Human factors integration
Circles of Influence: How do you arrange 200 Performance Shaping Factors?
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Author Adrian Wheatley |
| Abstract The Circles of Influence model is a method of organising Performance Shaping Factors that encourages the user to consider the bi-directional way in which many variables might interact to influence human performance. The model is presented as a tool to aid Ergonomics and Human Factors practitioners when undertaking activities such as project and task scoping, requirements capture, risk assessment, and Human Reliability Assessment. |
Developing and piloting Human Factors/ Ergonomics Handover Observation tools based on SEIPS 3.0
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Author Mahnaz Sharafkhani, Mary Browne, Margaret Codd, Angela O’Dea, Una Geary, Marie E. Ward |
| Abstract Clinical handover is a core component of healthcare delivery and its optimisation is a recognised enabler of patient safety (DoH, 2015), healthcare quality and positive patient and staff experience of care (HIQA, 2012). There are risks associated with poor handover and communication failure. Observational tools have been used to study and improve handover processes. However, not all of these tools capture the full range of systems factors that can impact on handover processes in clinical settings. In this study, a review of handover observation tools was conducted and a new ethnographic observation tool based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) 3.0 was developed and piloted. |
Human Factors Integration Strategy: Embedding Human Factors in Practice within Healthcare
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Author Eva-Maria Carman, Giulia Miles, Bryn Baxendale, Emma Smith & Owen Bennett |
| Abstract Despite identifying the need for enhancing the use of Human Factors and Ergonomics in healthcare about 20 years ago, progress to date has been slow. A cohesive strategy is required that aligns these methods and expertise with established improvement, transformation and organisational development programmes and which is synergistic with existing work that seeks to address local system and organisational priorities. This paper describes progress to date and proposed future steps for the integration of Human Factors and Ergonomics in one large NHS Hospital Trust. |
Human Factors Integration for a Nuclear Waste Management Facility – a success story
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Author Clare Parker & Carina King |
| Abstract This paper outlines the Human Factors (HF) integration work that was undertaken at a Sellafield Limited (SL) nuclear waste management facility in the north of the UK. The project consisted of the design and build of a new facility to store Intermediate Level Waste (ILW). The work was delivered by HF specialists at Risktec Solutions Ltd (Risktec) and involved multiple HF activities. A local operability review is presented as a case study that considered the environmental aspects of the new facility. This paper demonstrates the importance and impact of HF integration on a large-scale project. |
Point of Care Ultrasound Scanning in Paediatric Haemophilia Patients
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Author Frances Ives, Helen Hunt, Katherine Reynolds & Zamira Jaffer |
| Abstract Point of Care Ultrasound Scanning (POCUS) is a procedure commonly used at the patient’s bedside, often within acute medicine to aid assessment and management of patients. A Human Factors project was undertaken to consider the implementation of POCUS to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of Paediatric Haemophilia Patients with suspected joint bleeds. A Human Factors approach was used to support the implementation to ensure a systematic approach was taken to ensure the feasibility, usability, viability, scalability and sustainability was considered. Human Factors data gathering and observations were conducted to fully understand the current patient pathway and to understand how POCUS could be implemented to benefit both staff and patients. By using a Human Factors approach and considering the work system fully, it is anticipated that any potential disadvantages of the new technology are identified and addressed prior to full implementation. The project is currently in the pilot phase with staff trained in the use of POCUS and trialling equipment alongside the original pathway. It is anticipated that benefits to staff, patients, their carers, families and the NHS Trust will be identified. |
Human Factors Integration (HFI) in UK Healthcare: a route map for 1 year, 5 years, 10 years and 20 years
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Author Sue HIGNETT, Will TUTTON, Kerry TATLOCK |
| Abstract This paper reflects on Human Factors Integration (HFI) to consider how Human Factors/Ergonomics has influenced Defence activities, and could influence safety and performance in Healthcare activities. A workshop with 16 Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors members was held in July 2016 to discuss and propose a Route Map for HFI in the UK National Health Service. The results set out achievable targets for 1, 5, 10 and 20 years culminating in mandatory HFI to achieve a resilient system for safety culture and work load. |
Integrating Human Factors within a large NHS Trust
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Author Frances Ives & Dr Peter Isherwood |
