Handheld-assisted field data collection for occupational risk assessment

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Health Informatics
• Risk Management

Background:

• Traditional occupational health risk analysis can be enhanced by digital tools.
• The Institute of Occupational Health Sciences (IST) employs a specific risk assessment methodology.
• Integrating technology can improve data acquisition and analysis in occupational health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a computerized handheld tool for prospective occupational health risk analysis.
• To serve as a complementary database tool for risk assessment.
• To assess the adequacy of handheld devices for field-based occupational health audits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Pendragon forms software (version 3.2) for developing procedures on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
• Implemented data acquisition strategies based on IST's risk assessment method, including systematic hazard lists and semi-quantitative scales.
• Developed a set of 7 modular forms for field audit needs and data transfer to MS-Access format.

Main Results:

• The developed handheld system successfully acquired data for occupational health risk assessment.
• Results indicate that handheld devices are adequate for supporting field risk assessment and follow-up activities.
• Minor drawbacks were observed, suggesting areas for future improvement.

Conclusions:

• Computerized handheld tools can effectively supplement traditional risk analysis in occupational health.
• The developed system demonstrates the feasibility and adequacy of PDAs for field data collection in occupational health.
• Further enhancements are recommended to optimize the tool's effectiveness and field applicability.