Human Factors And Ergonomics Research Articles

Enhanced Decision Support for Multi-Objective Factory Layout Optimization: Integrating Human Well-Being and System Performance Analysis

This paper presents a decision support approach to enable decision-makers to identify no-preference solutions in multi-objective optimization for factory layout planning. Using a set of trade-off solutions for a battery production assembly station, a decision support method is introduced to select three solutions that balance all conflicting objectives, namely, the solution closest to the ideal point, the solution furthest from the nadir point, and the one that is best performing along the ideal nadir vector. To further support decision-making, additional analyses of system performance and worker well-being metrics are integrated. This approach emphasizes balancing operational efficiency with human-centric design, aligning with human factors and ergonomics (HFE) principles and Industry 4.0–5.0. The findings demonstrate that objective decision support based on Pareto front analysis can effectively guide stakeholders in selecting optimal solutions that enhance both system performance and worker well-being. Future work could explore applying this framework with alternative multi-objective optimization algorithms.

Insights in Practice: Success Stories of Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics

Practitioners of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) must frequently adapt to the constraints of organizations, multidisciplinary teams, changing customer requirements, and development lifecycles. Tradeoffs are made in applying techniques and levels of rigor; made to ensure that the highest caliber of HF/E is achieved that is also adoptable and impactful in practice. HF/E professionals, and particularly early career professionals, benefit from positive examples of HF/E practice in a variety of applied settings. In this panel, we will present perspectives and success stories that enable community dialogue about the art of the possible for HF/E in application. Success stories applying HF/E methods and practices at work is a thread deserving of continual discussion to add to the adaptive repertoire of our field and support the next generation of HF/E professionals.

Smart All-Hazard Responses Framework (SARF): Human Factors and Ergonomics Approach

The integration of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) into emergency responses is crucial due to frequent human errors and inadequate human-system interactions which impede effective emergency and disaster management. Therefore, this research aims to develop and validate the Smart All-hazards Response Framework (SARF) that systematically incorporates HFE principles across all aspects of disaster management, from planning through post-response analysis. The framework focuses on reducing human errors, enhancing human-system interactions, and boosting system resilience. The research methodology includes a detailed literature review, the development of the HFE-integrated framework, and rigorous testing through experimental studies and simulations across various scenarios. Key questions address the integration of HFE to optimize system performance and the impact of ergonomic interventions on responder safety in high-risk environments. By advancing a holistic, human-centered approach to emergency and disaster management, this study aims to significantly enhance the effectiveness, safety, and adaptability of responses to all kinds of hazards.

Agent-based simulation of non-urgent egress from mass events in open public spaces

Public mass events require thorough planning on allocating resources such as paramedics, police officers, urban cleaning teams, and their equipment (ambulances, patrol cars, garbage collection trucks, and other urban cleaning vehicles). Testing different scenarios of event venue layout and crowd behavior at the end of an event might be useful to plan the event and said resource allocation.Our main objective is to model the non-urgent egress of participants at the end of an event, with possible applications for event management. That is when some resources are released (police and paramedics) and others are requested (urban cleaning teams).Using the agent-based GAMA platform, we implemented a spatially explicit simulation model upon an extension of the Social Force Model that considers group behavior, and a novel implementation of the “social retention” phenomenon, to simulate non-urgent egress from public space mass gathering events. Focus groups with architecture, geography, and urban ergonomics experts were conducted for face validation and improvement of the model.We present the outcome of a series of simulations of a scenario mimicking a real-life music event that took place in a square in downtown Lisbon, Portugal. Cell phone data captured during the event was used to calibrate the model. We analyzed model performance when the number of pedestrian agents increases, to assess the feasibility of using our approach in participatory discussions with stakeholders responsible for resources management.On average, the egress evolution obtained in the simulations fit well with the evolution of cell phone counts captured during the event. The behavior of groups of agents evidenced real-life phenomena, such as the persistence of group cohesion and repulsion interactions (both with architectural obstacles and other agents).Model performance degradation with the increasing number of agents may hamper the usage of this model/platform for participatory meetings, due to the incurred delay in obtaining results. To mitigate this problem, we plan to explore parallelization strategies for agent-based simulation, such as using GPUs.

