计算机辅助人机工程研究进展

对计算机辅助人机工程的最新研究范畴、发展及现状进行概述，并在总结实际项目经验的基础上指出了其在实际应用中存在的问题．从方法学、面向人机工程应用的计算机技术及人机工程软件三个方面对计算机辅助人机工程的研究进展进行详细论述，最后指出其发展趋势．     

Establishing ergonomics in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

In this paper a summary of the Chinese Ergonomics Society (CES) is introduced. The main ergonomics institutions in China re presented. Some important research projects that are being or have been investigated are mentioned. The teaching of ergonomics in Chinese universities is described. Several titles of publications written by Chinese ergonomists are listed. The characteristics of the ergonomic situation in China are discussed.     

Developing national ergonomics standards for Thai industry

This paper reports activities initiated by the Thai Government and its Technical Committee on Ergonomics Standards (TC 887) to develop national ergonomics standards for Thai industry. The main objective is to promote ergonomics practice by disseminating recommended ergonomics principles and applications to various industries so that employers and/or management become aware of essential design concepts and work methods that help to improve workplace conditions and enhance workers’ safety. Initially, the paper discusses the history of ergonomics in Thailand and its progress during the past 30 years. Ergonomics research activities and industrial projects that have been conducted are also summarized. Government activities to develop national ergonomics standards are then described in detail. Steps already taken to achieve such goals include participating as a P-member of the ISO/TC 159, conducting national surveys on ergonomics education and ergonomics specialists, and drafting ergonomics standards.

Relevance to industry

It has been well recognized in developed countries that ergonomics principles help to increase workers’ productivity and enhance workplace safety. For industrially developing countries such as Thailand in which ergonomics is not well known, it is essential that national ergonomics standards be developed and disseminated to employers and/or management. Furthermore, national standards need to be compatible with international standards to allow Thai manufacturing companies to be competitive in international markets.     

Corporate ergonomics programme at BCM Airdrie. Boots Contract Manufacturing

The production processes at the BCM Airdrie site range from manual loading tasks in the manufacturing areas to high frequency packaging assembly tasks on the production lines. Both are jobs that are known to carry risk to musculoskeletal health, so an ergonomist was appointed to design and co-ordinate an ergonomics programme for the site to control these risks. This paper details the programme that has evolved to proactively manage musculoskeletal risks in the design of both new and existing equipment and processes. The ergonomics procedures described primarily involve the engineers from all areas of the factory, and the process for ergonomics involvement with engineering design projects is described. Shop-floor personnel involvement is considered to be an essential part of the programme and 'Ergonomics Champions' are being trained on the packing lines to monitor the risks that are sometimes introduced with the different designs of product packaging.     

Ergonomic criteria in large-scale engineering design--I. Management by documentation only? Formal organization vs. designers' perceptions.

In engineering design projects ergonomics criteria may be supplied to project members along with other design requirements. A formal organization for human factors (HF) is set up where responsibilities pertaining to HF are specified. It is then assumed that the project functions according to this, and that the ergonomics criteria are known among project members. We have investigated the management of human factors in two large-scale offshore development projects. Our study shows that neither organization of HF nor ergonomics criteria were well known among project members. To be effective, the criteria have to be supported by one or more HF specialists who engage themselves actively in design.     

The design and implementation of non-verbal auditory warnings

There are many common problems in the use of non-verbal auditory warnings in the working environment. They are often too loud, too numerous, and they are frequently confusing. These problems have a range of consequences, many of them serious. However, there now exist a number of guidelines and sets of experimental data that address these problems and provide fairly comprehensive solutions. In this article the underlying problems are highlighted, and the guidelines and research that have addressed the central issues of correct loudness levels and psychological appropriateness, particularly warning confusion and 'urgency mapping', are reviewed and evaluated. It is argued that a proper ergonomics approach to auditory warning design and implementation is not a luxury, but a necessity. A number of projects in which advanced, ergonomic auditory warning systems have been developed are described in detail, and some new research questions are proposed.     

Ergonomics action research I: shifting from hypothesis testing to experiential learning

This paper presents the case for the need for ‘Action Research’ (AR) approaches to gain understanding of how ergonomics considerations can best be integrated into the design of new work systems. The AR researchers work collaboratively with other stakeholders to solve a real-world problem: gaining insight into the problem and factors influencing solution building from an embedded position in the development process. This experience is interpreted in terms of available theory and can support further theory development. This non-experimental approach can help provide practical new approaches for integrating ergonomics considerations into real work system design processes. The AR approach suffers from a lack of acceptance by conventionally trained scientists. This paper aims to help overcome this weakness by developing the underlying theory and rationale for using AR approaches in ergonomics research. We propose further development of hybrid approaches which incorporate other evaluation techniques to extend the knowledge gains from AR projects.