| Abstract Achieving integration of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) within a large NHS Trust is a challenging, daunting and lengthy task. Despite recognition from a number of organisations within the NHS that HFE can bring benefits to both staff and patients, integration is in its infancy. The NHS Trust considered in this paper has a long established Ergonomics service focusing on the reduction of musculoskeletal problems in staff. In addition, the recognition of non-technical skills had developed through high fidelity simulation training. The Trust aimed to bring both elements together to develop broader HFE knowledge and application. A multidisciplinary Human Factors Faculty (HFF) approach was therefore pursued to create a platform to drive the integration of HFE. Two of the main challenges faced by the HFF were improving the understanding of HFE and limited funding. The platform approach adopted by the HFF pulls in interested people from within the Trust to initiate and support a variety of HFE projects. This has enabled awareness of HFE to grow quickly within the Trust through a variety of means with minimal funding and resources. There are challenges involved with developing and sustaining a Faculty of this nature including maintaining skills, credibility, quality of work and the reliance of a large amount of good will! However, the diversity and quantity of HFE projects and conversations carried out since the inception of the HFF is testament to the impact that such a multidisciplinary platform approach can have within a large NHS Trust. |
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. |
Loss of an F35 fighter jet – The case for Human Factors Integration
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Author Kevin Hayes & Daniel Boardman |
| Abstract An F-35B Fighter Jet belonging to the Royal Air Force ditched in the Mediterranean Sea on 17 November 2021 during an aborted take-off from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (DSA, 2023). While the aircraft was recovered from a depth of two kilometres, all components were found to be beyond economic repair and the airframe was deemed a total loss. The subsequent safety investigation conducted by the Defence Safety Authority determined the causal factor to be that the left intake blank was at the front face of the engine compressor during the aircraft launch. This paper sets out the latent issues with the design of the intake blank and how they combined with a number of local and organisational Human Factor issues to create the conditions in which this accident occurred. |
Middle Ground – Field of View for Future Helmet Mounted Displays
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Author Siddharth Shyamsundar |
| Abstract Drawing on research spanning multiple decades, different platforms and use cases, this literature review provides an in-depth overview of Field of View (FOV) in fixed wing military aviation Helmet Mounted Displays (HMDs), focusing on its human factors (HF) and performance implications. Expanding on the capabilities of human vision, it highlights how FOV and human vision are interlinked and why the current fixed wing HMD FOV standard is inadequate, failing to leverage the far-reaching capabilities of the human eye. This paper delves into both the preeminent FOV perspectives – the “as small as possible” and the “bigger the better” approaches, and identifies a “middle ground” of horizontal FOVs between 60° and 90°, where the benefits of wide FOV HMDs are at their most advantageous. Using this as a starting point, this study calls for the development of a wide FOV HMD for fixed wing military aircraft to include empirical HF research using appropriate use cases while accounting for platform and sensor capabilities and mission sets. |
Embedding Human Factors into High-Speed Rail Systems Integration
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Author Arzoo Naghiyev, Anthony Coplestone & Nassar Majothi |
| Abstract High Speed 2 (HS2) is building a new socio-technical system, and the complexity of the project requires early and iterative management of human risks. Collaborative working between Ergonomics and Systems Integration (SI) has allowed for end users to be considered in SI processes, which is critical when designing not only new rail systems and infrastructure, but also a new Infrastructure Manager (IM) organisation. This paper will discuss the development of the early ergonomics risk identification framework (EERIF) that has been developed to integrate ergonomics into functional integration activities that are used to support the design of technical systems. The EERIF will be iteratively updated throughout the design process to map to the maturity of the project and will be re-reviewed against existing HF taxonomies and methods. |
Identifying Human Performance Metrics in Air Traffic Control
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Author Lisa Aldridge, Jediah Clark & Mark S. Young |
| Abstract Whilst maintaining safety remains the top priority, the UK needs to increase the number of aircraft that can fly through its airspace. This study uses task analysis to identify a set of performance metrics that will support air traffic controller training, inform airspace and technology design, and support operational decisions that balance the number of aircraft that can fly through UK airspace. A literature review, a review of existing task analyses and a set of workshops with controllers were conducted. The study concludes that measuring the performance of air traffic controllers holistically and continuously, using objective measures of task performance, is relatively unexplored. |
Getting cognitive requirements for system design right
