MultiAgency, prospective, exploratory, non-intervention, cohort Study on Human Impact Exposure oNboard high-speed...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Biomechanics
• Maritime Safety

Background:

• High-speed boat operations expose personnel to significant slamming impacts.
• These impacts can lead to serious health issues, including musculoskeletal injuries and cognitive impairments.
• Current safety measures are insufficient to mitigate these risks effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nature and magnitude of slamming-induced impacts on high-speed boats.
• To assess the acute and long-term health effects of these impacts on personnel.
• To identify potential injury prevention strategies and develop safety guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study is ongoing.
• Participants log self-reported pain data via a smartphone app.
• Triaxial accelerometers measure impact exposure on boat hulls and worn by operators.

Main Results:

• Data analysis will correlate impact exposure with reported pain.
• Risk factors for injury will be identified.
• The study aims to establish correlations between exposure and pain.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform the development of enhanced safety guidelines for high-speed boat operations.
• Improved training protocols and safety measures are expected.
• The study seeks to enhance operational safety and performance for personnel.