Principles of work system performance optimization: A business ergonomics approach

Recently, there has been a growing interest in optimizing performance in the workplace. This interest is stimulated not only by economic and competitive pressures, but also by a growing awareness of the need to improve health and safety, thereby improving workplace wellness and vitality and, in turn, productivity. This article reviews the contributions of traditional approaches to work system performance optimization. These approaches include scientific management, work-time studies, industrial psychology, ergonomics, human factors, industrial engineering, total quality management, kaizen theory, systems theory, and operations research. The benefits, features, and drawbacks of each approach are discussed and tabulated. A basis for a new comprehensive methodology of work system performance optimization called the business ergonomics approach is then outlined and presented. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

基于情感体验的单身公寓可移动厨房设计研究

在＂生活在厨房＂这一全新的生活理念的指导下,应用情感体验的设计理念及集约化的设计方法,设计一款可移动厨房。在设计中,对单身公寓、用户需求、市场进行分析,在满足用户基本功能需求的前提下,结合人机工程学及设计心理学的理论,使该设计兼具实用功能及精神功能,让人们在结束忙碌的工作之后,回归＂家＂,以期提高人们的物质生活和精神生活质量。     

Cognitive ergonomics: it's all in the mind

In this paper a distinction is made between classical ergonomics as dealing with the quality of working and cognitive ergonomics as dealing with the quality of work including the joint system products. It is argued that classical ergonomics can be seen as embracing a dualism, where the effects of work on the body are considered separately from the effects of work on the mind. This continues the mechanistic tradition of Western psychology. The aim of cognitive ergonomics is to describe (1) how work affects the mind, as well as (2) how the mind affects work. Work is all in the mind in the sense that the quality of work depends on the person's understanding of the situation (goals, means, constraints) and in the sense that the design of a worksystem depends on the designer's understanding, in particular the conceptualization of the people in the system. In cognitive ergonomics, the reliability of performance—and in particular the reliability of cognition—become central issues. The differences between classical and cognitive ergonomics are illustrated by considering two typical areas: risks at work and human-computer interaction. It is concluded that classical and cognitive ergonomics represent two complementary views of work that must be combined to meet the challenges of present day work environments.     

Ergonomic problems in ship control

This is the first of two papers concerned with the application of ergonomics in marine systems. Ergonomics problems in ship control will be discussed in this paper, and a subsequent paper, by D.M. Anderson, will illustrate the contributions of ergonomics to bridge design by means of a case study. Ergonomics problems in ship control are identified with basic human limitations in perception, decision making and control. Ergonomics can make immediate contributions towards minimising many of these difficulties. Guidance can also be provided in the development of new marine systems to overcome the human limitations of the mariner.     

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 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.     

Nonlinear dynamical systems for theory and research in ergonomics

Abstract

Nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) theory offers new constructs, methods and explanations for phenomena that have in turn produced new paradigms of thinking within several disciplines of the behavioural sciences. This article explores the recent developments of NDS as a paradigm in ergonomics. The exposition includes its basic axioms, the primary constructs from elementary dynamics and so-called complexity theory, an overview of its methods, and growing areas of application within ergonomics. The applications considered here include: psychophysics, iconic displays, control theory, cognitive workload and fatigue, occupational accidents, resilience of systems, team coordination and synchronisation in systems. Although these applications make use of different subsets of NDS constructs, several of them share the general principles of the complex adaptive system.

Practitioner Summary: Nonlinear dynamical systems theory reframes problems in ergonomics that involve complex systems as they change over time. The leading applications to date include psychophysics, control theory, cognitive workload and fatigue, biomechanics, occupational accidents, resilience of systems, team coordination and synchronisation of system components.     

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.     

Examples of the use of rating scales in ergonomics research

The majority of ergonomics investigations using rating scales employ either an analogue or a category type of scale. Both have their limitations. This paper discusses a method of combining the two scales to produce a valuable assessment tool for the ergonomist. Examples of its use in both laboratory and field situations are discussed, as are its limitations.     