World Trends in Dental Ergonomics Research: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Dental ergonomics provides an overview of dentists' work efficiency. The objective of this study was to obtain quantitative information and produce a visualization of the network of scientific publications on the topic of ergonomics and dentistry using bibliometric analysis. Data mining was conducted using the Scopus database and Boolean expressions (ergonom* AND dentist*) on 14 April 2023. Data extraction and analysis were performed using Open Refine version 3.5.2., VOSviewer version 1.6.17., VOSviewer thesaurus, Microsoft Excel, and Tableau Professional version 2020.1.2. A total of 682 documents were identified, with the United States having the largest number of documents and citations (89 documents, 1321 citations). Work, Dentistry Today, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health were the top three sources. Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are two of the very prominent keywords, with research topics covering prevalence, causes, factors related to causes, prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, evaluation, and intervention. There was no research on ergonomic interventions that collaborated with human factors and ergonomics (HFE). We conclude that the trending topic of dental ergonomics research topics around the world is centered on MSDs. The future research challenge is to apply HFE science to improve the health, safety, efficiency, and quality of dentists' work.

Improved REBA: deep learning based rapid entire body risk assessment for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders

Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is crucial in reducing their impact on individuals and society. However, the existing mainstream 2D image-based approach is insufficient in capturing the complex 3D movements and postures involved in many occupational tasks. To address this, an improved deep learning-based rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method has been proposed. The method takes working videos as input and automatically outputs the corresponding REBA score through 3D pose reconstruction. The proposed method achieves an average precision of 94.7% on real-world data, which is comparable to that of ergonomic experts. Furthermore, the method has the potential to be applied across a wide range of industries as it has demonstrated good generalisation in multiple scenarios. The proposed method offers a promising solution for automated and accurate risk assessment of WMSDs, with implications for various industries to ensure the safety and well-being of workers.

Estimating the impact of label design on reducing the risk of medication errors by applying HEART in drug administration

Medication errors are one of the biggest problems in healthcare. The medicines’ poor labelling design (i.e. look-alike labels) is a well-recognised risk for potential confusion, wrong administration, and patient damage. Human factors and ergonomics (HFE) encourages the human-centred design of system elements, which might reduce medication errors and improve people’s well-being and system performance.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is twofold: (i) to use a human reliability analysis technique to evaluate a medication administration task within a simulated scenario of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and (ii) to estimate the impact of a human-centred design (HCD) label in medication administration compared to a look-alike (LA) label.MethodThis paper used a modified version of the human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART) to analyse a medication administration task in a simulated NICU scenario. The modified technique involved expert nurses quantifying the likelihood of unreliability of a task and rating the conditions, including medicine labels, which most affect the successful completion of the task.ResultsFindings suggest that error producing conditions (EPCs), such as a shortage of time available for error detection and correction, no independent checking of output, and distractions, might increase human error probability (HEP) in administering medications. Results also showed that the assessed HEP and the relative percentage of contribution to unreliability reduced by more than 40% when the HCD label was evaluated compared to the LA label.ConclusionIncluding labelling design based on HFE might help increase human reliability when administering medications under critical conditions.

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Fleishman Job Analysis Survey (FJAS).

