Industrial Ergonomics Research Articles

Participatory workspace design: A new approach for ergonomists?

Ergonomics are rarely addressed directly in the design and re-design of industrial workspaces in Denmark. Often architects, engineers and other actors design the workspaces on the basis of for example spatial, technological or financial considerations, thereby making industrial ergonomics a by-product of the design process. However, by introducing ergonomists in the role of ‘workspace designers’ early in the design process, ergonomic considerations as well as the involvement of employees, can be integrated in the design process. In this article we demonstrate the use of the workspace design approach in a case study where an industrial manufacturer is undergoing a major technological change: going from labour intensive manual work to a highly automated production. The workspace design team, which included the company's OHS consultant, designed the intervention as a participatory design process by using visually based methods such as workbooks, layout workshops and use scenarios. Employees, management and external design engineers alike took actively part in the design process. The general outcome of the intervention was some very concrete changes in the proposed design layout, an enhanced clarity of the production procedures in the new plant, and an identification of potential future ergonomic problems. This case study indicates that workspace design can be a new approach for OHS consultants.

Integrating ergonomics into production system development – The Volvo Powertrain case

Understanding the barriers and assists to integrating ergonomics into production system design remains a research issue. An action research case study at Volvo Powertrain/Sweden was conducted. Researchers worked collaboratively with the firm in efforts to improve the company's ability to handle ergonomics in their daily work of improving and developing production systems. Researchers observed and reflected collectively on the change process using field notes and recordings to support their observations. Observed integration barriers included both individual level issues like life events, and organisational aspects such as communication barriers between groups or assignment of tasks to people not involved in decision-making. Observed assists included the ‘political reflective navigation’ (c.f. Broberg, O., Hermund, I., 2004. The OHS consultant as a ‘political reflective navigator’ in technological change processes. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 33 (4), 315–326) by the project owner to find new ways to overcome barriers and anchor ergonomics into the organisation. While special ‘ergonomics’ groups did not survive long, progress was observed in including ergonomics in regular design groups. A cross-functional workshop that fostered discussion across organisational boundaries helped shift focus from retrofitting systems to future production systems and improve engagement of engineering teams. Progress was marked by both success and setbacks and full integration appears to require more than 2 years time. It is concluded that support by senior managers should include succession planning for personnel that are key to the change effort.

Rehabilitation Ergonomics: The Clinical Utility of Ergonomic Tools and Methodology

The process of rehabilitation, accommodation and return-to-work entails an assessment of a patient's ability to engage in work activities, an analysis of job demands and the matching of these elements to determine whether the individual and the job are compatible. The process involves numerous stakeholders, whereby ergonomists may analyze the demands of the job, clinicians may assess the individual's abilities and the matching is conducted as a joint effort. The success of the joint effort depends on the communication between several professional disciplines. To improve the communication we need tools that advance the decision making. The process of ‘ergonomics for one’ requires tools and methodologies of sufficient resolution to address the individual's needs. From the ergo-nomist's perspective, do we have tools that support clinical decision making regarding the ability of an individual patient to return to work? Similarly, does the ergonomist have tools to assist in adapting the job to the individual's abilities? The session is aimed for practitioners involved in industrial ergonomics as well as rehabilitation. The panel will examine several attempts to address these questions conceptually or practically, limiting the scope of the discussion to rehabilitation and accommodations of physical impairments. The goal of the session is to identify areas and directions that need further research and development.

The Red-Line of Workload: Theory, Research, and Design

Multi-tasking is now ubiquitous component of our lives; despite the fact that we all can cite an incident where multi-tasking put us in a difficult situation. The reason so many of us do multi-task is that most of the time we are capable of effective dual task performance. Hart and Wickens (2008) have defined the point where one traverses safe and effective multi-tasking to dangerous and ineffective multi-tasking as the “red-line” of workload. In this panel, we will discuss this “red-line” of workload from the theoretical, empirical, and practical viewpoints. To that end, we first examine what theories of attention can help guide empiric search for this red line and where these theories must be expanded with further research. The greatest need is research that will allow human factors practitioners to identify the red line of workload before a system has been developed. One approach to achieving this research is to leverage the approach of industrial ergonomics, which has successfully defined physical workload limits by using data from safety incidents. Another avenue of research to be discussed is that which will lead to refinement of our theories and understanding of cognitive function to improve our ability to predict the red line. Next we move to the problem of evaluating systems to ensure that the red line of workload is not crossed. In particular, we will discuss the possibility of using task analysis, specifically, CPM-GOMS to predict if a system design will lead to excessive workload. Finally, we present two system design strategies for maintaining a cognitive workload that is below the red-line. The first of these is an adaptive automation using eye-tracking to reduce screen clutter when it appears workload has become so high an error may occur. The second design strategy presents four research based design principles for reducing workload to acceptable levels.

