Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: De la Garza, Cecilia | Labarthe, Jean-Paul | Graglia, Louis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to highlight how ergonomics contributes to risk analysis and risk management in a design project for a new reactor, the French EPR (European Pressurized Reactor). An iterative ergonomics design process has been conducted over the last 10 years through a Human Factors Engineering program at the French energy company EDF. A parallel has been drawn between a risk management process and this ergonomics process based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publications such as ISO/IEC Guide 73, ISO Guide 51, etc. The contribution of ergonomics to risk analysis is illustrated by an example: the …automatic diagnosis, which is a very important technical device for safety. Five main types of risk have been identified via ergonomic analyses during the different design stages. Counter-measures have been implemented and their efficacy tested within the scope of new campaigns to assess human factors. However, the management of risks in such a design project requires the participation both of the different design entities involved in the project and of other experts in aspects of risk management, such as human reliability. The organization of collaborative participation remains a challenge to be addressed. Show more

Keywords: risk management, design, human reliability, nuclear power plant

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0233-730

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 730-736, 2012

Authors: Couix, Stanislas | Darses, Françoise | De-La-Garza, Cecilia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: It is widely recognised that ergonomists must contribute during needs analysis. However, few studies have investigated the specific contributions of ergonomists at this stage of the design process. In this study, this contribution is studied through the requirement document produced by the design team. For each requirement, the source (i.e. who formulated the requirement), justification (why the requirement is needed), type (functional, interaction, operational, physical, organizational), and scope (entire system or part thereof) were analysed. Results indicate that the various actors are complementary and work collectively to define the various dimensions of the system. With end-users, the ergonomist worked on …the global aspects of the system: function, conditions of use and organizational dimension. Alone, he defined the global interaction of the system. The various functions derived from the global function were defined in collaboration with engineers. However, while engineers contributed to defining how these functions would work, as well as their technical conditions of use, the ergonomist focused on their purpose, and, with end-users, on their organizational aspects. Finally, results suggest that neither the ergonomist’s specific knowledge in ergonomics, nor work analysis were sufficient to derive his requirements; both are mandatory. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics, design, needs analysis, requirements

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0234-737

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 737-744, 2012

Authors: Alhadeff, Cynthia Mossé | da Silva, Rosana Fernandes | Reis, Márcia Sales dos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study presents the challenge involved in the negotiation and construction of a standard process in a major petroleum company that has the purpose of guiding the implementation of ergonomic studies in the development of projects, systemising the implementation of ergonomics design. The standard was created by a multi-disciplinary working group consisting of specialists in ergonomics, who work in a number of different areas of the company. The objective was to guide “how to” undertake ergonomics in all projects, taking into consideration the development of the ergonomic appraisals of work. It also established that all the process, in each project …phase, should be accompanied by a specialist in ergonomics. This process as an innovation in the conception of projects in this company, signals a change of culture, and, for this reason requires broad dissemination throughout the several company leadership levels, and training of professionals in projects of ergonomics design. An implementation plan was also prepared and approved by the corporate governance, complementing the proposed challenge. In this way, this major oil company will implement new procedures of ergonomics design to promote health, safety, and wellbeing of the workforce, besides improving the performance and reliability of its systems and processes. Show more

Keywords: projects, ergonomics design, standard procedure, multi-disciplinary, reliability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0235-745

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 745-751, 2012

Authors: Robb, Martin | Miller, Gerald

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Oil and Gas Exploration and Production activities are carried out in hazardous environments in many parts of the world. Recent events in the Gulf of Mexico highlight those risks and underline the importance of considering human factors during facility design. Ergonomic factors such as machinery design, facility and accommodation layout and the organization of work activities have been systematically considered over the past twenty years on a limited number of offshore facility design projects to a) minimize the occupational risks to personnel, b) support operations and maintenance tasks and c) improve personnel wellbeing. During this period, several regulators and industry …bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Oil and Gas Producers (OGP), and Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) have developed specific HFE design standards and guidance documents for the application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) to the design and operation of Oil and Gas projects. However, despite the existence of these guidance and recommended design practise documents, and documented proof of their value in enhancing crew safety and efficiency, HFE is still not well understood across the industry and application across projects is inconsistent. This paper summarizes the key Oil and Gas industry bodies’ HFE guidance documents, identifies recurring themes and current trends in the use of these standards, provides examples of where and how these HFE standards have been used on past major offshore facility design projects, and suggests criteria for selecting the appropriate HFE strategy and tasks for future major oil and gas projects. It also provides a short history of the application of HFE to the offshore industry, beginning with the use of ASTM F 1166 to a major operator’s Deepwater Gulf of Mexico facility in 1990 and the application of HFE to diverse world regions. This latter point highlights the need to consider user populations when selecting HFE design criteria, an aspect strongly emphasized in current industry guidance. Show more

Keywords: oil and gas, facilities design, regulations, energy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0236-752

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 752-762, 2012

Authors: Menegon, Fabrício Augusto | da Silva Rodrigues, Daniela | Fontes, Andréa Regina Martins | Menegon, Nilton Luiz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aims to discuss the role of ergonomics in design process using the dialogue developed by designers, implementers and users in an oil refinery. It was possible to identify the need of minimizing the postural constraints, risk of accidents, mechanical shocks and to enlarge safety perception in the access and permanency of the users at the workspace. It has been determined and validated by workers and managers to implement different deadlines depending on programming, viability and execution time for the improvements proposed. In a long-term: it was proposed the substitution of the ladders with time planning according to the …maintenance program of the tanks; in a short-time: it was suggested the expansion of the existing platforms, implementation of a walkway connection provided with guardrails between the upper access of the side ladder and the repositioning of radar set and aerial aiming at the usage by workers at the workstation of the new platform. It was also elaborated eight typologies of intervention, according to the request, type of tank, material stored, and its setting place. The design process arises from ergonomics workplace analysis that presents concepts for solutions which was a mediator tool to be settled between users and implementers. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics workplace analysis, work activity, social process of design, design and use, process industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0237-763

