Contribution Of Ergonomics Research Articles

The Necessity and Contribution of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Digital Transformation

The Necessity and Contribution of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Digital Transformation

Air and Land Transportation Development: A Mini Systematic Review of Ergonomics Contributions

Indonesia's transportation sector has experienced rapid growth. Research conducted in the field of ergonomics has resulted in a transportation mode development, that provides a comfortable and safe experience for passengers according to their basic needs. The research covers interior design, work environment, and workload in the transportation sector. However, there has yet to be a systematic review of the role and contribution of ergonomics in seeking ergonomic and human-centered transportation, as per the author's research. Therefore, this study examines ergonomics research (cognitive, physical, organizational) applied to Indonesia's innovation in air and land transportation over the past decade (2013-2022). A total of 23 articles were reviewed (6, 6, and 10 for air transportation, land and rail sectors, the land transportation sector other than trains, respectively). The results show that ergonomics impacts the development of ergonomic transportation in Indonesia. The potential for various studies is available in physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics.

A contribuição da Ergonomia para a segurança no trabalho

Abstract Introduction: while high-risk processes with high accident rates challenge safety, High Reliability Organization (HRO) achieve excellent indicators. In both cases, prevention seems to have reached a limit. In the former, because it seems powerless to generate prevention; in the latter, because it has been so successful that it seems impossible to reach greater levels. Objective: to highlight the contribution of Ergonomics to safety in these situations, pointing out unexplored possibilities such as design Ergonomics in man-machine integration (computerized systems). Method: comparative analysis of findings from ergonomic studies on production systems with high accident rates and HRO. Discussion: analysis of the motorcycle freight drivers’ activity revealed alternatives yet to be explored between unfavorable work relations and the perceived inevitability of accidents. The apparent limit of HRO can be overcome with recent advances in the analysis of situated action and cognition and by building debate spaces based on field experience. Collaborative design practices, which draw on worker experience to feed learning dynamics and technical reliability, remains a poorly explored possibility in Safety Engineering when it comes to computerized systems.

Ergonomics contribution to occupational safety

Resumo Introdução: processos de alto risco com elevadas taxas de acidentes desafiam a segurança. Por outro lado, sistemas ultrasseguros conquistaram ótimos indicadores. Em ambos, a prevenção parece ter chegado a um limite - em um deles, porque parece impotente para gerar prevenção; no outro, porque foi tão bem-sucedida que parece impossível avançar. Objetivo: evidenciar a contribuição da Ergonomia em prol da segurança, nas situações descritas, suas possibilidades ainda por explorar, entre elas a Ergonomia de concepção na integração homem-máquina (sistemas informatizados). Método: análise comparativa dos achados oriundos de estudos ergonômicos em sistemas de produção com altas taxas de acidentes e sistemas ultrasseguros. Discussão: a análise da atividade dos motofretistas mostrou que existem alternativas de ação ainda não exploradas entre as relações de trabalho desfavoráveis e a percepção de inevitabilidade dos acidentes. Nos sistemas ultrasseguros, o aparente limite pode ser superado com os avanços recentes na análise da ação e cognição situadas e na construção de espaços de debate que permitam o retorno da experiência de campo. Em sistemas informatizados, as práticas de projeto colaborativo, que se valem da experiência dos trabalhadores para alimentar as dinâmicas de aprendizagem e a confiabilidade técnica, são possibilidades ainda pouco praticadas na Engenharia de Segurança.

Analysis of the contribution of ergonomics to the management system and organizational governance

The purpose is To analyze the application of ergonomics in management systems and organizational governance demonstrating the relevance of the potential of its application. The methodology is marked by three major stages. The first is the identification of scientific texts that address the theory of ergonomics. The second is the identification of reports of experiences of application of ergonomics. In the third, the content analysis of the identified scientific texts is carried out and the discussion of the results obtained contributing to organizational theory and practices. The findings come from literature review methods and secondary data from case studies. It concludes that the organizational culture should value the application of ergonomics in projects. The contributions of ergonomics to the management system, compliance and organizational governance are described. The main limitations present in the research are inherent to the chosen methods, that is, the Bibliographic Review does not cover all the possibilities of application of the concepts of ergonomics to the management system and to governance. The conclusions, finally, go through the subjectivity of the researcher in the analysis of the peculiarities of the case studies identified and cited. The main contributions of this work are focused on the support and guidance of organizational practices for the management system and good governance practices. The academic contribution consists of the ergonomic analyzes articulated and aggregated to the management system and organizational governance. Originality is supported by the governance and management system approach under the ergonomics guideline.