Job analysis is one of the most important and widely used processes to determine job duties, identify and reduce potential risks, and specify the skills and facilities required for each job at the highest level of occupational safety and health. This study aimed to perform psychometric analyses of the Persian version of the Fleishman Job Analysis Survey (FJAS). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 31 drivers. Participants were selected by random sampling. Ten occupational health and ergonomics experts confirmed the validity of the survey. First, we calculated the survey's CVR and CVI. Then, we used ICC and Cronbach's alpha coefficients to evaluate the survey's reliability. Data analysis utilized SPSS 21. 78% of the participants were male and 22% were female. The mean age±SD of the participants was 39.1±11.82 years. The reliability and validity of the short version survey showed that the value of ICC and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.96, and CVR was 0.75. Moreover, the values of CVI for simplicity, clarity, and relevance were 0.87, 1, and 0.73, respectively. The long version's ICC and CVR were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Simplicity, clarity, and relevance CVI scores were 0.9, 0.94, and 0.95. The results of this study showed that the Persian version of the Fleischman Job Analysis Survey has the necessary validity and reliability for job analysis, so it can be used for driving professional or research purposes. Moreover, this survey is an effective tool for obtaining accurate and complete knowledge of job tasks and requirements.

Re-Design Sistem Parkir Berbasis Internet of Things Melalui Pendekatan Ergonomic Partisipatory

The interesting idea of a Smart City can be realized by developing conventional things into more effective and efficient innovations with the Internet of Things (IoT). Parking is one of the most crucial needs in the most city in Indonesia. The large number of vehicles, inefficient parking systems, and about existing parking system in Indonesia. This research aims to redesign an ergonomic, modern and solution parking system to effectively reduce parking problems in Indonesia. VOC was obtained through a questionnaire distributed to parking lot users at FTI UII and Pakuwon Mall to determine consumer needs as an initial database for data processing using the QFD and HOQ methods. Then Usability testing was carried out on the UI prototype of the proposed parking application which had been designed as material for evaluating and developing a parking system based on 3 ISO attributes. Next, the results of the iteration based on the previous method are repeated to achieve optimal product design through an ergonomic participatory FGD approach with stake holders and ergonomic experts. The final iteration results were agreed as a proposed parking system to answer the problems and challenges of the Smart City concept.

Human work in the shift to Industry 4.0: a road map to the management of technological changes in manufacturing

The fourth industrial revolution tempts manufacturing companies to transform into smart factories, which in turn affects the human work. We examine this complexity from the perspective of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) by analysing the organisational capabilities needed when seeking and selecting new technology solutions, and designing and implementing them into local application. This qualitative study focuses on manufacturing companies that have pioneered adopting high technologies in their processes. Empirical material was collected from 15 Finnish manufacturing companies of different sizes. Particular attention is paid to how HF/E are present when companies (1) sense new opportunities for technological development of their production, (2) seise these opportunities through design actions, and (3) shift the solutions into use. Analyses revealed that companies, regardless of their size and the technology being implemented, do not fully understand the fundamentals and value of HF/E, resulting in technology and production-oriented solutions in which human skills and capabilities are often neglected. A novel road map is proposed for integrating HF/E expertise and knowledge when seeking, selecting, and utilising new production technologies. This study increases understanding of the role of HF/E when adopting new technologies in manufacturing. The road map improves possibilities for fact-based decision-making.

A day in the life of a home care worker in England: A human factors systems perspective

The delivery of home care in England is explored with respect to (a) the work system (b) the barriers that challenge worker performance, and most importantly (c) whether these barriers impact the quality and safety of the care received by older adults. Data were collected using surveys and interviews with home care workers (n = 11). The analysis used two validated Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) models to map the data which identified three key performance barriers; (1) time factors, (2) organisational practices, and (3) job design. Adaptive behaviour was identified as being routine to manage time barriers, which resulted in trade-offs between care outcomes (delivery), quality and safety standards and work-related quality of life. The findings make an important contribution to the limited research literature on home care work by highlighting the opportunity for an HFE systems perspective to provide a novel approach for both understanding home care and building better home care systems.