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Author Shirley Brennen and Victoria Doherty |
| Abstract Recently, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) updated guidance on the application of human factors in system acquisition. During that process, a number of gaps were identified. The aim of this study was to address one of the gaps by providing the MOD with a generic process that would allow them to: determine the cognitive capabilities required for accurate system operation; and measure the current cognitive capabilities of a proposed user group to inform the design or selection of any military system. Building on an analysis of cognitive literature, and an understanding of military tasks, a framework was derived for the classification of cognitive abilities. By combining the framework with guidance and best practice, a simple process for deriving and incorporating cognitive requirements into military system development was created. This process extends the current standardised approach, providing a holistic approach to human factors in system design. |
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. |
Human factors and the digital railway: Effecting and managing change through innovation and integration
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Author Richard Bye |
| Abstract With an infrastructure operating at full capacity, a testing political climate, and a mix of government, regulatory and public pressures, the GB railway is under more strain and scrutiny than ever before. Currently, more than 4.8 million journeys are made across the network every day, a number which is forecasted to increase by around 40% over the next 20 years. As such, the complex sociotechnical system that makes up Britain’s railway is in a constant state of flux, continually evolving to meet the everchanging demands of today, whilst anticipating the myriad needs of tomorrow. Without proactive interventions, the predicted growth in passenger journeys will erode the resilience of the railway, especially on the busiest parts of the network that are already characterised by an extreme density of train services. Passengers expect, and should receive, a right-time rail service all day, every day. However, minor disruptions frequently lead to congestion and delays, and result in losses to public satisfaction and confidence. Technological interventions to optimise system performance, whilst maintaining a continuous focus on passenger, workforce and public safety, require a robust and coordinated approach from the ergonomics and human factors (human factors) community. Human factors practitioners, in collaboration with frontline rail staff, engineers, system architects and policy makers, can innovate through practice and research to integrate digital railway (DR) technologies, and reduce environmental stressors, whilst maximising the return on investments at every level of the sociotechnical system. This work illustrates the application of systems ergonomics to the delivery of DR technologies within safety-critical work environments. The DR project is focused on deploying new technology to maximise train capacity on the existing infrastructure. To do this requires a comprehensive programme of human factors integration to effect the necessary cultural and organisational changes, and in doing so develop appropriate policies, regulations, standards and plans. |
H-FIT: Assessing the human factors impact of proposed changes to the railway
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Author Nora Balfe |
| Abstract This paper describes the background, development, and content of a new tool, H-FIT, to assess the likely human factors impact of proposed railway change projects. The tool provides a structured approach to identifying the scope and requirements for human factors integration at early project stages, around which the human factors activities can be specified and planned. The core of the tool is 14 design scope factors which range from planned changes to the work environment, to the introduction of new HMIs, and changes in working hours. These design scope factors are linked to physical and organisational design outcomes, such as accessibility, usability, and fatigue. Human factors goals can be set for each area of design scope against the related design outcomes. |
Human Factors Contributions to Just Culture in Aviation and Beyond
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Author Steven Shorrock, Tony Licu, Radu Cioponea & Barry Kirwan |
| Abstract For over 20 years, EUROCONTROL and its partners have pioneered efforts to promote Just Culture at the corporate and judicial levels in aviation and beyond. Human Factors has been integrated into this effort in a variety of ways. This paper outlines three areas in which Human Factors concepts, theories and methods have been integrated: 1. Just Culture at the judicial level; 2. Just Culture at the organisational level in aviation; and 3. Just Culture in the wider world. |
Developing a Human Factors / Ergonomics guide on AI deployment in healthcare
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Author Marie E. Ward, Mark Sujan, Rachel Pool, Kate Preston, Huayi Huang, Angela Carrington, Nick Chozos |
| Abstract Members of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) Digital Health and AI Special Interest Group (SIG) identified a need to provide health and social care professionals with an accessible guide to apply a systems approach in the design of healthcare AI tools. The CIEHF Digital Health and AI SIG came together to co-design a new guidance document: ‘AI deployment in healthcare – beginning your journey with Human Factors / Ergonomics (HF/E) in mind to support the integration of AI into care practices. A guide for health and social care professionals with an interest in AI.’ Group members come from health and social care and HF/E backgrounds. The guide is structured using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework. |
