A total ergonomic design approach to enhance the productivity in a complicated control system

Abstract

The presented study described a total ergonomic design approach, which would enable designer to increase the productivity of a complicated control or a continuous process system by optimizing the human factors at work. This study is among the first to examine traditional ergonomics and macroergonomics integrally for designing more efficient work conditions. Control room and maintenance departments of the large and complex thermal power plants in Iran were chosen as the case of this study. To achieve the above objective, first the existing system was identified by applying various methods for data gathering. All system components, observed in accordance to the prepared checklists. Then managers, supervisors and operators, were selected and interviewed and major problems in relation to human factors engineering were discussed and identified. Based on interview feedback and our thorough comprehension of the process, operations and information system, five questionnaires were designed. The surveys contain valuable information related to ergonomics, anthropometry and macroergonomics concepts, such as interface design, training, safety, equipment, teamwork, managerial and organizational factors. In addition, anthropometric factors were measured in each unit and the results were examined against the exist standards. Finally, a comprehensive qualitative analysis and a final audit were performed to identify hidden points. The results of this integrated model revealed several problems, in regard to microergonomics and macroergonomics. The distinguished aspect of this study is the employment of a total system approach base on integration of the traditional human factors engineering (ergonomics) techniques as well as macroergonomics techniques. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.