The Ergonomics Lab is recruiting participants for their study to quantify stresses during gas leak detection with probing bars. If you have two hours and would like to participate contact Prof. Andrew Merryweather at a.merryweather@utah.edu. This call for participants in an Ergonomics study that will be going on through a couple of weeks in May. Participants will be compensated with a $25 gift card and both male and female participants are being sought.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 59, you may be eligible to be part of an ergonomics study that will be conducted by researchers from the University of Utah. Interested persons should contact Andrew Merryweather, PhD to participate. If you have questions regarding this study, you can contact Andrew at the University of Utah at 801-581-8118, or e-mail a.merryweather@utah.edu.
The purpose of this study is to quantify stresses during gas leak detection with probing bars. We do not intend to determine the human capability to “safely” apply forces. However, as a sub-analysis and additional guidelines for design engineers, you will be asked to rate your perceived level of exertion on a scale during each task to compare differences between males and females. Reflective markers will be placed on body segments and joints for reference and surface sensors that detect muscle activation levels will be placed over muscles on your back, shoulders and arms. The study involves driving holes using a probing bar into a simulated ground surface. Your body weight and body segment lengths will be recorded and used for determining biomechanical forces at your wrist, elbow and shoulder during each task. You should bring tight fitting, exercise clothing that is not too baggy or too loose. A tank top and shorts will be provided by the researchers if preferred.
Participation will require approximately two hours. All testing will be done in the Ergonomics and Safety Laboratory in the Merrill Engineering Building on campus of the University of Utah (MEB 2215).
At the conclusion of this study, you will be given knowledge of the study results when available. The results will also be available and submitted for publication to inform industry and other researchers of significant summary findings. No identifiable images or other personal identifiers will be included in publications. Published findings, when available, will be provided upon request, and will be posted on the bulletin board of the Ergonomics and Safety Lab MEB 2215.
ALL INFORMATION OBTAINED DURING THIS STUDY WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL. YOU WILL BE INDENTIFIED BY A CODE NUMBER ONLY, AND INDIVIDUAL RESPONSES WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO ANYONE.
**Please Note: All possible measures have been taken to minimize risk in the design of the study.