Developing a fuzzy logic-based risk assessment for groundwater contamination from well integrity failure during hydraulic fracturing.

Recent natural gas development by means of hydraulic fracturing requires a detailed risk analysis to eliminate or mitigate damage to the natural environment. Such geo-energy related subsurface activities involve complex engineering processes and uncertain data, making comprehensive, quantitative risk assessments a challenge to develop. This research seeks to develop a risk framework utilising data for quantitative numerical analysis and expert knowledge for qualitative analysis in the form of fuzzy logic, focusing on hydraulically fractured wells during the well stimulation stage applied to scenarios in the UK and Canada.

Exploring physical exposures and identifying high-risk work tasks within the floor layer trade.

Introduction: Floor layers have high rates of musculoskeletal disorders yet few studies have examined their work exposures. This study used observational methods to describe physical exposures within floor laying tasks.

Methods: We analyzed 45 videos from 32 floor layers using Multimedia-Video Task Analysis software to determine the time in task, forces, postures, and repetitive hand movements for installation of four common flooring materials.

Using process evaluation to determine effectiveness of participatory ergonomics training interventions in construction.

The construction industry continues to experience high rates of musculoskeletal injuries despite the widespread promotion of ergonomic solutions. Participatory ergonomics (PE) has been suggested as one approach to engage workers and employers for reducing physical exposures from work tasks but a systematic review of participatory ergonomics programs showed inconclusive results..