Work - Volume 73, issue s1

Authors: Black, Nancy L.

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223646

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S1-S3, 2022

Authors: Seva, Rosemary R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Designs that evoke fun and surprise have been successful in driving uncommon positive behavior. Affective design (AD) is based on the premise that products and services can elicit strong affective responses that can be harnessed for specific purposes such as increasing consumption. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to discuss the theoretical foundations and applications of AD to address contemporary consumption, recycling, and healthcare issues. METHODS: Current applications of AD to address environmental and health issues were analyzed in terms of effectiveness in changing user behavior. Relevant concepts were used to provide future research directions in this …field. RESULTS: Early applications of AD focused on designing products to increase customer satisfaction and stimulate consumption. The method, however, is auspicious in solving relevant societal and global problems. To pave the way for successful integration of AD, one research direction is the need to identify the right emotion to elicit in a certain context. There is a dearth of literature to promote sustainable consumption, such as using less energy, minimizing carbon footprint, or just taking care of the environment using AD. CONCLUSION: The integration of AD is a strategy that can be used to prompt behavior beneficial to society and the environment. Literature on AD suggests that a deliberate effort to manipulate design factors can work to elicit strong affective responses. Show more

Keywords: Affective design, sustainability, Kansei engineering, ergonomics in design, product design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211187

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S5-S14, 2022

Authors: Boy, Guy André | Morel, Chloé

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human-machine teaming (HMT) typically combines perspectives from systems engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and human-centered design (HCD), to achieve human systems integration (HSI) through the development of an integrative systems representation that encapsulates human and machine attributes and properties. OBJECTIVE: The study explores the main factors contributing to performance, trust and collaboration between expert human operators and increasingly autonomous machines, by developing and using the PRODEC method. PRODEC supports HSI by improving the agile HCD of advanced sociotechnical systems at work, which qualify as human-machine teamwork. METHODS: PRODEC incorporates scenario-based design and human-in-the-loop simulation at design …and development time of a sociotechnical system. It is associated with the concept of digital twin. A systemic representation was developed and used, associated with metrics for the evaluation of human-machine teams. RESULTS: The study is essentially methodological. In practice, PRODEC has been used and validated in the MOHICAN project that dealt with the integration of pilots and virtual assistants onboard advanced fighter aircraft. It enabled the development of appropriate metrics and criteria of performance, trust, collaboration, and tangibility (i.e., issues of complexity, maturity, flexibility, stability, and sustainability), which were associated with the identification of emergent functions that help redesign and recalibrate the air combat virtual assistant as well as fighter pilot training. CONCLUSION: PRODEC addresses the crucial issue of how AI systems could and should influence requirements and design of sociotechnical systems that support human work, particularly in contexts of high uncertainty. However, PRODEC is still work in progress and advanced visualization techniques and tools are needed to increase physical and figurative tangibility. Show more

Keywords: Integrative human and machine systemic representation, flexibility, human systems integration, trust, collaboration, scenario-based design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220268

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S15-S30, 2022

Authors: Rodríguez-Vega, Graciela | Rodríguez-Vega, Dora A. | De la Vega-Bustillos, Enrique J. | López-Millán, Francisco O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adopting awkward postures at work has a great impact on productivity and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Considering anthropometric data in the design of products and workplaces can diminish this impact. The traditional univariate-percentile-approach is one of the most implemented in the anthropometric analysis, even though it has proved limitations in comparison with multivariate-approaches. OBJECTIVE: To develop univariate and multivariate hand models considering four anthropometric dimensions, and to theoretically compare the univariate and multivariate accommodation percentages. METHODS: Univariate percentile models corresponding to the database of real subject nearest-neighbors to the 5th and 95th percentiles were obtained for …the male and female population. Two multivariate approaches were implemented on the central 90% of both populations: 2D principal component analysis and archetypal analysis. The accommodation percentage for each family of models was obtained based on the population that simultaneously fit all the anthropometric dimensions. The goodness-of-fit and McNemar’s tests were performed to statistically analyze the accommodation percentages. RESULTS: Eight human hand models were obtained via Principal Component Analysis while two, three, four, and eight Archetypal Analysis models (male-population) and two, three, six, and eight Archetypal Analysis models (female-population) were selected after a root-sum-of-squares analysis for k = 1, ...  ,10 archetypes. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the Principal Component Analysis models obtained a higher accommodation level, followed by the Archetypal Analysis and percentile models (male population). In the case of the female population, models obtained by multivariate-Archetypal Analysis (k = 8) obtained a higher accommodation percentage. Show more

