Journal of the Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회지)

The Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회)
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Determinants of Performance and Design for Improving Safety Helmet Usability

안전모 사용성 향상을 위한 성능 및 디자인 결정 요인에 관한 연구

  • Sang Woo Shim (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Yong Su Sim (HALO Inc) ;
  • Jong Bin Lee (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Seong Rok Chang (Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University)
  • Received : 2023.04.11
  • Accepted : 2023.06.09
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

A safety helmet is considered the last gear to protect workers from harmful and dangerous events occurring on industrial sites. Recently, interest in the importance of personal protective equipment design reflecting individual characteristics has been emphasized to improve usability and convenience. However, it has been found that if it is inconvenient to wear or has poor work efficiency, it will not be used well or will be used incorrectly. In this study, an investigation was performed with 35 questions, direct observation, and intensive interviews of construction workers to determine the inconvenience and problems of wearing safety helmets. Moreover, managers of 9 construction sites in 6 cities were asked about the performance and design of safety helmets. As a positive answer, it was found that the brim (awning) of the safety helmet was shortened to give the safety glasses a light-shielding function. In addition, an upward adjustment all-in-one type safety helmet was requested. On the other hand, it was revealed that negative answers felt uncomfortable due to the brim (awning) on the front of the helmet. Based on the survey results, a new helmet model suitable for construction site activities was presented, and wearability improvement determinants were discovered through performance and design improvement.

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References

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