ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT This chapter addresses the effects of restricted and elevated support surfaces on balance control as related to the risk of occupational falls from elevation. The chapter presents a summary of the pioneering research studies conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to evaluate and apply virtual reality technology for fall prevention research. The described research outcomes include practical strategies and solutions to improve workers’ balance control in challenging construction work environments. Also included is a brief review of related research on balance control, in which exposures to restricted and elevated surfaces are used to understand and prevent
CONTENTS
9.1 Problem of Falls from Elevation ...................................................................................... 120 9.2 Restricted and Elevated Support Surfaces ..................................................................... 120 9.3 Fall Risk Associated with Restricted and Elevated Support Surfaces ....................... 121
9.3.1 Theoretical Considerations for Fall Causation .................................................. 121 9.3.2 Psychophysiological Effects of Exposure to Elevation ..................................... 122 9.3.3 Physiological Effects of Exposure to Elevation .................................................. 122 9.3.4 Biomechanical Effects of Restricted Support Surfaces ..................................... 123
9.4 Fall Prevention Research with Virtual Reality Simulations of Height ...................... 124 9.4.1 Efforts to Develop Adequate Models of Elevation ............................................ 124
9.4.1.1 Preliminary Studies at Real Height ...................................................... 124 9.4.1.2 The NIOSH Virtual Reality Laboratory ............................................... 125
9.4.2 Validation Studies of Virtual Models of Elevated Workplaces ....................... 126 9.4.2.1 Comparative Evaluation of Real and Virtual Height Effects ............ 126 9.4.2.2 Augmenting Virtual Scaffolding Models with Real Planks ............. 127
9.4.3 Evaluation Studies Using Virtual Models of Elevated Workplace ................. 128 9.4.3.1 Footwear Effects on Balance at Restricted and Elevated Surfaces... 128 9.4.3.2 Vibration Effects on Balance at Restricted and Elevated Surfaces ... 130
9.4.4 Methodological Limitations and Future Research ........................................... 132 9.5 Other Related Research Using Real Models of Height ................................................. 133 9.6 Measures to Control Falls from Restricted and Elevated Surfaces ............................ 134
9.6.1 Fall Protection Measures ...................................................................................... 134 9.6.2 Hazard Elimination Measures ............................................................................. 135
9.7 Conclusions ......................................................................................................................... 136 9.8 Disclaimers ......................................................................................................................... 136 References ..................................................................................................................................... 137
falls in the elderly. The chapter concludes with a brief summary of suggested measures to control falls from restricted and elevated surfaces.