Industrial and occupational ergonomics in the petrochemical process industry: A regression trees approach

This work is an attempt to apply classification tree methods to data regarding accidents in a medium-sized refinery, so as to identify the important relationships between the variables, which can be considered as decision-making rules when adopting any measures for improvement. The results obtained using the CART ( Classification And Regression Trees) method proved to be the most precise and, in general, they are encouraging concerning the use of tree diagrams as preliminary explorative techniques for the assessment of the ergonomic, management and operational parameters which influence high accident risk situations. The Occupational Injury analysis carried out in this paper was planned as a dynamic process and can be repeated systematically. The CART technique, which considers a very wide set of objective and predictive variables, shows new cause–effect correlations in occupational safety which had never been previously described, highlighting possible injury risk groups and supporting decision-making in these areas. The use of classification trees must not, however, be seen as an attempt to supplant other techniques, but as a complementary method which can be integrated into traditional types of analysis.

Using Ergonomics in the Printing Industry

Using Ergonomics in the Printing Industry

Indonesia ergonomics roadmap: where we are going?

There are so many definitions for ergonomics terms such as human factors, human factors engineering, human engineering, human factors psychology, engineering psychology, applied ergonomics, occupational ergonomics, industrial ergonomics and industrial engineering. The most inclusive terms are ergonomics and human factors. Both represent the study of work and the interaction between people and their work environmental systems. The main objective is especially fitting with the need to design, develop, implement and evaluate human-machine and environment systems that are productive, comfortable, safe and satisfying to use. The work of the ergonomists in Indonesia--most of them are academicians--have one thing in common, i.e. with the appropriate type of ergonomic approaches to interventions; there would be improvements in productivity, quality of working conditions, occupational safety and health (OSH), costs reduction, better environment, and increase in profits. So many researches, training, seminars and socialization about ergonomics and OSH have been done concerning micro-to-macro themes; but it seems that we are practically still running at the same place up to now. In facts, workers are still working using their traditional or obsolete methods in poor working conditions. Accidents are still happening inside and outside industry with the main root-cause being human "unsafe behavior" and errors. Industrial products cannot compete in the global market, and so many manufacturing industries collapsed or relocated to foreign countries. This paper discusses such a roadmap and review what we ergonomists in Indonesia have done and where we are going to? This review will be treated in the field of ergonomics and OSH to take care the future Indonesia challenges. Some of the challenges faced are care for the workers, care for the people, care for the quality and productivity of work, care for the new advanced technologies, care for the environment, and last but not least care for the nation.

The effect of page layout on mental workload: A dual-task experiment

In two dual-task experiments, the effects of page layout on mental workload were explored. Previous studies indicate that it is preferable to present a text document on paper than to display it on a computer screen (e.g. Mayes, D. K., Sims, V. K., & Koonce, J. M. (2001). Comprehension and workload differences for VDT and paper-based reading. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 28(6), 367–378; Wastlund, E., Reinikka, H., Norlander, T., & Archer, T. (2005). Effects of VDT and paper presentation on consumption and production of information: Psychological and physiological factors. Computers in Human Behavior, 21, 377–394). However, critics have advocated improper matching of the materials between the two media as a confounding variable e.g. (Noyes, J. M., & Garland, K. J. (2003). VDT versus paper-based text: reply to Mayes, Sims and Koonce. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 31(6), 411–423). The focus of the present study has been to take one such variable, page layout, and then isolate and replicate it onscreen in order to assess its affect on user performance. The results of the present experiments showed that optimizing the page layout for onscreen viewing decreased mental workload. This not only confirms the importance of matching all aspects of the presentational modes in doing paper vs. computer comparisons, but also shows that reading from a computer screen can be facilitated by creating documents with a page layout that is adapted to the screen which they are intended to be presented on.