Significance of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE): Mediating Its Role Between Industry 4.0 Implementation and Operational Excellence

The inception of advanced manufacturing technologies has led to a drastic increase in competition. The concept of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is coined by Germany during the Hannover fair in the year 2011 to handle the manufacturing complexities and dynamic customer demands. Unparalleled benefits of I4.0 implementation have urged the industries to work in this direction. There is a plethora of research available in the context of I4.0 technologies but its implementation, human factors, and ergonomics aspects are not so much explored and still under investigation. In the proposed research, factors affecting the I4.0 implementation are identified through an extensive literature review. Research questions and the hypotheses are formulated. The questionnaire is prepared; area experts from industries are contacted to collect the responses. Data is collected from 471 manufacturing industries. AMOS 22.0 is used to test the hypotheses. All factors including production and operations management, organizational and procedural are found to affect I4.0 implementation significantly. Also, human factors and ergonomics are found to mediate the relationship between I4.0 implementation and operational excellence. Practical implications to industrial managers and practitioners have been discussed. This will help them to analyze the bottlenecks and assess the organization's readiness toward the I4.0 implementation.

A Systematic Review of Ergonomics Risk Assessment Methods for Pushing and Pulling Activities at Workplace

It is vital to assess workplace pushing and pulling (PP) activities to manage musculoskeletal injuries among employees. However, there is still no clearly-suited risk assessment method. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of risk assessment methods for PP activities at the workplace. Thus, the review employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two primary journal databases were searched, namely Scopus and Science Direct. Furthermore, to ensure the robustness of the study, the searches were expended via handpicking, snowball identification, and consultation with ergonomics experts. Atlas.ti version 8 software was used to analyse the identified articles thematically. The search resulted in nine articles eligible for the systematic analysis. From the articles, six assessment methods used force measurement as the main indicators, while three assessment methods used the weight of the load as measurement indicators. The assessment tools did not cover all the risk factors for PP activities. Besides, there was a lack of evidence showing the assessment tools or methods' reliability, validity, and usability. This systematic review highlighted the advantages and limitations of existing assessment methods, and no one method fits all. The findings showed that the assessment methods for PP activities still needed a force measurement and did not cover all the significant risk factors associated with PP. In addition, no clarifications were presented regarding the assessment methods’ reliability, validity, and applicability.

How can human factors close the gender data gap?

AbstractThis commentary paper will describe how the discipline of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) can help to close the gender data gap, which is prevalent across many domains and arises due to a lack of data capturing female metrics and viewpoints. HFE is a domain‐independent discipline that seeks to understand human performance and well‐being with respect to the interactions that humans engage in and the environments that they inhabit. HFE therefore presents an opportunity to understand how gender influences human performance, effective design, social interactions, and environmental factors. This paper argues that a sociotechnical systems approach is essential when reviewing equality, diversity, and inclusivity issues, without which attempts to close the gender data gap will not go far enough. Following the sociotechnical systems approach in HFE, the micro‐, meso‐, and macro‐levels of system design with respect to closing the gender data gap are reviewed. We discuss these issues in relation to a case study example of a crash test dummy. A checklist approach for researchers is presented, which identifies key questions that prompt where gender should be considered in the research process across these levels of sociotechnical systems.

Human Factors Issues and Trends in Offshore Operational Environments

What is the evolving role of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) practitioners in the design of increasingly automated offshore and maritime work environments? This panel will highlight technological trends transforming operational paradigms in the maritime sector, specifically, offshore energy production and shipping, in relation to HF/E and work environment design. The panel will be a discussion hosted by the Environmental Design Technical Group in collaboration with the Safety Technical Group and the Society of Petroleum Engineers Human Factors Technical Section. Panelists include three experts from industry and academia. Discussion participants will include HFES attendees in the audience including industry practitioners, students, and members from academia and government agencies. The discussion will begin with brief presentations by each panelist on the state-of-the-science of HF/E practice in offshore operational environments and emerging trends related to automation, remote supervisory control and related HF/E challenges, and followed by a moderated question and answer forum.