The Ergonomics Society Society's Lecture 1995 Making ergonomics a world-wide concept

Since its formal inception more than half a century ago, ergonomics has time and again demonstrated that it has a niche among the field of scientific disciplines aspiring to make the world a better place. How far has it really gone? Can we now lay claim that it is indeed well-known and accepted? Are the benefits it purports to deliver realized in all parts of the world? About two-thirds of human beings live in the Third World. This is where poverty and inequality are relatively more common. This is where much work is still degrading and far from being humane. This is also where ergonomics has yet to make its presence felt in practice.

This paper attempts to show that ergonomics can and will become a globally applied science. However, it has to make its contribution to the Third World prevalent and long-lasting. The paper focuses on the current state of ergonomics in the Third World, the so-called Industrially Developing Countries (IDCs).     

Specifications, Design and Evaluation of an Advanced Human-Adapted Supervisory System

Supervision of highly automated processes is an interdisciplinary research area. Knowledge in the fields of automation, process knowledge, machine engineering, ‘work post’ ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, working psychology, sociology and so on is necessary to design efficient supervisory systems. This is because supervision is an activity in which man, despite the increasing automation of recent years, is still present. Our research concerns monitoring tasks and diagnosis tasks in continuous processes. In this paper we propose specifications for an advanced human-adapted supervisory system (AHASS) integrating representation characteristics of the production system, such as functional, structural and behavioural aspects based on cognitive engineering models, with the use of advanced algorithms of detection and location. The main idea is to design a supervisory system well balanced between human and technical aspects. Indeed, man–machine system-centred approaches can deal to another extreme like purely technical approaches. These specifications have been used to design an AHASS for a nuclear fuel reprocessing system that has been evaluated through experiments with experienced operators. The results show that the approach is interesting because the boarder between support and assistantship is never crossed.     

Measuring web usability using item response theory: Principles, features and opportunities

Usability is considered a critical issue on the web that determines either the success or the failure of a company. Thus, the evaluation of usability has gained substantial attention. However, most current tools for usability evaluation have some limitations, such as excessive generality and a lack of reliability and validity. The present work proposes the construction of a tool to measure usability in e-commerce websites using item response theory (IRT). While usability issues have only been considered in theoretical or empirical contexts, in this study, we discuss them from a mathematical point of view using IRT. In particular, we develop a standardised scale to measure usability in e-commerce websites. This study opens a new field of research in the ergonomics of interfaces with respect to the development of scales using IRT.     

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.     

Forty years of IEA: some reflections on the evolution of ergonomics

This paper is the IEA Presidential Address to the 1997 IEA Triennial Congress in Tampere, Finland. The evolution of ergonomics prior to and after the foundation of the International Ergonomics Association in 1957 is reviewed. Ergonomics has broadened from considering work activities to include all types of human activities. The recent introduction of computers has changed many of the premises for work and leisure activities, and cognitive ergonomics is now as important as the ‘biological’ emphasis that was mentioned in the founding documents of IEA. Ergonomics is a science of design. There are three important targets for ergonomics design activity: to improve safety, productivity and operator satisfaction. A systems approach is presented to define how these parameters interact and how they can be measured.     

The ergonomics of open-fronted C-frame presses

This study comprised three phases: an industrial survey of press design and operation; a shopfloor evaluation of performance with a modified press and its comparison with the original design; and a laboratory simulation of the effects of three of the most pertinent ergonomics design factors. The survey showed that many features of press design were in disagreement with ergonomics criteria, often markedly so, and that these presented potentially important limitations to performance. The modified press layout produced evidence of superior performance in comparison with the original layout and this was substantiated by the simulation particularly in terms of the reach required to the die.     