Challenges and Opportunities for Human Factors/Ergonomics as a Strategic Partner for Business Managers: In-Depth Research of Experts’ Visions

The potential of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) contributions to business performances is underestimated. Companies have a narrow understanding of ergonomics and do not perceive it as a strategic partner. In order to call for attention within the HFE community and in the business world, the authors conducted a series of interviews with eleven leading HFE experts on their visions of HFE as a strategic aid to business. Results indicate the challenges and issues along with the opportunities and activities for cooperation between HFE professionals and business managers. The research illustrates examples of the crucial changes that must take place for the enhancement of HFE values and opens the floor for it as a strategic partner to business managers. HFE experts are recommended as key players and responsible actors for implementation of the changes with the aim of repositioning HFE within businesses.

A Preliminary Study on Ergonomic Contribution to the Engineering Design Approach of a Wheel Loader Control Lever System

Studies show that heavy machinery operators are exposed to risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases. However, there has yet to be a study investigating the grip analysis of heavy machinery control levers. This preliminary study aims to investigate the grip analysis of a system that emulates the push–pull operations, handle shapes, and resistance of wheel loader control lever systems. The system was designed, analysed, and optimised using Autodesk Inventor 2019 before fabrication and testing. It underwent usability testing for estimated and perceived grip force analysis (ergonomics analysis). The tests measured estimated force using a sensor glove, and perceived force using the Borg CR10 scale. The data were analysed using regression and paired t-tests. The findings suggested that pulling and high resistance factors required higher estimated force (339.50 N) and perceived force (5.625) than pushing and low resistance factors in manoeuvring the system (p < 0.05). The cylindrical handle required more estimated force (339.50 N) but less perceived force (4.5) than the spherical handle due to ergonomic design considerations (p < 0.05). Although there were inaccuracies in force measurement methods, the perceived method was still effective for data collection, since it is challenging to measure grip force in a real situation with heavy machinery. While this study was only a simulation, it provided researchers with ideas that may solve problems in the manipulation of heavy machinery control levers.

The contribution of human factors and ergonomics to the design and delivery of safe future healthcare

Human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) is concerned with the design of work and work systems. There is an increasing appreciation of the value that HF/E can bring to enhancing the quality and safety of care, but the professionalisation of HF/E in healthcare is still in its infancy. In this paper, we set out a vision for HF/E in healthcare based on the work of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), which is the professional body for HF/E in the UK. We consider the contribution of HF/E in design, in digital transformation, in organisational learning and during COVID-19.

Organisational and relational factors that influence return to work and job retention: The contribution of activity ergonomics.

Work is a determinant of employee health, and the same conditions that contribute to an illness do not favour return to work; consequently, they hinder job retention, other employees can become ill and new leaves are generated. To analyse the nursing technicians work in intensive and semi-intensive care units (ICUs and SICUs) and discuss the influence of organisational and relational factors on return to work and job retention. This study also discusses the contributions of activity ergonomics to these processes. Qualitative case study based on ergonomic work analysis (EWA). Data were collected using documentary analyses, and global, systematic, and participant observations involving nursing technicians working in ICUs and SICUs. Task planning and the staff size adjustment to respond to the work demands of these units were ineffective in real-world situations and were aggravated by cases of absenteeism, medical leave, and employees returning to work. Work structure limits return to work and job retention. An EWA based on the activities developed by professionals is a valid tool for understanding working processes by applying transforming actions to real-world work situations.

Development of an ergonomic wearable robotic device for assisting manual workers

Sometimes the automation equipment cannot solve all the problems for industrial enterprises, and human workers cannot be replaced by machines in production activities. The possibility that the workers develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders, while performing high intensity and repetitive installation and commissioning work over a long period of time, is very high. A mechanical design of a passive upper extremities exoskeleton suit to reduce the muscles effort of upper limbs is proposed in this article. Thereby, a decrease in the work-related musculoskeletal disorders risk is expected. To evaluate the ergonomic contribution of the passive upper extremities exoskeleton suit, both static and dynamic tool lift experiments were designed, in which 10 volunteers were asked to participate in the experiments. The surface electromyography is captured from these volunteers to measure the magnitude of muscle output forces that are applied with and then without passive upper extremities exoskeleton suit assistance during the process of manual handling, and the tests are collected for comparison. Results show that there is a significant decrease in the output force and fatigue in deltoid, biceps brachii, and brachioradiali, especially in biceps brachial which is up to 67.8%. The implementation of passive upper extremities exoskeleton suit is not only a benefit to reduce workers’ upper extremities fatigue but also ultimately increase the work efficiency by minimizing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and safety accidents.