Experiences with Postdoctoral Training in Human Factors: Mentor and Trainee Perspectives

Postdoctoral training positions are becoming more common in the human factors and ergonomics (HFE) discipline. However, conversations related to training in the HFE discipline have largely focused on undergraduate and graduate education. This panel assembles both postdoctoral mentors and former trainees who collectively have a diverse set of HFE-related postdoctoral experiences. By panelists discussing their experiences, observations, and recommendations related to postdoctoral training with the audience, the panel session will support HFE faculty and students in making more informed decisions about if and how a postdoctoral experience (either as a mentor or trainee) could be a part of their career development in HFE.

Towards Building a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Society: Interactive Sessions with the HFES Csouncil of Affinity Group (COAG) Leads

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) professionals, as part of their job, are required to consider the differences and varying perspectives of their human stakeholders (e.g., users, customers, teammates, sponsors). Beyond the performance of purely HF/E methodologies, practicing empathy and engaging with affinity groups (AGs) are recognized methods for researchers, designers, engineers, or product managers to achieve such understanding. In this two-part panel, the leaders of AGs and of the Council of Affinity Group (COAG) of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) will engage with the audience in conversational and interactive sessions aimed at both discussing and practicing empathy and engagement with community groups including AGs. The first session will be focused on experiential learning through interactive exercises. The second session will be reflective in nature and oriented toward follow-on actions and behavior change within and outside HFES. The sessions are expected to promote DEI in our HFES community and beyond. Discussion time: Two sessions (90 minutes each), one at the beginning of the conference and the second toward the end of the conference.

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Interactions for Fleet HumanRobot Interaction: Insights from Field Testing

A growing number of domains for Human-Robot and Human-Machine Interactions (HRI/HMI) will involve fleets of autonomous machines. In these fleet environments, robots will encounter not just primary interactors in one-on-one encounters, but also secondary, and even tertiary ones who are bystanders to direct human-to-robot interactions. Thus, the interaction paradigms used by such robots may need to be reconsidered to meet a growing diversity of interactions as fleet HRI/HMI applications continue to grow. Relying on use cases from field testing in mock urban environments, the purpose of this paper is to discuss our lessons learned when supporting multiple “layers” of interactors and how they relate to needs that Human Factors and Ergonomic (HF/E) science can help to address.

Environmental Sustainability, Electronics, and Ergonomics: A Tale of Two Continents

What does the overdependence on electronic and electrical appliances in the US have to do with migrant workers in West Africa? What is the relevance and role of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) research and practice in this context? This discussion panel will: (i) explore the nexus between electrical and electronic appliance waste (e-waste) – of which the US and other developed countries are a major contributor – and the disproportionate environmental and occupational health burden placed on emerging countries such as Ghana, and (ii) examine how corporations are responding by intentional paradigm shifts in sustainability, circularity, supply chain transparency, and product life-cycle management spanning raw material sourcing to recycling and reuse. This panel will be a social impact discussion hosted by the HFES Environmental Design Technical Group in collaboration with the HFES Sustainability Task Force and the IEA Technical Committee on Informal Work, with panelists from academia and industry.

AULA Outperforms RULA in Evaluating MSD Risks of Oyster Mushroom Farmers: Implications for Safer Farming Practices

This study aims to compare the suitability of two ergonomic evaluation tools, AULA and RULA, in assessing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) potential risks in oyster mushroom farmers. The evaluation was based on 26 activities involved in the oyster mushroom cultivation process, observed in four farms in Lempake Samarinda, and assessed by 12 experienced experts in ergonomics, safety and health, and agriculture. The hit rate and quadratic weighted κ were used to compare the two methods. The results showed that AULA has a higher hit rate and Kappa value than RULA, indicating a moderate level of agreement and greater suitability for evaluating WMSDs of oyster mushroom farmers in Samarinda. This finding has implications for improving the safety and health of farmers in the agriculture sector.