Ergonomics and occupational safety and health: An ILO perspective

The ILO has a mandate to protect workers against sickness, diseases and injuries due to workplace hazards and risks including ergonomic and work organization risk factors. One of the main functions for the ILO is to develop international standards related to labour and work. ILO standards have exerted considerable influence on the laws and regulations of member States. The ILO standards take the form of international Conventions and Recommendations. ILO Conventions and Recommendations relevant to protection of workers against ergonomic risk factors at the workplace include Convention No. 127 and Recommendation No.128 which specify the international requirements concerning the manual transport of a load. To help member States in applying the ILO standards, the ILO produces practical guides and training manuals on ergonomics at work and collects and analyses national practices and laws on ergonomics at the workplace. The ILO also conducts technical cooperation activities in many countries on ergonomics to support and strengthen the capacities of its tripartite constituents in dealing with workplace ergonomic and work organization risks. The ILO’s technical cooperation activities give priorities on the promotion of voluntary, participatory and action-oriented actions to improve working conditions and work organizations of the small and medium sized enterprises. This paper reviews ILO’s policies and activities on ergonomics in relation to occupational safety and health and prescribes ILO’s considerations for its future work on ergonomics.     

Ergonomics in the Design of Consumer Products in Japan*

Abstract

This paper discusses some characteristics of ergonomics in the design of consumer products in Japan

1.The aims of the Japanese Ergonomics Research Society.

2. Various kinds of ergonomics organizations.

3. The standardization of anthropometric measurement.

4. The activity of some organizations.

5. The purpose of the ‘ manikin ’ in the ergonomics of consumer products.

6. Newly developed instrumentation.

7. The basic research and new methodologies necessary to promote ergonomics research for consumer products.

8. The problem of multivariate function.

9. The relationship between designers, engineers and ergonomics researchers.

10. The multivariate data on ergonomics available for designers or engineers.

11. Some now ideas about ergonomics in the design of consumer products in Japan     

Designing a ticket to ride with the Cognitive Work Analysis Design Toolkit

Cognitive work analysis has been applied in the design of numerous sociotechnical systems. The process used to translate analysis outputs into design concepts, however, is not always clear. Moreover, structured processes for translating the outputs of ergonomics methods into concrete designs are lacking. This paper introduces the Cognitive Work Analysis Design Toolkit (CWA-DT), a design approach which has been developed specifically to provide a structured means of incorporating cognitive work analysis outputs in design using design principles and values derived from sociotechnical systems theory. This paper outlines the CWA-DT and describes its application in a public transport ticketing design case study. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the process provide promising early evidence that the toolkit fulfils the evaluation criteria identified for its success, with opportunities for improvement also highlighted.     

Following ergonomics guidelines decreases physical and cardiovascular workload during cleaning tasks

The aim was to investigate the effect of ergonomics guidelines on muscular activity, postural and cardiovascular load during cleaning. Eighteen cleaners performed 10 min of cleaning tasks in two locations; three min in a laboratory and seven min in a lecture room. All participants performed the task with or without focusing on ergonomics guidelines (ergonomics/non-ergonomics session). Bipolar surface electromyography was recorded bilaterally from upper trapezius and erector spinae muscles. A tri-axial accelerometer package was mounted on the low back (L5-S1) to measure postural changes, and the cardiovascular load was estimated by electrocardiogram. Ergonomics sessions resulted in lower muscular load, a more complex pattern of muscular activity, lower range of motion and angular velocity of the trunk as well as lower cardiovascular load compared with non-ergonomics sessions (p < 0.05). The study highlighted the multiple musculoskeletal and cardiovascular benefits of following ergonomics guidelines during cleaning tasks. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This study investigated the effects of following instructive ergonomics guidelines during cleaning tasks (daily curriculum of cleaning including mopping, sweeping, changing trash bins and cleaning of desks and blackboards). Following the ergonomics guidelines reduces the general workload and induces a more complex pattern of muscular activity. The study contributes with novel knowledge concerning ergonomics guidelines and work techniques.