Practicing What We Preach: The Performance Shaping Factors of Human Factors Practitioners
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Author Darren Doyle, & James Blundell |
| Abstract The severity of performance shaping factors on human factors (HF) practitioners from safety critical industries in the United Kingdom (UK) is examined. Based on a Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) survey, 32 HF practitioners reported that organisational influences were the most disruptive encountered PSF with the vocation (p < 0.01), compared with supervisory and workplace pre-condition factors. Follow-up semi-structured interviews with 5 participants highlighted these organisational PSFs could be attributed to the misperception of the HF role and value within organisational structures, contributing to the perception of HF receiving insufficient budgetary and organisational priority. Furthermore, participants viewed these PSFs to be significantly detrimental to their own well-being and to both the current and prospective health of discipline. Recommendations to address these issues are discussed. |
Applying Human Factors in Whisky Manufacture – A project of Firsts
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Author Anita Weltz, Douglas Dick |
| Abstract This paper outlines a case study of the Human Factors (HF) work that was undertaken for a whisky manufacturer, Whyte and Mackay (W&M), at an Upper Tier Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) site in Scotland. The work was delivered by HF specialists at Risktec Solutions (Risktec) and involved: the incorporation of HF into the company investigation process; the development of a process for identifying and assessing safety critical tasks, including demonstration of the process (whisky loading to a tanker) and the development of a process for producing safety critical procedures and demonstration of application of this process. The project featured a number of firsts – the first whisky project for the HF consultant and the first HF project for the client. |
Electrifying the future Irish railway
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Author Abigail Palmer & Nora Balfe |
| Abstract This paper describes the baselining of current electrical controller operations on the Irish rail network, and the ongoing work to assess the human factors risks and issues associated with an increase in the level of railway electrification and move to a new operational control centre including new equipment. To support decarbonisation, there are plans to increase the electrified network from 50km of track to at least 150km in the greater Dublin area, with possible further increases in other areas. To understand current work, the existing role was baselined to document the sources of information used, the tasks undertaken, and the current workload. A series of workshops are ongoing to explore the role of new systems and interfaces to be used in future and the expected increase in ECO workload and how this will be managed. |
Adopting a human factors approach to improve safety in the emergency department
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Author Richard Brownhill, Clare Carr |
| Abstract Emergency departments across the country are experiencing high levels of demand and occupancy leading to crowding, creating an environment where those working in at find it difficult to function at their optimum level. The performance influencing factors for these staff impact in a number of ways leading to high cognitive load, stress and a sense of hoping to get through the shift without patients experiencing adverse events. The emergency care improvement support team (ECIST) is part of NHS England’s operational improvement arm, working with healthcare systems to develop understanding and improvement across the urgent and emergency care (UEC) pathway. A team within the emergency department at Ipswich hospital recognised that the acuity of patients walking into their service appeared to be increasing and the number of those unexpectedly deteriorating was increasing. As ECIST was already working with the organisation in relation to their UEC pathways, an approach commenced to understand further the work-as-done in relation to this safety critical area of hospital care. The improvement led to an improvement in perceived safety and speed of intervention for patients with sepsis. |
Point Merge: Increasing Human-System Integration in Air Traffic Management
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Author Shane Kenny & Wen-Chin Li |
| Abstract Through consideration of human-system integration (HSI) during airspace design, ATCOs who operate in a Point Merge environment can benefit from increased situational awareness, reduced workload and increased performance levels (Eurocontrol, 2021). This short paper outlines the advantages of implementing Point Merge operations to increase ATM safety, by considering the role of the ATCO and the importance of HSI when implementing air traffic control procedures. |
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. |
Human Factors in Safety Critical Design: Using Haptic Feedback for Robot Teleoperation
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Author Molly Murphy, Teegan Bowker, Emily Thorne, Steven Newton & Daniel Jardine |