Contributions of Ergonomics, Psychological Factors, and Sleep Disturbances to Lower Back Pain Among Taiwanese Workers.

We investigated the contributions of ergonomics, psychological factors, and sleep disturbances to lower back pain (LBP). A nationwide survey of sampled 27,508 (2.6‰) Taiwanese workers was conducted in 2010. Definition of outcome was LBP affecting work performance in the past year. Predictor variables included age, body mass index, ergonomic factors, job control, psychological demands, and sleep disturbances. Mutually adjusted relative risks were examined using general linear models, followed by aPAR. 18,353 workers were included in the multivariate regression model. The three first significant risk factors to LBP included heavy lifting or awkward posture, sleep disturbances, and high psychological demands (aPAR = 13.5%, 8.7%, 5.7% respectively in men and 6.1%, 11.8%, 5.9% in women). In addition to ergonomic exposure, sleep disturbances and high psychological demands significantly contributed to LBP.

The street vendor and working conditions in São Luís (MA): contributions of ergonomics to the environment of informal commerce

The street vendor and working conditions in São Luís (MA): contributions of ergonomics to the environment of informal commerce

Applying ergonomics within the multi-modelling paradigm with an example from multiple UAV control

This article presents a position statement on using ergonomics in conjunction with the multi-modelling paradigm. Multi-modelling is a computational approach to combine models of systems and components for design and simulation of cyber physical systems and systems of systems. Despite potentially significant benefits in terms of more human-centric system modelling, there is limited evidence of the application of ergonomics within multi-modelling. This article presents the case for applying ergonomics within multi-modelling. We open with an introduction to multi-modelling and benefits, applications and gaps for ergonomics in multi-modelling, and of potentially useful models from ergonomics. We then describe a proof-of-concept implementation of ergonomics within a multi-model of UAV control. This demonstrates that as well as user-centred modelling, this approach supports ergonomics in how we can access rich systems models, and the collaborative value of applying ergonomics theory in systems design. Practitioner Summary: Examines multi-modelling, a computational approach for complex modelling, and the contribution of ergonomics. An autonomous UAV test implementation demonstrates the application of ergonomics knowledge for improving design and evaluation processes, and how multi-modelling can give ergonomics access to rich systems models. Abbreviations: ACT-R: adaptive control of thought—rational; API: application programming interface; CFD: computational fluid dynamics; COTS: commerical off the shelf; CPS: cyber-physical system; CT: continuous time; DE: discrete event; DSE: design space exploration; FME: finite element modeling; FMI: functional mock-up interface; FMU: functional mock-up unit; GOMS: goals, operators, methods, selections; HCI: human-computer interaction; IMPRINT: improved performance research integration tool; INTO-CPS: integrated toolchain for cyber-physical system modeling; KLM: keystroke level model; MPC: model-predictive control; SysML: system markup language; SoS: system of system; UAV: unmanned aerial vehicle

Contributions of activity ergonomics to the design of an electronic health record to support collaborative mental care of children and youth: Preliminary results.

The use of electronic health records (EHR) is related to the improvement of service quality and care coordination. The design of this platform generally focuses on the individual use of the system and does not integrate the specific needs of workers to provide support for collaborative activities. The study investigated how activity ergonomics (AE) contributed to improve the design of an EHR that supports the collaborative mental health care of children and youth. This qualitative study, based on the theoretical framework of AE, used individual and group interviews and document analysis as research procedures. The data collection occurred between March and September 2017 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study highlighted the following points: the characteristics that marked the different perceptions of workers regarding the use of a communication tool for collaborative care; the problems related to spreadsheet usability; and the desirable attributes that should be considered in the conception of a new EHR. The research indicated that AE favors improving the design of an EHR by incorporating the work dimension into the project.

Contributions of participatory ergonomics to the involvement of workers in chemical risk prevention projects.

In a context where preventive measures are developed via a functionalist and technological approach, the aim of this work is to set out general principles and methods for new preventive solutions that will enrich these existing measures. We propose an approach centered on the involvement of workers at all hierarchical levels around "intermediary objects" of prevention in order to foster a collective debate. This might provide empowered workers to be actors into their own prevention of risk faced. Observational data was coupled with chemical and physiological measurements. We developed, reworked and enriched the notion of risk representation, which promotes the visibility and recognition of the knowledge built, developed and held by workers on their activities and on ways to protect themselves from dangers or hazards. Implementation of the method generates detailed knowledge of chemical risks, knowledge that is constructed by the workers. This knowledge is made possible by the experience of the body and senses, and becomes accessible via references to the domestic and professional sphere in reflexive activities. The actors get involved and make use of their individual, collective and organizational resources to propose prevention solutionsCONCLUSIONS:Use of intermediate prevention objects in an "intermediate space for dialogue" allows dialogues to be produced and fostered. Ultimately, these spaces are circulating entities for the co-production of knowledge for action: to generate knowledge and innovative prevention solutions collectively.