Practitioner Summary: Researchers should engage directly with organisations in ergonomics projects so that they can better understand the challenges and needs of practitioners who are trying to apply available scientific knowledge in their own unique context. Such ‘Action Research’ could help develop theory and approaches useful to improve mobilisation and application of ergonomics knowledge in organisations.     

Targeting ergonomics interventions--learning from health promotion

Ergonomics often involves encouraging people to accept change, a process affected by their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. This paper argues that ergonomics projects are likely to have greater success where formal account is taken of these characteristics, and interventions are tailored accordingly. Furthermore, it is suggested that ergonomics can usefully draw upon behaviour change models developed by those concerned with health promotion in the community. One influential model is Prochaska and DiClemente's (Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 19, 276-288, 1982) stage of change framework, which describes recipients of health information as progressing through six stages towards stable healthy behaviour: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and relapse. This recognises the dynamic nature of behaviour change and that, both within and between individuals, responses may vary from failing to acknowledge existence of a health risk, to where something has already been done about it. Proponents of the model contend that interventions should seek to identify recipients' stage of change and target information and advice accordingly. It is proposed that Prochaska and DiClemente's approach might usefully inform ergonomics activities, particularly when advising with respect to health and safety (e.g. manual handling, upper limb disorders, fall risk, plant safety, etc.) but perhaps also where dealing with other ergonomics considerations (i.e. comfort and performance).     

Control Strategies of Experienced and Novice Controllers with a Zero-Energy Nuclear Reactor

The objective of this paper is to describe how and why ergonomics should be promoted in total quality management (TQM). Ergonomics and TQM activities are compared. An approach is proposed to apply ergonomics in TQM using ergonomics circles. An eight-step approach is introduced for applying ergonomics using ergonomics circles and a study that employed this approach in Korea is discussed. In applying this approach, all processes were first evaluated by workers. Processes that were identified as problematic were analysed by a company-wide committee to set priorities for improvement. An ergonomics improvement team consisting of safety and health personnel, process engineers and management innovation personnel then worked on the processes using a low-cost approach. It was found that applying ergonomics using ergonomics circles as quality circles in TQM was effective in improving workplaces and resulted in increasing productivity, cost saving and improved safety.     

Ergonomics in total quality management: how can we sell ergonomics to management?

The objective of this paper is to describe how and why ergonomics should be promoted in total quality management (TQM). Ergonomics and TQM activities are compared. An approach is proposed to apply ergonomics in TQM using ergonomics circles. An eight-step approach is introduced for applying ergonomics using ergonomics circles and a study that employed this approach in Korea is discussed. In applying this approach, all processes were first evaluated by workers. Processes that were identified as problematic were analysed by a company-wide committee to set priorities for improvement. An ergonomics improvement team consisting of safety and health personnel, process engineers and management innovation personnel then worked on the processes using a low-cost approach. It was found that applying ergonomics using ergonomics circles as quality circles in TQM was effective in improving workplaces and resulted in increasing productivity, cost saving and improved safety.     

Bulgarian ergonomics revisited

In his earlier and more intensive review of ergonomics in Bulgaria, the author concluded that this discipline was highly developed and enjoyed strong government support. It was found that the network of ergonomics activities across national, regional, and local industrial plant levels was perhaps the most highly organised and comprehensive extension of ergonomics concerns of any country in the world. The brief revisit described in this report revealed that ergonomics continues to enjoy a very high measure of respectability. As also noted earlier, the field of ergonomics is still largely the province of physiologists and engineers. Some psychologists that are associated with design organisations are involved in ergonomics activities but, for the most part, psychologists deal primarily with more traditional topics that fall under the heading of industrial or work psychology.     

Ergonomics in Systems Design

The relationship between ergonomics and systems design is defined and its importance is stressed. The origins of systems ergonomics are described and it is suggested that the technology of ergonomics now depends primarily on the science of psychology with some importance still attached to anatomy but with physiology now of marginal relevance. The differences in approach and objectives between systems ergonomics and classical ergonomics are summarized and, although it is admitted that our expertise in these fields is not adequate for our practical responsibilities, it is concluded that the progress of science and technology in both engineering and human factors are now inter- and cross-dependent.     

Ergodynamics: theory and applications

Abstract

Theory and dynamics in ergonomics (ergodynamics) is being proposed for ergonomic design, improvement, and studies of dynamic work in a dynamic environment. In a more narrow sense, ergodynamics is an application of the transformation dynamics theory in ergonomics. A foundation of ergodynamics is being suggested as the three laws of: (1) mutual adaptation; (2) plurality of work functional structures; and (3) transformations. Practical applications of ergodynamics are discussed with regard to ergonomic design and mutual adaptation in human-machine-environments, professional training, control systems safety, prediction, planning and optimizing efficiency dynamics during implementation of ergonomic and engineering projects, transfer of new technologies, environment, work functions and skills, management structures, software, products, changing economic strategy. Ergodynamics helps to predict and minimize losses in productivity, quality, and safety during all these transformation periods.     