| Abstract High hazard industries require the consideration of Human Factors in designing methods to mitigate health and safety risks. Robotic solutions in the nuclear industry can improve operator safety through remote teleoperation, however, for these solutions to be successful the human must be considered. This paper presents a Human Factors review of one of these solutions and has received promising usability results whilst identifying areas for future system development – including improvements to the trolley used to move the robot, and recommendations for a comprehensive training program for familiarisation. |
Success Factors for Human Factors Issues Management in the Nuclear Industry
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Author Sam Farrar, Samantha Halstead, Callum Thomas & Patrick Ellis |
| Abstract This paper sets out to present several key Success Factors learned from the coordination and management of Human Factors Issues and Assumptions Register (HFIAR) administrative process’ within the Nuclear Sector. The paper seeks to explore notable themes identified within HFIAR management and detail how the process can be suitably implemented to provide successful Human Factors (HF) Issues management to Nuclear Industry Clients. |
Human system integration in the design of a new high-speed rail system
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Author Arzoo Naghiyev, Anthony Coplestone, Kathryn Montgomery & Hussien Aied |
| Abstract High Speed 2 (HS2) will be a highly automated rail system, which adds greater complexity to a complex socio-technical system, with potential unanticipated consequences. The Human System Integration workstream is at an early stage and the proposed methodology will allow the identification and management of Human Factors risk profiles associated to each function of the HS2 railway throughout the HS2 design lifecycle, as well as for the identified HS2 Operational Scenarios. |
The Process of Training ChatGPT Using HFACS to Analyse Aviation Accident Reports
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Author Declan Saunders, Kyle Hu & Wen-Chin Li |
| Abstract This study investigates the feasibility of a generative-pre-trained transformer (GPT) to analyse aviation accident reports related to decision error, based on the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) framework. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) combined with machine learning (ML) is expected to expand significantly in aviation. It will have an impact on safety management and accident classification and prevention based on the development of the large language model (LLM) and prompt engineering. The results have demonstrated that there are challenges to using AI to classify accidents related to pilots’ cognitive processes, which might have an impact on pilots’ decision-making, violation, and operational behaviours. Currently, AI tends to misclassify causal factors implicated by human behaviours and cognitive processes of decisionmaking. This research reveals the potential of AI's utility in initial quick analysis with unexpected and unpredictable hallucinations, which may require a domain expert’s validation. |
Application of human factors to improve airport experience for passengers requiring support
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Author Edyta Ostrowska |
| Abstract The paper presents an application of human factors framework to improve airport operations and customer experience. A pilot study was conducted at one of the UK airports and focused on experiences of passengers requiring support and staff working in Assistance Points. The results highlighted that airport operators would benefit from applying more holistic approach to understand passenger experience and should aim to look beyond passenger satisfaction, at the factors that can influence staff satisfaction and performance. |
Development and validation of a wearable fatigue monitoring device
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Author Melanie Mertesdorf, Alan Jones & Neil Clark |
| Abstract Fatigue management and in particular associated cognitive depletion is of crucial relevance in areas such as occupational health and transport safety, with some estimating that 25-50% of commercial vehicle accidents occur due to the effects of human error through accumulative cognitive fatigue (Davidović et al., 2018). The Driver Innovation Safety Challenge (DISC) was commissioned in response to such concerns and recent high-profile incidents. It was a joint project led by Edinburgh Trams with the support of UKTram and Transport for Edinburgh, and a partnership of public and private sector organisations including the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scotland CAN DO Innovation Challenge Fund. Its remit was to promote the development of technology and processes to help mitigate against the onset of mental fatigue and aid in the prevention of associated incidents. Key criteria for this type of management were to enable real time fatigue monitoring of personnel in an unobtrusive manner. This paper discusses the development and validation of a wrist-worn wearable device for fatigue detection and alerting, with a particular emphasis on validation studies conducted with tram operators in an operationally representative simulator environment. Despite initial focus on tram operators, the device has potential applications for many other domains where mental fatigue could lead to catastrophic events. |
Lagging Human Factors – Latency in Helmet Mounted Displays and its Implications