Keywords: Percentage accommodation, human hand models, percentiles, multivariate approaches

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211108

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S31-S43, 2022

Authors: Oyama, Hideki | Watanabe, Akihisa | Togami, Hidenori | Noro, Kageyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ophthalmic surgeons experience high levels of physical strain in the neck, lower back, and buttocks. While ergonomic interventions may help to solve these problems, only a few studies have reported chair designs for ophthalmic microsurgery. OBJECTIVE: To design a chair that reduces the physical strain on surgeons and examine its effectiveness in improving posture and reducing seat pressure. METHODS: A prototype chair with a three-dimensional seat surface and a sliding adjustment mechanism for the backrest was designed to fit the surgeon’s body. A conventional chair (A) and the prototype chair (B) were compared during microsurgeries …performed by five surgeons. Seat pressure was measured using a pressure-sensing device, and the pelvic tilt angle was measured using a gyroscope sensor. RESULTS: A paired t -test indicated significant differences between the chairs: average seat pressure was 70.4±12.7 mmHg for A and 40.5±3.8 mmHg for B (p  = 0.008); the maximum seat pressure was 242.2±19.7 mmHg for A and 170.5±38.5 mmHg for B (p  = 0.024); contact area was 906.1±114.5 cm2 for A and 1,255.9±60.1 cm2 for B (p  < 0.001); and relative value of the pelvic tilt angle was –13.7°±3.7° for A and –7.1°±4.9° for B (p  = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The prototype chair was associated with lower seat pressure and maintenance of a more neutral posture than the conventional chair, indicating that it may help to reduce physical strain in ophthalmic surgeons. Show more

Keywords: Ophthalmologic surgery, posture, ergonomics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211117

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S45-S55, 2022

Authors: Paul, Gunther | Steffan, Isabella Tiziana | Itoh, Nana | Bowman, Richard | Bradtmiller, Bruce

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Design for All or Universal Design is a relatively new domain in Ergonomics. With globally ageing populations, it has however recently gained significant interest. OBJECTIVE: This position paper summarizes the outcomes of a workshop held at the virtual 21st Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association. The paper expands the horizon of traditional Ergonomics into a domain where people are differently abled and establishes a platform for the essential needs of future ergonomic standards which are required to inform inclusive design guidelines, or Design for All, extending the range of users. METHODS: The paper includes …contributions from Asian, Australian, European and US workshop participants who are accessibility design experts in their respective geographic regions. The paper summarizes issues related to anthropometry in the Design for All, based on recent work in the US (Access board) and actual developments in various national and international accessibility standardization bodies, such as the Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, the European Standardization Organization (EN 17210:2021; EN 17161:2019) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 21542:2021 and BS ISO 7176-5:2008). CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that despite the identification of a significant gap in knowledge of the anthropometry of people with disabilities as far back as 1990, work towards bridging the gap and enabling ergonomic standardization has not progressed since then globally. The lack of standardization in anthropometric data on people with a physical disability continues to complicate provision of data for mobility and accessibility design and hampers accessibility standardization efforts. Show more

Keywords: Universal Design, architectural accessibility, disabled persons, standardization, standards