Ergonomics in industrially developing countries: does its application differ from that in industrially advanced countries?

Demographic characteristics of industrially developing countries (IDCs) and some comparisons with industrially advanced countries (IACs), particularly those aspects relevant to ergonomics, are presented. The majority of IDC populations are engaged in subsistence agriculture (the “informal” sector) and consideration is given to the scope for ergonomics interventions, aimed primarily at raising productivity to alleviate the poverty suffered by rural families. Ergonomics issues prevalent in the “formal” sector are also discussed and the importance of finding simple, low-cost solutions through participatory approaches emphasised. The possible contributions of ergonomics to alleviating problems common to both sectors, such as transport, are also indicated and attention is drawn to the difficulties of applying formal standards. The improvement of living and working conditions from incorporating an ergonomics approach into the sustainable livelihoods model, by enhancing human capital, is described in the context of the other livelihood assets. This demonstrates the importance of the cultural dimension for the successful delivery of ergonomics benefits. The application of ergonomics differs between IDCs and IACs particularly through the limited infrastructure in IDCs to support ergonomics activity and interventions. This broaches the different contributions that can be made by ergonomics and occupational health practitioners and implies the need for closer collaboration between these professions.     

Recent developments in ergonomics in China

Ergonomic thought and practice were introduced in ancient China in relation to modern developments in Chinese ergonomics. Despite the ten-year interruption of the 'cultural revolution’ in the late 1960s and 1970s, ergonomics has made great progress in China in the last decade. In this paper some general developments in recent ergonomics’ teaching and in professional organizations are described. Four major areas of ergonomics research are illustrated: (1) Visual displays and signal design; (2) Human-computer interface with Chinese computers; (3) Cognitive strategies and decision support; (4) Mental workload and occupational stress. The main characteristics of Chinese ergonomics are discussed and new directions are highlighted, based on recent developments and progress.     

Occupational ergonomics research and applied contextual design implementation for an industrial shop-floor workstation

The aim of this original research article is to identify the occurrence of work-related ergonomics risk factors, in order to implement context specific human centered design interventions in the injection molding shop-floor workstations of plastic furniture manufacturing factories within the framework of industrially developing countries. Questionnaire study, postural assessment tools, computer aided design, digital human modeling and simulation, and basic work study techniques were used. Plastic processing industry is highly fragmented, consisting of small, medium scale enterprises with tremendous growth potential. Occupational design ergonomics research in the injection molding plastic furniture manufacturing shop-floor workstations is very scarce in industrially developing countries. Shop-floor workers are affected by prevalent awkward working postures and consequent body part discomforts. Useful and easily implementable accessories/fixtures with convenient design features were conceptualized. Virtual ergonomics evaluation of the workstation with proposed accessories/fixtures showed significant reduction of awkward working postures. Physical prototypes of the proposed fixtures were constructed and real human trials were performed in the factories. Time study indicated reduction in operator cycle time when compared with time taken before design modifications. Research methodology, results and design solutions described from an ergonomics perspective would definitely serve as a helpful guide for existing as well as upcoming factories in the injection molded plastic furniture manufacturing industry of industrially developing countries and further similar research endeavors.     

The effect of improved workplace design on the development of work-related musculo-skeletal illnesses

An earlier paper (Westgaard and Aaras, 1984) described the work environment and the health situation of production workers at a small Norwegian factory, prior to an extensive ergonomics effort which primarily aimed to reduce static muscle strain by constructing new workplaces. It was concluded that the old work situation significantly contributed to a high level it musculo-skeletal disorders, most likely because the old work situation made it necessary to work with high level of muscle load for long periods of the working day. This second paper concerns the other important query which initiated Have the extensive ergonomics and environmental efforts at this factory had any effect in terms of improved health of the workers? The factory, the old workplaces and the ergonomics adaptations were described in the preceding paper, and are therefore not included here.     

Anticipating the use of future things: Towards a framework for prospective use analysis in innovation design projects

Anticipation of future product use is a persistent issue in User-Centered Design. In this paper, we argue that one obstacle to early integration of use analysis in innovation design is overreliance on retrospective use analysis, i.e. that which is based on clear references to existing products or activities. In contrast, innovation design projects are full of uncertainty, leading to a need for prospective analysis. After having described some limitations of prospective use analysis, we contend that creativity tools may be used to assist the anticipation of future product use, by allowing designers to approach the variability of situations of future use in a structured manner rather than by “muddling through”. We illustrate the expected benefits of this approach with two case studies, and describe some prospects for future research and practice in ergonomics.     

The Ergonomics Society: 50 years of growth

Developments in the Society are outlined since the early history was described by Edholm and Murrell. Major changes in the Society's operation and the context in which these changes took place are given. The changes in research directions, growth in educational facilities for professional education and the ever widening areas for the application of ergonomics are discussed. The consequences of these developments for the expansion of a recognition of the contribution of ergonomics, and the position of professionals in the international scene are touched upon.