Effects of vibration on grip and push force-recall performance

Comprehensive assessments of health risks associated with the operation of vibratory tools should include evaluations of hand–tool coupling forces. The use of hand-force instrumentation in field applications can be difficult and expensive. A previous study (McDowell, T.W., Wiker, S.F., Dong, R.G., Welcome, D.E., Schopper, A.W., 2006. Evaluation of psychometric estimates of vibratory hand–tool grip and push forces. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 36(2), 119–128.) examined various combinations of handle vibration frequencies and grip and push force levels upon one's ability to recall those forces using psychophysical methods. The results of that study were promising. The present study is a follow-up experiment that further investigated the potential for using psychophysical force-recall methods to estimate grip and push forces when operating powered hand tools. In this experiment, 20 subjects (10 male, 10 female) grasped and pushed an instrumented handle for 45 s at one of three force levels while it vibrated sinusoidally at one of four frequencies (16, 31.5, 63, or 125 Hz) or with no vibration. Unlike the first study, two levels of vibration magnitude were examined along with gender differences. This study further clarifies relationships between vibration exposure characteristics and their effects on grip and push force-recall performance. Vibration exposure conditions and other influential factors can be accounted for in enhanced force-recall methodologies that can be incorporated into a variety of workplace exposure assessment applications. Relevance to industry Workers who are repeatedly exposed to intense hand-transmitted vibration are at risk of developing health problems. To better assess these health risks, hand–tool coupling forces should be evaluated. A refined psychophysical force-recall technique may be a practical alternative to expensive or fragile instrumentation. Before such a method is proposed for laboratory or field applications, an understanding of vibration effects upon force-recall performance must first be explored.

Knowledge management for occupational safety, health, and ergonomics

AbstractThe critical challenge for occupational safety, health, and ergonomics (OSHE) in contemporary industry is management of the existing individual (personal) knowledge, structural knowledge (i.e., knowledge codified into manuals, reports, databases, and data warehouses), and organizational knowledge (activity of learning within the organization) in the vast domain of practical applications. Therefore, the principles and tools of knowledge management (KM) should be used to facilitate the management of OSHE. The authors discuss the requirements for effective knowledge management, review the existing models of KM and their structures, and introduce a model for KM in OSHE. The proposed model of KM for OSHE is based on a strategy that establishes knowledge as the central resource to achieve the goals of OSHE management. The model includes the systems of organizational knowledge, organizational learning (knowledge creation, distribution, elaboration, and consolidation), development of knowledge workers, KM processes (review, conceptualization, reflection, and acting), and relevant information‐technologies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 309–319, 2006.

Musculoskeletal ill health amongst cleaners and recommendations for work organisational change

This paper presents findings from an investigation into the musculoskeletal health of UK cleaners. It focuses on cleaning work organisation and practises, and recommendations for supervisors and managers to work with cleaners to reduce health and workplace problems. Questionnaire surveys of 1216 cleaners throughout the UK, 130 assessments of cleaning tasks and interviews with 38 cleaners at 9 workplaces were undertaken to identify potential risk factors for musculoskeletal ill health. Based on the findings of this participative study and previous research [e.g. Krüger et al., 1997. Risk Assessment and Preventive Strategies in Cleaning Work. Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Bremerhaven], recommendations were presented to groups of cleaning supervisors, managers, trainers, designers and manufacturers to ensure that advice provided for reducing musculoskeletal ill health was practical for the industry. The recommendations related to work organisational change (i.e. work scheduling and work practises such as teamwork and job extension, communication/social support networks) and organisational strategies (i.e. reporting systems for musculoskeletal ill heath; procedures for risk assessment; training programme design; equipment selection; maintenance procedures; workplace changes). This paper concentrates on only one part of the work system that influences musculoskeletal health; recommendations on musculoskeletal health and cleaning equipment design/use are reported elsewhere [Woods and Buckle, 2005. An investigation into the design and use of workplace cleaning equipment. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 35, 247–266; Woods et al., 1999. Musculoskeletal Health of Cleaners. HSE Books, Suffolk.]. Relevance to industry Cleaning is important, physically demanding, labour-intensive work, conducted by millions worldwide. Managers and supervisors should work with staff to improve organisation of cleaning to ensure better musculoskeletal health. The importance of organisational changes must be recognised by others in the industry (e.g. employers, contract cleaning managers, training organisations, manufacturers).

