Ergonomics performance

Troynikov, O., Watson, C., 2005. Development of study design, product concept and sampling plan for ergonomic performance seam free apparel for activewear. RMIT University Milestone Report TMSOl, AWI Project FT485, December 2005, pp. 1-174 (unpublished). 

Consider a task analysis for Do-ability. Can the operators do what we have asked them to do Tasks and facilities should be designed with knowledge of ergonomic considerations and performance shaping factors (PSF) so that operator reliability can be designed into the task. 

The first component of the systems approach to error reduction is the optimization of human performance by designing the system to support human strengths and minimize the effects of human limitations. The hiunan factors engineering and ergonomics (HFE/E) approach described in Section 2.7 of Chapter 2 indicates some of the techniques available. Design data from the human factors literature for areas such as equipment, procedures, and the human-machine interface are available to support the designer in the optimization process. In addition the analytical techniques described in Chapter 4 (e.g., task analysis) can be used in the development of the design. 

Most of the research on the effects of these stressors on human performance has been done on simple laboratory tasks rather than actual work situations. As a result, the extent that such findings can carry over to tasks in the CPI is debatable. In addition, most of these studies have examined the effect of a single stressor (e.g., noise or heat) only, rather than the combined effect. Nevertheless, some useful guidelines about optimal levels of these stressors are available in the ergonomics literature (e.g., McCormick and Sanders, 1983 Salvendy, 1987). 

These include identification of process equipment and instruments, interpretation of the meaning of their values and trends, navigation through different VDU pages by means of a selection menu, etc. The common feature of these tasks is handling the display system to search and locate relevant process data. In this respect, "classical" ergonomics checklists (see Chapter 4) are very useful in facilitating performance of such tasks. 

Bonnet, M. and Arand, D., The use of prophylactic naps and caffeine to maintain performance during a continuous operation. Ergonomics 37(6), 1009-1020, 1994. 

Fowler B, Paul M, Porlier G, Elcombe DD and Taylor M (1985). A re-evaluation of the minimum altitude at which hypoxic performance decrements can be detected. Ergonomics, 28, 781-791. 

Hazards may also result from the interaction between company employees and the work environment these are called "ergonomic" hazards. If the physical, psychological, or environmental demands on workers exceed their capabilities, an ergonomic hazard exists. These hazards, in themselves may lead to fiirther major incidents when the individual cannot perform properly under stress during critical periods of plant... 

Human factors and ergonomics concern the ability of personnel to perform their job functions within the physical and mental capabilities or limitations of a human being. Human beings have certain tolerances and personal attitudes. Tolerances can be related to the ability to accept information, how quickly the information can be understood and the ability and speed to perform manual activities. When information is confusing, lacking or overtaxing, the ability to understand and act upon it quickly or effectively is absent. It is therefore imperative to provide concise, adequate and only pertinent information to do all the tasks associated with petroleum activities. This includes activities associated with emergency fire and explosion protection measures. 

Lamond N, Dorrain J, Burgess HJ, et al. Adaptation of performance during a week of simulated night work. Ergonomics 2004 47(2) 154—165. 

Rosa RR, Bonnet MH. Performance and alertness on 8-hour and 12-hour rotating shifts at a natural gas utility, Ergonomics 1993 36 1177-1193. 

Rognum TO, Vartdel F, Rodahl K, Opstad PK, Knudson-Baes O, Kindt E, Withey WR. Physical and mental performance of soldiers during prolonged heavy exercise combined with sleep deprivation. Ergonomics 1986 29 859-867. 

Takeuchi L, Davis EM, Plyley M, Goode R, Shephard RJ. Sleep deprivation, chronic exercise and muscular performance. Ergonomics 1985 28 591-601. 

Reilly T, Piercy M. The effect of partial sleep deprivation on weight-lifting performance. Ergonomics 1994 37 107-115. 

Reilly T, Hales AJ. Effects of partial sleep deprivation on performance measures in females. In Megaw ED, ed. Contemporary Ergonomics Proceedings of the Ergonomics Society s Annual Conference. London Taylor Francis, 1988 505-515. 

Poulton EC, Hunt GM, Carpenter A, Edwards RS. The performance of junior hospital doctors following reduced sleep and long hours of work. Ergonomics 1978 21 279-295. 

Maintenance must sometimes be performed at elevated heights, within confined spaces, and in situations with challenging ergonomic conditions. Opening equipment that has not been properly prepared may have potential to release chemicals or electrical or mechanical energy. Hazards that exist in other parts of the process could be transported to areas where maintenance is underway, if the systems have not been suitably isolated or fully cleared of residual chemicals. 

This interface is a mock-up with which all relevant activities can be performed. However, the mock-up cannot be connected and used with the full-functional AHEAD system. As can be seen from Fig. 5.52 some menu items were eliminated by the software-ergonomic review and redesign. The scenario, developed for evaluation and improvement of the user interface aimed to the creation of a new document. Divided into subtasks for the work analysis, this goal is achieved by successively going through nine subtasks (6.1 to 6.9), which are represented in Fig. 5.52. The decision if the creation is started by menu or button represents the initial activity (6.1.1 or 6.1.2). After that, one task must be chosen by entering the task-number or clicking on the task. This step... 

Zimmerman WJ, Eberts C, Salvendy G et al. (1991). Effects of respirators on performance of physical, psychomotor and cognitive tasks. Ergonomics, 34, 321-324. 

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