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211106

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S57-S65, 2022

Authors: Qureshi, Sadeem Munawar | Davy, Jonathan | Buckley, Katie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Early-Career Community (ECC) comprises researchers, practitioners, and professionals in their “early-career” stages in the Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) profession. Early-career HFE professionals are essential to both current industry decision making and future growth of our profession. OBJECTIVE: This paper provides detailed insights into the barriers and suggestions to support engagement with ECC within the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and its Federated Societies. METHODS: This report integrates key findings from the formal and informal discussions that occurred with diverse groups of stakeholders (n  > 100) at IEA2015, IEA2018 and IEA2021 guided by the participatory inquiry paradigm, cooperative …action-inquiry and participatory ergonomics approaches. RESULTS: Barriers to support ECC include: a lack of employment opportunities, poor general awareness and integration of HFE in existing university-courses, financial constraints, inclusivity challenges and a lack of Influence in decision-making. While some of the more systemic challenges are context-specific and cannot be overcome, ECCs suggested that: the IEA and its Federated Societies include ECC members as part of their boards; a Standing Committee for the ECCs be established as part of the IEA; make use of social-media more effectively to engage the ECC. More mentorship, networking, knowledge sharing, training and education, combined with financial-support will ensure that the ECC can participate. CONCLUSION: ECC members experience complex and dynamic challenges that affect their development and involvement in the broader HFE profession. It is therefore critical that appropriate, global, national and local strategies are developed to continue to support and develop the ECC to ensure the continued growth of and demand for HFE. Show more

Keywords: Early career researchers, early career practitioners, International Ergonomics Association (IEA); Ergonomics, human factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211216

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S67-S80, 2022

Authors: Neves, Júlio César Bispo | de França, Tiago Cruz | Bastos, Mauro Penha | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Official authorities are in charge of communicating with the public in a consistent and coherent manner. The impact of social media on managing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic potentially influenced social behavior in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: Using Twitter, this study analyzes communications about the COVID-19 pandemic from official agencies of the Brazilian government and key public sector decision-makers. METHOD: We captured public Twitter messages about COVID-19 exchanged between authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels of government. These messages were further classified into guidance and information messages or disinformation messages. Finally, through analysis of tweets …and their frequency, we evidenced the level of information generated by the three levels of government. RESULTS: Our analyses show an underestimation of the magnitude of the pandemic by Brazilian government authorities. None of the spheres of government anticipated the imminent health crisis, did not issue good recommendations and guidelines, and did not take preventive actions. CONCLUSION: The lack of governmental actions and adequate guidance in Brazil has led to an explosive increase in infected people and deaths. Surprisingly, this was not due to technical or structural reasons. It resulted from conflicting communication strategies implemented by the federal, state, and municipal governments in attempts to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on their local health structures. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus, public health, social media, infodemic, human behavior

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211213

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S81-S93, 2022

Authors: González, C. Aleida González | Fonte, Daylí Morales | Rodríguez, Lisandra Leal | González, Adrián González | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Cuba, the first cases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) were confirmed on March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the pandemic and the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) began to execute the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Plan. This plan was prepared two months earlier by MINSAP working together with the National Civil Defense and the government approved it at the end of January. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of the government strategies to deal with COVID-19, by analyzing the role of the different agencies involved …in the pandemic management. METHODS: A bibliographical review of the following documents was conducted: information issued by MINSAP and other ministries, archives of the Pedro Kouri Institute (IPK) and Cuban journals regarding the high impact in the field of medicine. The data were processed with different tools (diagrams, bar graphs, analysis and synthesis, etc.) that allowed measuring the effectiveness of the strategies implemented. RESULTS: The government’s strategies focused on: the integration of all state agencies and some private institutions to confront COVID-19; the collaboration between MINSAP specialists, country’s research centers and universities for the creation of vaccines to contain the pandemic; the production of medical equipment and instruments; the design of the organization processes of the services, such as planning techniques and distribution of ambulances, allocation of hospitals and isolation centers for sufferers and direct contacts respectively. CONCLUSION: The analysis carried out showed that the interrelations between the different organizations involved had positive influences on the treatment of the pandemic. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, strategies, public health, government, role integration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211209