Evaluating the industrial ergonomics of service quality for online recruitment websites

In this current economic climate, many people are searching for jobs with Internet-based (online) recruitment service providers. In order to serve as a viable source of help for these people and ultimately maintain the satisfaction of industrial employers—their paying customers, online recruitment websites should strive to achieve a high level of service quality for the job seekers. The current research (1) proposes an evaluation tool to assist online recruitment websites in quantifying service quality and (2) examines the relationship between service quality and measures of mental workload and performance time. Results suggest a central role for performance time and mental workload on perceptions of service quality. Key elements of service quality for Internet-based job recruitment are provided based on the results and are shown in contrast with those suggested as traditional measures of service quality. Relevance to industry Time and mental workload required to complete job recruitment tasks with Internet-based service providers can significantly impact overall service quality evaluations. Thus, they should be monitored and benchmarked when possible, as poor service quality perceptions can ultimately impact employers’ willingness to subscribe. General service quality, accuracy/efficiency and interface are defined.

Industrial Ergonomics Tool Use by Certified Professional Ergonomists

A survey of Certified Professional Ergonomists (CPEs) was conducted to gather information on the types of basic tools, direct and observational measurement techniques, and software used by practitioners. The results of the industrial ergonomics tools are reported here. A high percentage of respondents reported using tape measures, video cameras, stopwatches and digital cameras. The most commonly used observational methods were those involving manual materials handling, whereas the most commonly used direct measurement tools were pinch and grip dynamometers and push/pull gauges. The type of checklists, software, and anthropometric data used also are summarized, and potential reasons for use, or lack of, are discussed.

A Petri Net-based approach for ergonomic task analysis and modeling with emphasis on adaptation to system changes

Task analysis has been extensively used in industrial ergonomics in order to identify system demands and operator plans for achieving goals and coping with high workload. On the other hand, computer modeling has been used for simulating human–machine interactions under a range of conditions, such as changes in task allocation, team structure, operating procedures and system events. To integrate task analysis and computer modeling, a new technique is proposed that utilizes Coloured Petri Nets. The proposed technique has been developed on the basis of 12 requirements reflecting aspects of task representation, control and decision making, and usability. A Petri Net notation of tasks and a classification of Petri Net-based plans are first introduced. This article is mainly concerned with the development of routines for making task sequences and plans adaptable to system changes that could give rise to task interruptions, changes in goal priorities, changes in task allocation, high workload and human errors. An evaluation follows on the basis of the specified requirements for task analysis and task modeling. Relevance for the industry: Task analysis and task modeling are important for matching systems demands to operator capabilities. New computer modeling approaches, including Petri Nets, can simulate human–machine interactions under a range of conditions, such as technology innovations, changes in team structure, different allocation of tasks, and high workload.

Why Does Dilbert, the Far Side, and other Cartoons Convey Essential Truths about Human Factors and Ergonomics?

The purpose of this panel session is to explore how cartoons have been used to teach and discuss essential truths about human factors and ergonomics. Naturally, we hope to have fun too. Human factors and ergonomics is often much too serious. Educators and non-educators alike should enjoy the material. Numerous philosophical and practical issues are likely to emerge as the session evolves. The audience, we hope, will be an active participant in the laughter and discussion. Each panelist has been invited to open their lecture files and share their favorite cartoons about a variety of topics such as office ergonomics (see, e.g., Dilbert), aviation displays and controls (see, e.g., the Far Side), industrial ergonomics, human-computer interaction, information design, human error, transportation human factors, medical systems, and so forth. Each panelist brings a unique research and experiential perspective to the panel. For example, a variety of nationalities including the U.K., Canada, Australia, and the U.S. are represented. In addition, panelists will be invited to discuss a number of deeper issues. Are cartoons a useful teaching tool? Can a quiet class be roused from their slumber by the use of visual humor? Is there a best way to introduce or use a cartoon in a lecture? What copyright issues surround the use of cartoons for educational use? Why do we laugh (or cry) at cartoons that succinctly capture poor design in human factors and ergonomics? Can the sting of a poor design evaluation be moderated by the use of humor?