A psychophysical and questionnaire investigation on the spatial disorientation triggered by cockpit layout and design

This study assessed Taiwanese air force combat jet pilots' ability to cope with spatial disorientation (SD) triggered by cockpit layout and design. The measurement items of psychophysical questionnaire were ranked by 325 air force combat jet pilots. This study prioritized the causes of SD perceived by combat jet pilots resulted from the unfamiliarity with instruments on aircraft undergoing flight training, the aircraft's cockpit canopy and the layout of instruments in the cockpit. A significant difference was found between with-SD experience and without-SD experience subjects' responses from adapting to the size of instruments in the cockpit, and from the helmet-mounted display (HMD). Considerable association was discernible between the position of instruments in the cockpit and combat jet models accrued; as well as between the helmet-mounted display (HMD) and combat jet models accrued. The study identify main cockpit layout and design causing SD of Taiwanese pilots based on combat jet models to eliminate the risk of SD, intensify SD training on preventing SD and provide pilots with skills to anticipate and assess the risk of SD during mission planning, and provide references to the military for future procurement of new aircraft models. Relevance to industryThese results provide important information to the defense manufacturers for designing the cockpit layout of combat jets to prevent SD of specific pilots. Finally, the results show the contribution of ergonomics to support military operational commanders in the design of training and prevention of SD.

The contributions of ergonomics to the production of a chair adapted for children with disabilities

The contributions of ergonomics to the production of a chair adapted for children with disabilities

Supporting farmers’ management of change towards agroecological practices by focusing on their work: a contribution of ergonomics

The public authorities and some agricultural actors wish to develop agroecology to meet the rise of new challenges (impacts of agricultural practices on natural resources in particular). New agricultural work systems are therefore being designed, and are raising questions about the inclusion of farmers’ work in the agroecological transition. Our research-action endeavours to support the development of farmers’ change management. To do so, we implement a reflective tool: the “chronicle of change”, which appears to be an interesting way to initiate an “enabling intervention in change management” with farmers, and to better understand their work system.

The contribution of ergonomics to the effectiveness of the public service: analysis of the implementation of the Electronic Judicial Process (PJe)

The Brazilian Justice, propelled by the benefits that the technological era can bring to the speed of the jurisdictional provision, proposed the implementation of the Electronic Judicial Process (PJe). In this context of demand for effectiveness, this article aims to identify and evaluate comparatively the ergonomics practices versus the recommendations of the theory on the search of the effectiveness of the Brazilian public service. The analysis focuses on the implantation of the PJe in the Brazilian Courts of Justice and the repercussions on the Quality of Work Life, identifying opportunities for the improvement of the results through the development and application of Ergonomics. The methodological strategy included a review of the literature, field observation, unstructured interviews, document analysis and comparative evaluation of theoretical models and practices in the implantation of the PJe. The results obtained were constituted by a chart illustrating the comparison between practices identified in the implantation of the PC and the possible opportunities of Light Improvements of the literature in Ergonomics. It could be observed that, after almost 10 years since the publication of Law 11,419 / 2006, which defined the implantation of the PJe in the Brazilian Judiciary, there are still few studies that consider and implement care regarding the ergonomic risks and the health and safety of the servers.

Human Factors Engineering in the Design of the Socio-Technical System of the Control Room of a New Generation Reactor: Issues Faced During Multistage Validation

This paper deals with the contributions of human factors and ergonomics experts to the design of the control room (CR) of a new generation reactor, our view of the multistage validation (MSV) process, and the issues faced during it. Our approach to MSV was to articulate two points of view: the designers’ point of view (test and explore various design options) and the regulatory authorities’ point of view (validate the performance of the socio-technical system of the CR). To perform this articulation, both tests and validation shared the same method and goals. The main issues faced during this process were to (1) get a coherent and integrated version of the full-scope simulator when the design of the socio-technical system of the CR was still in progress, (2) determine when to stop MSVs, and (3) define a criterion for the sampling of operational conditions. The first issue led us to the conclusion that specific project milestones synchronizing the design of every part of the CR have to be planned early in the project in order to mitigate the risk of delaying whole system tests (WSTs). Regarding the second issue, we advocate that no further WSTs are required when the last modifications brought to the CR design have no significant impact on crews’ activities. Finally, concerning the last issue, we think that performing WSTs in all classes of situations a crew may face during operating the plant is necessary.