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S95-S108, 2022

Authors: Buckley, Katie L. | O’Halloran, Paul D. | Oates, Jennifer M. | Carey, Lindsay B. | Ruddock, Mandy L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-system participation and factors are associated with occupational vocal health for vocally reliant workers, such as sports coaches. However, there is limited use of systems approaches and worker collaboration to address occupational voice. OBJECTIVE: The current research aimed to cooperatively consider coaches’ vocally reliant systems participation, including addressing vocal ergonomic factors that can create barriers for occupational vocal health and voice use. METHODS: Collaborative action inquiries explored vocal ergonomics with coaches (n  = 24) from nine professional basketball teams. Across three basketball seasons, coaches and a subject matter expert identified what influenced coaches’ voices and trialed …approaches to optimize vocally reliant coaching participation. Nine action inquiry methods were used, including search conferences, ergonomic approaches to enhance systems participation, and focus groups. Multi-level analyses were also undertaken. RESULTS: Participants cooperatively generated, implemented, and evaluated different strategies. A cumulative total of 57 strategies were explored within teams (team mean = 6.33, SD = 3, range = 4–14). Cross-case analysis identified 25 different strategy types. Overall, participants appraised 31.58% (18/57) strategies as supportive (i.e., enhanced facilitators for voice), 61.40% (35/57) strategies as somewhat supportive (i.e., some enhanced facilitators and some ongoing barriers), and 7.02% (4/57) strategies as unsupportive (i.e., pervasive ongoing barriers not mitigated by strategies). Further, factors across coaches’ work-systems continued to influence coaches’ voices in dynamic and complex ways. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration with coaches enriched vocal ergonomic approaches by providing novel, context-anchored insights. Collaboration should form ‘part’ of broader mechanisms to support coaches’ voice use and vocal health at work. Show more

Keywords: Voice use, vocal health, occupational voice users, voice ergonomics, participatory ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211215

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S109-S126, 2022

Authors: Laberge, Marie | Beaupré, Andréane | Messing, Karen | Riel, Jessica | Caroly, Sandrine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) is an international federation of associations created in 1959, whose mission is to extend the scope of ergonomics research and intervention to all spheres of society in order to improve human well-being. OBJECTIVE: This article presents an overview of the main research papers that were presented at the 21st Triennial IEA 2021 Conference. METHOD: A total of 23 talks, from nine countries, were presented over four sessions. These papers were summarized based on reading the abstracts and taking notes at the time of the oral presentation. RESULTS: The …themes of these sessions were: 1) Knowledge Transfer, Gender and Ergonomics 2) Approaching Ergonomic Interventions with a Sex/Gender Lens: Designing Training for Ergonomists 3) Ergonomic Studies of Atypical Work and Vulnerable Population Through a Sex/Gender Lens: Toward Better Understanding of Context and Risks, for Better Prevention and 4) Gender and Occupational Risks (Part 1: Exposure and Risk Perception; Part 2: Strategies to Manage Risk). CONCLUSION: Ergonomists are beginning to understand that they have the qualifications and legitimacy to play a role in reducing workplace health inequities and helping to make workplaces inclusive and rich of all the workers’ diversity. The four sessions of the Gender and Ergonomics TC have moved ergonomics practice a step closer to that goal. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, knowledge transfer, sex/gender-based analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211126

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S127-S139, 2022

Authors: Delgoulet, Catherine | Santos, Marta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Ergonomic Work Analysis and Training (EWAT) network celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021. OBJECTIVE: THE EWAT focuses mainly on how activity analysis in real work can contribute to the training situations. Over the years, two lines of thought evolved: i) training in ergonomic work analysis, and ii) the use of the work analysis for the improvement or design of training interventions. Both share a common theoretical and methodological background based on three pillars: the focus on real work, the adoption of a systemic and participatory approach, and the intentional emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. …METHODS: The design of training courses that are adequate both for workers and for supervisors who are concerned with the development of the worker’s skills and health at work is challenged by major changes at work. Such challenges were the driving force behind the discussion within this network at the IEA 2021 congress. RESULTS: The authors who contributed to this congress maintain the network’s characterizing principles. At the same time, they introduce research updates and new intervention methodologies. In addition, the authors have been called upon to provide novel answers to the issues of organizational transformation and digitalization of work and training. CONCLUSION: The permanence of this network involves leveraging its 30 years of collective expert experience to continue to respond to present and emerging challenges, concerning work and training sustainability. The network’s research contributes to growing evidence about how training can impact on healthier workplaces where individual and group development is improved. Show more

