IISE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors最新文献

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe present methods to characterize individual day-to-day variation in physical behaviors, either by assessing variation in one behavior in isolation or multiple behaviors simultaneously. These methods could be used in future studies to evaluate the health implications of variation in occupational exposures. For example, the method presented for characterizing variation in a single behavior can be used to investigate how day-to-day variation in time spent standing relates to risks of developing musculoskeletal pain. However, it may be that the health risks associated with variation in one occupational exposure (e.g., standing) depend on the variation in other occupational exposures (e.g., sitting). The method presented for assessing variation in multiple behaviors could facilitate the exploration of such research questions. This method could also be used by practitioners to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed to enhance variation in workplaces.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSInnovative tools that align with modern learners' preferences are essential for training in safety-critical professions like Air Traffic Control/Management. This study evaluated a Virtual Reality Visual Flight Rules 3D Map Visualization Tool designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) modernization goals. The tool immerses trainee in contextually accurate environments, enhancing engagement and self-paced learning. Most subject-matter experts favored 3D learning over traditional approaches, while commenting on potential integration into collegiate and FAA programs to support preparedness. Future research should explore scalability, long-term performance impact, and AI enhancements for personalized training and accessibility. This innovation bridges generational gaps in learning preferences and addresses the timely demand for well-trained certified professional controllers, highlighting the value of accessible self-paced customized training. A contextually accurate, cost-effective training system could improve knowledge acquisition and enable trainees to study beyond traditional classrooms, supporting rapid decision-making and self-efficacy - marking a step forward in occupational training.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe examined team dynamics in virtual reality (VR) environments, using an integrative approach that combines traditional performance metrics with VR and sensor-based measures. We found that group dynamics in VR is a complex and multifaceted construct and is influenced by various team aspects. Team efficiency and effectiveness in VR were substantially related to team performance, physiological conditions, and behaviors. Our results have implications for ergonomics and human factors practice. First, our results underscore the need for tailored training programs that integrate VR technology to enhance teamwork skills. By leveraging VR simulations, practitioners could design interventions that improve collaboration, communication, and decision-making within occupational settings. Second, our results emphasize the importance of considering VR design principles in the development of workspaces and tools, ensuring they facilitate seamless interaction and task performance among team members. Finally, integrating the outcomes from our study into practice could help enhance productivity and well-being in occupational environments.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSCollaboration is crucial in safety-critical operations like ship navigation. Augmented Reality (AR) has the potential to facilitate collaboration through supporting communication, team situation awareness, and team decision-making. Results from our study, based on a prototype test, suggest AR features to facilitate collaboration during ship navigation. Situation awareness can be improved by supporting information gathering, getting an overview of the surroundings, mental mapping between 2D charts and the outside world, and head-up time with point of interest (POI) pins. Multi-user AR can facilitate visual communication for team situation awareness by sharing crosshairs and POI pin highlights. Team decision-making depends on team situation awareness. Other advantages include operator mobility and simplicity. Disadvantages include overreliance, cognitive overload, and medium usability and technology acceptance. AR may be particularly useful in time-critical operations in medium-busy waterways. With further development in accuracy, usability, and unobtrusiveness, AR can facilitate collaboration and increase safety in ship navigation.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe explored the potential impacts of a virtual gender swap on perceptions toward sexual harassment, which is a harmful behavior that lacks respect and inclusivity. Given that perceptions of harassing behaviors can vary, and that gender may influence one's interpretation of such behaviors, we implemented gender swap in virtual reality (VR) to examine changes in sensitivity to harassment across genders. Participants reported harassing behaviors as more inappropriate when embodying female avatars, regardless of their own gender. Our results suggest that gender swap in VR may raise awareness and narrow the gender gap in harassment perceptions, showing potential of VR-based interventions for immersive workplace training to effectively address biases and promote inclusivity among diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Our study also shows the potential of VR to simulate diverse scenarios and perspectives for tailored training experiences that cater to the specific needs and challenges of different occupational settings.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe investigated the impact of using Mixed Reality (MR) technology as a training tool to help trainees identify safety risks during machine assembly tasks, by analyzing their task completion efficiency and safety risk estimation capabilities. As proof-of-concept, an interactive MR module on hydraulic gripper assembly was designed and incorporated in fluid power laboratories to be tested with mechanical engineering technology students. The developed MR environment was evaluated using accident causation models. An environment analysis revealed smooth operation and minimal challenges. Incorporating interactive MR modules into training programs allows practitioners to provide trainees with hands-on experience in a simulated environment while identifying potential safety risks. Addressing limitations, such as simulating physical feedback more accurately, will be crucial for optimizing future safety training effectiveness using MR technology.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONWe present a computer vision framework that is intended to help enhance workplace safety and productivity across diverse occupational domains by monitoring worker movements and identifying ergonomic risks. By analyzing movement patterns and biomechanics, use of this framework could promote safe and healthy working conditions, helping to prevent injuries and mitigate workplace accidents. Additionally, application of the framework could aid in assessing assistive technologies that support workers with various conditions in completing tasks safely and efficiently, thereby helping to boost productivity.