data are interpreted in terms of rate of gain of information, fatigue and boredom.

Boredom in the workplace: More than monotonous tasks

“…Given that monotonous work may cause problems with attention, it is not surprising that a study of long-distance driving found that monotonous environments may lead to low arousal, lack of alertness and more accidents (McBain 1961). Branton (1970) also found that tasks requiring repetitive motor activity led to timing errors, which led to more accidents. Cabon et al (1993) reported that airline pilots demonstrated decreased vigilance when aircraft were cruising on long-haul flights.…”

“…First, there are the consequences of boredom. Research has identified several negative corollaries of boredom, such as: lower reported quality of life (Watten et al 1995); depression (Wiesner et al 2005); overspill of boredom between different life domains (Bargdill 2000); low job satisfaction (Caplan et al 1975;Gardell 1971;Kass et al 2001;Lee 1986;MacDonald and MacIntyre 1997;O'Hanlon 1981); work strain (Matthews et al 2000); alcohol and drug misuse (Ames and Cunradi 2004;Johnston and O'Malley 1986;Samuels and Samuels 1974;Wiesner et al 2005); counterproductive work behaviours (Spector et al 2006); absence (Dyer- Smith and Wesson 1997;Kass et al 2001;Saito et al 1972;Walker and Guest 1952); staff turnover (Mann 2007); work-related injuries and accidents (Branton 1970;Drory 1982;Frone 1998); and lower job performance (Mackworth 1969;O'Hanlon 1981;Thackray et al 1977;Tickner and Poulton 1973).…”

Are Procrastinators Prone to Boredom?

“…For instance, researchers have implicated boredom as a contributing factor in poor academic achievement and work performance (e.g., Branton, 1970;Drory, 1982;Gardell, 1971;Maroldo, 1986;Robinson, 1975). In addition, boredom has been associated with negative affect and tendencies such as depression, anxiety, impulsivity, anger, and hostility (e.g., Ahmed, 1990;Farmer & Sundberg, 1986;Rupp & Vodanovich, 1997;Vodanovich, Verner, & Gilbride, 1991;1992).…”

Does Being Bored Make Us More Creative?

“…Indeed, boredom has been 4 associated with a range of negative outcomes both at work and beyond. Negative consequences at work include: poor work performance (Vodanovich 2003), correlations with anger (Vodanovich 2003), accidents (Branton 1970, Drory 1982, absenteeism (Brisset and Snow 1993), more errors (Cox 1980, Drory 1982, O'Hanlon 1981, stress, increased risk taking/thrill seeking (eg Hamilton 1983), sleepiness (Grose 1989), stress-related health problems e.g heart attacks (eg Alfredsson et al 1982), job dissatisfaction (Caplan et al 1975) and property damage (Drory 1982). Some of these consequences are clearly symptoms of the boredom experience; accidents, mistakes, sleepiness etc.…”