Keywords: Activity, description, transformation, design, evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211267

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S141-S152, 2022

Authors: Thatcher, Andrew | Bolis, Ivan | Sigahi, Tiago Fonseca Albuquerque Cavalcanti | García-Acosta, Gabriel | Lange-Morales, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sustainability is a highly important theme worldwide and currently is being tackled by almost all disciplines. Indeed, the future of humanity is dependent on the actions taken now and in the immediate future. The Ergonomics and Human Factors (E/HF) community has not been indifferent to this issue, and one of the concrete actions adopted by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) was the establishment of the “Human Factors for Sustainable Development” (HFSD) Technical Committee. OBJECTIVE: To identify future paths of action, this paper recognizes the trajectory of the HFSD Technical Committee, summarizes the contributions presented at IEA2021, the …International Congress on Ergonomics held virtually in Vancouver in 2021, and reflects on key aspects that should be boosted by the Technical Committee. METHODS: This is a qualitative interpretative study that reflects on the contributions of members of the HFSD community working on E/HF for sustainability. RESULTS: Central topics and opportunities in E/HF and sustainability include complexity of systems, behaviors, and work; energy use and consumption; co-design, interconnectivity, territories, and the relationships with stakeholders. CONCLUSION: Although the contributions have been growing, there is still a lot of work needed, both theoretically and practically. Themes to be discussed include the concepts of sustainability and work. Considering the centrality of human beings (i.e., decision making for achieving the different dimensions of sustainability), the authors identify a set of values as core principles for leading the discussion. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, human factors, values, sustainable development, IEA2021, beyond future of work, ergonomics and human factors towards sustainability, IEA technical committee

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211121

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S153-S167, 2022

Authors: Khanwalkar, Prajakta | Dabir, Nivedita

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about change in the work environment, increasing remote and hybrid mode of work, presenting a compelling need to study visual ergonomics in this new work environment. OBJECTIVE: To assess computer vision symptoms and visual ergonomics in remote and hybrid work settings during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on eye to screen relationship. METHODS: The computer-vision symptom scale (CVSS17) questionnaire and questions about human factors and ergonomics were included in the survey conducted in September 2021. Sixty-six working professionals (mean age 37 years±5), working from home (n  = 44) …or in hybrid mode (n  = 22) were included in the study. Cramer’s V was used for the correlation coefficient between two categorical variables for assessing eye health in changing work environments. RESULTS: Compared to our previous study, the correlation between computer vision syndrome (CVS) symptoms is markedly higher. The population working in hybrid mode experienced eye heaviness with strain to see well (V = 0.6872, p  = 0.002) and dryness in the eyes (V = 0.5912, p  = 0.0179). The population working from home who are bothered by surrounding lights also report dryness in the eyes (V = 0.3846, p  = 0.0005). Screen use hours are higher in work from home situations (43% work more than 9 hrs) than those in hybrid mode of work (4% work more than 9 hrs). CONCLUSION: A definite increase in CVS in most of the population working remotely or in hybrid environments is established through this study. User-friendly strategies for raising awareness of applied visual ergonomics can prevent rampant onset of CVS in the working population. Show more

Keywords: Computer vision syndrome, visual ergonomics, human factors, hybrid work, human computer interaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211130