Ergonomics in wearable computer design

Due to the rapid growth and development of virtual reality (VR) applications and their associated hardware, the personal computer (PC) will become a tool of daily-use in the 21st century. By combining PC with VR technology and telecommunications, the stage is set for the creation of a new type of ready-to-wear PC. Although wearable computers are merely concepts, it is now time to begin integrating ergonomics into wearable computer design. The key to design such new products is the inclusion of ergonomics at various stages throughout the design process, beginning at a very early stage. Therefore, this paper describes a wearable computer design through an ergonomic approach to ensure an appropriate interface relationship between the computer and the user. The methodology by which design problems were analyzed and solutions were developed will be described in this paper, as well as some of the engineering features that made the final design possible. Relevance to industry The application of industrial design and ergonomics to consumer products has been well established. However, their application to high-technology products is less common. This paper has presented a user/tool/task model that is useful for product design purposes. It is our hope that the ergonomics approach and applications summarized in this paper will serve as guidelines in the process of industrial designs.

Ergonomics in the past and the future: from a German perspective to an international one

Looking at the past there are more or less fragmented approaches in ergonomics as well as in management. Especially in Germany, the ‘Lean Management wave’ weakened ergonomics in industry. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for holistic concepts—and ergonomics can by definition be understood as holistic. Many of the newer approaches in management include ODAM or macroergonomics elements. In building up a stronger relationship between macro- and micro-ergonomics, the whole discipline could be promoted. This also requires the fulfilment of some preconditions like systematically gathering and presenting ‘best practices’, which show that ergonomics pays off.

The Effect of Age on Satisfaction of Workplace Ergonomics in the Metal Industry

In this study the satisfaction with workplace ergonomics among different aged workers are compared to the researchers' observations. A U-shaped relation described the satisfaction of different age groups with the dimensions of the workplace and the physical load of the work. The oldest workers seemed to be “over satisfied” with the dimension of the workplace, the variability of the work and the repetitive work tasks compared to the researchers' assessment.

Community Ergonomics and Quality Work Design in the 21st Century

Community ergonomics (CE) was first described as a process to implement useful solutions for very poor inner city communities in the US. Its central feature is the creation of implemented solutions to meet target purposes and aspirations of participants in an effort to improve something. The CE process is based upon notions of industrial engineering, human factors and ergonomics, behavioural cybernetics, and Breakthrough Thinking™. Naturally, it is a process well-suited for the work environment and can help to discern both the need for better work design and the opportunity for quality of life improvement through stage-dependant, purpose driven solutions. Design solutions vary across and within industries depending upon unique circumstances of individuals, technology, task demands, work environment, and organizational structure. It is the process of people and resources interacting in a structured manner over a period of time that leads to logical target solutions and purposeful achievement. The CE process can be effectively applied to the work setting where manual labour tasks can exact a high physical toll on employees, especially in the face of decreasing resources. The purpose of the application is to demonstrate that CE can redesign tasks and use of tools and technology to improve efficiency while enhancing the safety and health of employees.

ANNIE: Standard Bio-Mechanics and Cognitive Models for Computer Aided Ergonomics

Realistic simulation of the human behaviour plays a primary role in modern industrial ergonomics. The approaches commonly used in movement modelling, are based on traditional bioinspired strategies, that do not involve the intrinsic variability, due to subjective perception of the contextual quantities. For these purposes, a data driven approach based on a collection of physical experiment, capable of grasping the natural essence of the human movements, has been developed and it is herewith presented Motion analysers, artificial neural networks and open CAD environments have been involved to produce a toolset to perform virtual experiment through the human motion simulation, fully integrated with a methodology Results carried out investigating specific industrial scenarios are also presented.