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Author Siddharth Shyamsundar |
| Abstract Despite having significant human factors (HF) implications, latency in military aviation Helmet Mounted Displays (HMDs) is often seen as purely an engineering problem. This systematic review provides an overview of latency in HMDs, highlights the adverse impact it has on key HF and pilot performance metrics and outlines current latency thresholds and how they may not be relevant to the military aviation context. Drawing from extant literature, this paper provides recommendations for HF involvement, research and technology application in the development of low latency HMDs. It serves as a call to action, promoting significant HF involvement within a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to exploring latency in the development of future military aviation HMDs. |
PhD overview: Investigating teleconsultations in primary care using human factors
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Author Aimee M D Ferguson, Rosemary Newham, Emma Dunlop, Kate Preston, Marion Bennie |
| Abstract The discipline of human factors plays a crucial role for the design, implementation, and evaluations of use of teleconsultations in primary care. This paper provides an overview of a PhD project which used the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) 2.0 model (Holden et al, 2013) to synthesise previous applications of human factors in this area; explore the facilitators and barriers to the use of video consultations in primary care pharmacy services in Scotland; and to understand the extent to which existing video consultation guidance considers each component of the current work system. |
Case Study: Reflections on a Major Nuclear New Build Project from Concept to Commissioning
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Author Emma Ridsdale |
| Abstract The paper highlights the implementation of relevant good practice Human Factors Integration (HFI) methods on a major nuclear new build project. The Human Factors (HF) team have provided support to the design and safety case since 2017. HF activities have assessed the role of the operation, allocation of function and analysed the proven technologies selection and input into novel design solutions to deliver a safe, operable, and functional design. |
Human Centred Lighting of a 24-hour Control Room
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Author Martin Redford |
| Abstract Lighting of Industrial Control Rooms may disrupt natural circadian rhythms, affecting the health and wellbeing of operators. Human Centred Lighting (HCL) is designed to mimic the natural dark/light cycle, maintaining alertness and to reduce adaptation to night work and therefore avoid a phase delay of the circadian rhythm. Research has emphasised the part played by melanopsin in regulating the production and suppression of melatonin which is directly linked to circadian rhythms. Using the refurbishment of a control room as a case study, the implementation of a HCL design to support circadian rhythms and health and wellbeing of control room operators is illustrated. |
HFACS-based Bayesian Network: Machine learning approach to Human Factors in Hydrogen accidents
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Author Edem Yao Tsei, David Barry & Duncan Hewat |
| Abstract This study combines Bayesian Network (BN) machine learning tool and HFACS to analyse safety risks related to human and organisational factors in hydrogen (H2) accidents in the H2tools database to deduce lessons for aviation. The study statistically identifies significant causal associations between human risk factors and their effect on H2 accidents. Ultimately, the research contributes to the existing human factors knowledge gap in understanding H2 accident risk factors and develops a model for proactive H2 safety management in the aviation domain. |
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 role in supporting best practice
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Author Andy Brazier |
| Abstract Encouragement for us to understand the reality of work is creating a focus on the circumstances in which tasks are performed rather than challenging the work itself or whether best practice is being achieved. Human factors has tools and deeper understanding that could be used to drive more fundamental improvement. However, in some sectors at least, catchy buzz words are causing distractions that mean that the opportunity for human factors to prove its worth being missed. The process industry is one example where frontline workers manage risks on a nearly continuous basis supported by engineers working more remotely who have clear technical bias. Human factors has achieved a toe hold but its scope is often limited. This may not be a universal issue but medicine seems to be another sector where human factors has yet to achieve what it could. |
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). |
Human Factors in the Trenches
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Author Barry Peter Kirby |
| Abstract The Universal Battle Trench (UBT) project is an initiative to develop a novel, rapidly deployable trench system aimed at enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of military personnel. When the project was still in its early conceptual phase it incorporated Human Factors (HF) expertise to guide its early evolution. This involved a task analysis, modelling utilising 3D printing, trials, and an Early Human Factors Assessment, which facilitated early design changes, enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness. |