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S169-S176, 2022

Authors: dos Santos, Eduardo Ferro | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the online sales industry experienced record-breaking growth. The number of businesses that decided to enter the e-commerce market for the first time was enormous. At the height of the quarantine, Brazil was registering a new virtual store every minute. This was an unanticipated and unplanned expansion. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify existing challenges in human interactions with e-commerce, such as the difficulties faced during the pandemic and improvements to ensure growth of, and confidence in, this type of business. METHODS: An exploratory study of e-commerce data and an online survey …using the snowball non-probabilistic method were developed to research the growth of, and issues in, Brazilian users’ interaction with e-commerce, comparing findings before and after the pandemic restrictions. RESULTS: Some businesses were not prepared, and the lack of experience among workers contributed to businesses not delivering on their promises. The acceleration of e-commerce demonstrates the need to guarantee that Brazil can effectively use e-commerce to capitalize on digital supply chain opportunities and enhance their role in its economic expansion, while remaining human-centered. CONCLUSIONS: For users’ needs to be met, companies and online workers must understand people’s needs and behaviors in order to provide excellent service. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, e-commerce, consumer behavior, quality in services, Brazil

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211136

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S177-S187, 2022

Authors: Marins, Camila P. | Leite, Priscila B. C. | Mercado, Marina P. | Garotti, Luciano V. | Duarte, Francisco J.C.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ergonomics is increasingly gaining ground in projects in the energy sector, as well as in the continuous process industry, although the discipline is still framing its space in this milieu. This issue emerges from the designers’ lack of familiarity with ergonomics work, especially in engineering design projects, combined with the usual expectations of organizations regarding the participation of ergonomists and the deliverables they ought to develop throughout the project. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to report the participation of a team of ergonomists in an oil platform basic design, discussing ergonomics structuring as an emerging design discipline. …METHODS: This qualitative study used participant observation as a methodology approach aligned with the theoretical framework of Activity Ergonomics (AE). The data collection occurred between October 2018 and June 2020 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. RESULTS: The results show the challenges faced by the ergonomics team and strategies adopted in order to create technical specifications (TS), which will determine the work conditions in the future platforms. An evolution in relation to the practice of Ergonomics during this project can be pointed out, even though part of its scope of action remains to be better understood among the design team. CONCLUSION: Considering oil platform project contexts, this work highlights how ergonomics can help integrate the different rationalities that compose the design process. Show more

Keywords: Design process, offshore, ergonomic work analysis, oil and gas, continuous process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211137

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S189-S198, 2022

Authors: Leite, Priscila B.C. | Mercado, Marina P. | Marins, Camila P. | Tinoco, Fernanda P. | Duarte, Francisco J.C.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ergonomics in design is intended to close the gap between what is designed and the real work. This study discusses the creation of technical ergonomics requirements for the basic design stage of workshops on offshore platforms. OBJECTIVE: This paper intends to show how the ergonomics discipline contributes to integrating knowledge on the real work of the maintenance crew with the design. METHODS: This case study uses procedures, data collection, and analysis guided by the Ergonomics of the Activity’s (EA) theoretical framework, focused on design projects. RESULTS: The results show how ergonomics contributed to …a better understanding of maintenance work, as well as how this knowledge was integrated into the project design. This occurred both through the construction of a new layout and equipment list, and through the development of technical specifications. These products enable greater operational efficiency, reductions in the costs of alterations in the next stages of the project, and improvement in working conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This work points to the need for new studies on platform maintenance work, in addition to studies that deepen the debate on consolidating ergonomics practice in design projects. Show more

Keywords: Basic design, workshop, oil and gas, petroleum, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211141

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S199-S209, 2022

Authors: de Lima, Anderson Nogueira | Alonso, Carolina Maria Do Carmo | Duarte, Francisco José de Castro Moura

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The treatment of bad actors consists of analyzing the most triggered alarms at a plant, seeking to make modifications that provide workers with more efficient and safer operational conditions. The consideration of plant operators’ practical knowledge in these proposed changes is both an opportunity and a challenge, as specific conditions are required. OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss how an alarm management report (AMR) could support the treatment of bad actors by promoting structured debates on real work situations and its contribution in improving the solutions proposed by alarm management committees (AMCs). METHODS: Data from nine …AMC meetings were gathered and parsed using qualitative content analysis to classify the kind of information that the AMC used to justify the proposed changes and how these changes were decided. RESULTS: More than 60% of the changes were justified by information provided by the AMRs, indicating broad application and adoption. However, our findings suggest that the structured debates addressed variability and emerging strategies and may consider entire subsystems instead of single alarms. CONCLUSION: The use of structured debates is feasible for the treatment of bad actors and is an appropriate option that includes operating experience feedback for alarm optimization in industrial facilities. Show more