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 763-769, 2012

Authors: Passero, Carolina Reich Marcon | Ogasawara, ÉRika Lye | Baú, Lucy Mara Silva | Buso, Sandro Artur | Bianchi, Marcos Cesar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ergonomic Design is the adaptation of working conditions to human limitations and skills in the physical design phase of a new installation, a new working system, or new products or tools. Based on this concept, the purpose of this work was to analyze the implementation of ergonomic design at the new industrial units of an oil refinery, using the method of Ergonomic Workplace Assessment. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team composed of operation, maintenance and industrial safety technicians, ergonomists, designers and engineers. The analysis involved 6 production units, 1 industrial wastewater treatment unit, and 3 utilities units, all …in the design detailing phase, for which 455 ergonomic requirements were identified. An analysis and characterization of the requirements identified for 5 of the production units, involving a total of 246 items, indicated that 62% were related to difficult access and blockage operations, while 15% were related to difficulties in the circulation of employees inside the units. Based on these data, it was found that the ergonomic requirements identified in the design detailing phase of an industrial unit involve physical ergonomics, and that it is very difficult to identify requirements related to organizational or cognitive ergonomics. Show more

Keywords: Designs, Petrochemistry, Ergonomic Workplace Assessment, Electronic Template

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0238-770

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 770-773, 2012

Authors: Steffan, Isabella Tiziana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The article presents a complex work of which the author has been asked by the Municipality of Milan an its Service Company (AEM, now A2A) to apply Ergonomics to evaluate a product designed for asking information and emergency, with particular attention to vulnerable city users.

Keywords: emergency system, help point, municipality of Milan, ergonomic evaluation, redesign

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0239-774

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 774-777, 2012

Authors: Santos, Y | Porto, F | Marques, L | Tomaz, A | Toledo, R | Lucena, N

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ergonomics is the study of a workplace and the worker. Its aim is to better adapt the workplace to man by preserving the body for short and long term work. This helps to adjust and improve functionality, thus preserving the body for short and long term work. It was through the observation of SAMU's (Mobile Emergency Unit) professional's helpers that the interest to evaluate these individuals arose. In addition, the aim of this research is to investigate the work ability of health professionals that work for SAMU/JP. The population was composed of 97 health professionals who currently work for SAMU/JP. …A sociodemographic questionnaire was used as data collection instrument and it was validated by the index of the Work Ability (WAI). The research took place in 2010, in the headquarters of SAMU, in the city of João Pessoa, state of Paraíba – Brazil. The data analysis was carried out by simple descriptive statistics followed by comparison of the results with the pertinent literature. The quantity of daily sleeping hours, the levels of satisfaction in the job and the number of diagnosed diseases were among the most worrying factors. In spite of this, the health professionals obtained a work ability average considered to be “good”. Show more

Keywords: health professionals, work ability, SAMU

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0240-778

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 778-782, 2012

Authors: Mendes, Davidson Passos | de Souza Moraes, Geraldo Fabiano | de Lima Mendes, Juliana Cristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Our objective in this study, the analysis of potential fields of risk management in nursing work in psychiatric care to adolescents and children, while settings that go from the relationship between technical and organizational determinants of work activity and the skills of operators. It was established focus on the work process of the TECHNICAL AND NURSING ASSISTANTS to seek for response elements in an attempt to understand the health-disease process experienced by these workers. It was used for analysis and data collection, through the method of Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA), fifteen workers of nursing staff – T&NA, between effectives and …contractors, and the strategies of action and regulation of these workers in relation to the interface that they deal with. The results show that the workers are exposed to all charges in an intense and specific way, causing physical and mental wear, as it approaches the psychological distress, exposure to the psychic pressure, not only through contact with the object of work, but the complexity of these relationships that are involved in nursing staff. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics, nursing, occupational risk, work process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0241-783

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 783-789, 2012

Authors: Munoz, Maria Isabel | Bouldi, Nadia | Barcellini, Flore | Nascimento, Adelaide

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This communication deals with the involvement of ergonomists in a research-action design process of a software platform in radiotherapy. The goal of the design project is to enhance patient safety by designing a workflow software that supports cooperation between professionals producing treatment in radiotherapy. The general framework of our approach is the ergonomics management of a design process, which is based in activity analysis and grounded in participatory design. Two fields are concerned by the present action: a design environment which is a participatory design process that involves software designers, caregivers as future users and ergonomists; and a reference real …work setting in radiotherapy. Observations, semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops allow the characterization of activity in radiotherapy dealing with uses of cooperative tools, sources of variability and non-ruled strategies to manage the variability of the situations. This production of knowledge about work searches to enhance the articulation between technocentric and anthropocentric approaches, and helps in clarifying design requirements. An issue of this research-action is to develop a framework to define the parameters of the workflow tool, and the conditions of its deployment. Show more

Keywords: patient safety, radiotherapy care, CSCW, design, participatory process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0242-790

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 790-796, 2012