Ergonomics
‘The Golden Bay’ Project
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Author Gonny Hoekstra |
| Abstract With an increase of the average age of their employees, a cargo division of an airline company redesigned a part of the operation into “The Golden Bay’. A workplace where the older employee can work in a healthy way and be of added value until retirement. |
What does HF Integration really look like? Client/consultant partnership for HS2
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Author Emily Thorne, Dr Stuart Smith |
| Abstract This paper explores how the client/consultancy partnership enabled effective Ergonomics/Human Factors (E/HF) integration for the concept design of the Washwood Heath (WWH) Depot rolling stock depot for High Speed 2 (HS2). Exploring lessons learnt from this case study intends to highlight examples of “best practice” for effective E/HFI and discuss practical tips and tools for implementation which may be transferrable to other projects, and sectors beyond the rail sector. |
A 5 year snapshot of education, research and publications about ergonomics in Irish Healthcare
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Author Mahnaz Sharafkhani, Mary Browne, Margaret Codd, Angela O’Dea, Dorothy Breen, Dara Byrne, Maria Chiara Leva, Siobhán Corrigan, Sam Cromie, Eva Doherty, John Fitzsimons, Una Geary, Samantha Hughes, Cora McCaughan, Nick McDonald, Gemma Moore, Maureen Nolan, Paul O’Connor, Leonard O’Sullivan, Lorraine Schwanberg, David Vaughan, Marie E. Ward |
| Abstract Healthcare Human Factors / Ergonomics (HF/E) involves the rigorous application of multiple academic disciplines (e.g. engineering, psychology) with the aim of improving patient safety, quality of care, efficiency, and staff wellbeing. This paper discusses the establishment of a research collaboration of interested HF/E researchers, academics, frontline staff, quality and patient safety (QPS) practitioners and patient and public partners (PPP) and reports on a snapshot of the HF/E different activities being undertaken in the Irish healthcare system over the past 5 years (2018-2023). |
A vision to ‘Design out’ accidentally retained surgical items in vaginal childbirth
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Author Ahmed ElGharably, Kiran Desai, Aaron Vance, Jon Lester, Emma Bonfiglio, Colin Rigby, Andrew Forrester, Prof Peter Ogrodnik, Jeffrey Faint, Prof Tom Clutton-Brock, Aditi Desai |
| Abstract Retained vaginal swabs are a well-recognised and recurrent patient safety ‘never event’ with the potential to cause significant morbidity. Surgical swabs and surgical tampons, which are considered a type of surgical swab, are the single largest retained item. There have been 340 incidents of retained vaginal swabs reported in England (2012-2022) and underreporting of these incidents is known. The current practice of manual counting is prone to human error and demonstrates a lack of efficacy in dealing with this issue. A simple, cost-effective device was developed collaboratively based on human factors/ ergonomics principles. This is designed to help users focus on the largest problem space, functioning as a physical checklist and memory aid for accurate counting. The team adopted a systems thinking approach to develop the innovation, progressing through steps such as hierarchical task analysis and human factors systems analysis through the SEIPS framework, AcciMap, barrier analysis and user-centred iterative design. The near-manufacture prototype was user-tested in simulation, and results indicate that the device has the potential to facilitate accurate counts in a time-efficient manner. We acknowledge that there will be a need for training, and culture change for the adoption of design solutions in the current workflow. It is known that around 94% of units have electronic records, and software development in order to integrate the deviceaided count into electronic medical records with a computer vision app is ongoing. With integration into existing software, the system will not complete the birth episode unless the count tallies. With some additional resources, our vision is to develop and introduce a strong systemic barrier to prevent the problem. Initially, it may be practical to introduce only the device, which acts as a physical checklist and increases system resilience. System engineering tools such as the use of checklists are well-accepted models within patient safety science. However, the role of design which complements human behaviour in achieving system improvement is relatively unknown to healthcare professionals and we intended to explore this. |
Nuclear: The Big Clean-up
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Author Steph Simpson |
| Abstract This paper presents a series of observations of the hazards and challenges faced as part of the cleanup of the UK’s Nuclear Licensed Sites after decades of electricity production. In some hazardous environments, the dynamic decision making of humans is often preferable to the use of robots, however this does not come without risk. Protective equipment, whilst absolutely necessary to reduce the risks to the operator, can impact their performance when undertaking decommissioning operations. Human Factors and Ergonomics play a critical role in ensuring these tasks are undertaken safely, reliably and efficiently. |
Human Factors Integration in Digital Railway Transformation: A Call for Collaboration
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Author Niamh Tyson & Emily Thorne |
| Abstract A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesise research into Human Factors Integration and holistic risk management in the implementation of ETCS across Europe. The review highlights a lack of accessible literature in this field and makes several recommendations to bridge the gaps in knowledge and inform best practices in the UK. The importance of fostering collaboration within our discipline and developing new avenues for sharing lessons learned beyond traditional channels is highlighted throughout. |
Upright Cancer Therapy: A Human Factors perspective
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Author Susmitha Cherukuru Lakshmipathy |
| Abstract This paper explores the potential benefits and limitations of upright therapy compared to the traditional supine approach, focusing on the human factors perspective. The research is based on a combination of literature review, workshops with patients and clinicians, and ergonomic analysis. Upright therapy shows promise as a potential alternative to supine therapy, offering benefits for both patients and clinicians. Further research is crucial to fully understand the benefits of upright therapy for effective treatment approaches for various conditions and adaptability across various treatment conditions and requirements. |