Keywords: Alarm management, oil industry, human factors, bad actors, operating experience feedback

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211139

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S211-S222, 2022

Authors: Galey, Louis | Albert, Marion | Brossard, Mathilde | Noël-Suberville, Catherine | Garrigou, Alain

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Industry 4.0 generates risks renewing stakes for design projects integrating work activities, as can be done in activity centred ergonomics and participatory ergonomics. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to show the contribution of using typical situations to define requirements for Industry 4.0 design projects from a case study supporting a design project for a plant of the future assembling additive metal manufacturing processes (SLM type) in aeronautics. METHOD: The method is based on construction of the approach, the identification of typical exposure or action situations (through video and measurement) on four different company sites, three collective …confrontation interviews (using typical situations) similar to reflexive and constructive simulations, and the setting of requirements. RESULTS: Results highlights specific exposure situations during the work, which the collective confrontation interviews made it possible to understand, enabling to collectively debate organisational, technical or social determinants, in order to define requirements from the point of view of the work, within the framework of the design project. CONCLUSION: Discussion of exposure situation allows an initial framework to discuss way to implement the work differently as a first step to transform the current situations during the design process. The observation of the possible use of requirements in project management can then be carried out. This exploratory work makes it possible to observe the contribution of the use of typical exposure situations as a complement to typical action situations in order to specify exposure situations and identify transformation perspectives. Show more

Keywords: Participatory ergonomics, typical exposure situation, metal additive manufacturing, ergotoxicology, nanoparticle

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211131

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S223-S234, 2022

Authors: Silva, Daniel | Cunha, Liliana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The division of labour between workers and machines is the motto for the current debate on the future of work, as the number of tasks that can potentially be automated increases. Despite receiving significant interest, to date, this debate has focused on forecasts that estimate the potential for machine substitution and thus overshadow the activity perspective. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to address the frontiers between human operators and automation in a Portuguese industrial district and to understand how the embodied know-how of expert workers is used when they face the requirements of automated machines. METHODS: …A qualitative approach to ergonomic analysis was employed in two cork companies, including exploratory interviews with managerial staff; work activity observations (combining observations with video recordings); collective interviews with the workers; and collective meetings to validate our results and conclusions. RESULTS: The workers revealed operating modes related to sensory aspects to face the cork-related variability and the limits of automated machines. The human-machine configurations call for the experience of the senses, at the material-corporeal level, and for the preservation of reference points of the activity, mostly in the operation of seeing the cork stoppers. CONCLUSIONS: The competent act of seeing the cork stoppers, as an operational expertise layer, enriches the theoretical allocation of tasks between workers and machines. Future challenges for activity-centred ergonomics and work psychology fields are identified, drawing attention to the sustainable development of work, i.e., work activities where people may learn from experience and remain healthy within automated work environments. Show more

Keywords: Human-machine, embodied know-how, activity-centred ergonomics, work psychology, cork industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211132

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S235-S251, 2022

Authors: Oggioni, Barbara Passos | Duarte, Francisco José de Castro Moura | Abraçado, Mateus Pereira | Béguin, Pascal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The need for participative approaches in design is a key concern for Ergonomics. There exists a vast array of philosophies and techniques which may come under the heading of participation, but several of these methods are indeed not really participatory in the real sense of the concept. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to reveal the elements that allow an ergonomic simulation approach to be applied as a design process method centered on the work perspective and anchored on the participation concept. METHODS: This study is centered on the subsequent analysis of a case …study: the design of an Onshore Collaborative Center (OCC), in the context of Integrated Operations (IO) of the oil industry. The simulation sessions were filmed and recorded, and a logbook of the progress of the design process was produced daily in order to preserve the memory of the case. RESULTS: The main result of the research highlights that simulation is a method capable of presenting work as an important factor in the transformation of the project, as well as in technical choices, in addition to opening space for different participants and their various perspectives. However, for it to be an effective method of participation, there is the need for a “back and forth” process between work analysis and simulation during the ergonomic simulation approach. CONCLUSION: This study showed which elements support the construction of ergonomic simulation as a method capable of structuring the participation in design process. For this, the simulation must be based on work analysis and articulate the knowledge of different actors for decision-making to allow for new developments while promoting the vision of work as an important decision variable in the design process. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic simulation, participatory ergonomics, participatory design process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211135

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S253-S264, 2022

Authors: Bellas, Hugo Cesar | Arcuri, Rodrigo | Ferreira, Denise de Souza | Bulhões, Bárbara | Masson, Letícia | Vidal, Mario Cesar Rodríguez | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues | Jatobá, Alessandro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) is a model of mobile assistance and care for emergencies standardized throughout the country. The water ambulance service within the SAMU operates in riverside and coastal areas, and faces challenges and peculiarities that increase the complexity of providing a high-quality and safe emergency care service. OBJECTIVE: To develop organizational design guidelines aiming to improve resilient performance of complex systems, with an application to riverine and coastal mobile emergency care in Brazil. METHODS: Data collection followed an ethnographic approach. Fieldwork was carried in a participatory way, based on …worksite technical description, semi-structured interviews with managers and emergency care teams’ professionals, and work observation whenever possible. Five regional SAMU coordinations were visited. Data coding employed content analysis and grouped data excerpts according to concepts of capacity and demand. Interfaces were identified between demand and capacity elements and adaptations led by system agents, orienting the proposal of guidelines for organizational design as solutions to face the verified gaps. RESULTS: Design guidelines produced spanned composition and training of both intervention teams and dispatch central teams, uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), decentralized water bases, means of communication, intervention protocols, biosafety and inter-sector actions. CONCLUSION: The approach enabled framing and assessment of specific design elements according to resilience engineering concepts, which in turn showed paths for improving the service and reconciling work-as-imagined and actual system functioning. Show more

Keywords: Work-as-imagined, work-as-done, riverine and coastal communities, mobile emergency care, organizational design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211211

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S265-S277, 2022

Authors: Rodríguez, Yordán | Pérez, Elizabeth | Robertson, Michelle M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a need for models, methods, and tools that allow ergonomics/human factor (E/HF) practitioners to assess the level of E/HF integration into organizations from a macroergonomics perspective. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to propose the Ergonomic Maturity Model (EMM) and the tools for its application as a framework for integrating E/HF in organizations. METHODS: The EMM is a macroergonomic tool that allows stakeholders to evaluate the degree of development and integration of E/HF in the organization based on a participatory and macroergonomic approach. The EMM classifies organizations into five gradual levels of maturity: Ignorance, …Understanding, Experimentation, Regular use, and Innovation. RESULTS: In this paper, we provide a three-stage procedure for guiding the application of the EMM: preparation of the evaluation, evaluation, and improvement plan and implementation. We include four tools developed specifically for applying EMM in organizations: evaluation matrix, weighting questionnaire, quick questionnaire, and prioritization matrix. Also, we present a Colombian floriculture company’s case study to exemplify the use of the EMM. CONCLUSIONS: The EMM provides a framework for integrating E/HF into organizations from the macroergonomics approach. E/HF practitioners can find in the EMM a tool to help them channel the actions taken by the different organizational actors to improve the safety, health, well-being, and performance of work systems. Finally, it should be noted that further studies on the reliability and validity of the EMM are needed, which would contribute to demonstrating that the EMM can effectively and successfully guide change in E/HF maturity levels in organizations. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic assessment, organizational change, organizational ergonomics, systems analysis, systems approach

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211142

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S279-S292, 2022