Analysing dynamic work systems using DynEAST: a demonstration of concept.

The capability of current Ergonomics methods to capture dynamism is limited, stifling our understanding of work-as-done, distributed situational awareness and organisational drift. This paper provides a demonstration of concept of DynEAST; an extension of the EAST framework underpinned by principles from Dynamic Network Analysis, to capture elements of dynamism within work systems. The DynEAST concept is applied to a railway maintenance case study. Case study findings demonstrate how DynEAST outputs can be used to advance our understanding of the aforementioned phenomena and better equip practitioners for current and future Ergonomics challenges.Practitioner summary: This paper introduces the DynEAST method. DynEAST enables HF/E practitioners to model and analyse dynamic features of complex work systems. The development of DynEAST is timely due to the concurrent proliferation of increasingly complex sociotechnical systems and stagnation of HF/E methods development; particularly those able to model systemic dynamism. Abbreviations: DynEAST: dynamic event analysis of systemic teamwork; EAST: dynamic event analysis of systemic teamwork; HF/E: human factors and ergonomics; HF: human factors; DNA: dynamic network analysis; HTA: hierarchal task analysis; CWA: cognitive work analysis; CAST: causal analysis based on system theory; STAMP: system theoretic accident model and processes; FRAM: functional resonance analysis method; SNA: social network analysis; DSA: distributed situational awareness; PPO: possession protection officer; PO: protection officer; RTS: railway track signals; LPA: local possession authority; SMEs: subject matter experts.

Exposure to Solar UV During Outdoor Construction Work in Britain.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun in summer can cause skin cancer and in Britain there are around 1500 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) each year, caused by exposure to solar UV at work. Little is known about the magnitude of UV exposure amongst outdoor construction workers in Britain, although this is one of the main groups at risk. The aim of this paper is to summarise measurements of erythema-weighted UVB radiation amongst construction workers in Scotland and the Southeast of England and interpret the data in terms of the risk of NMSC. The measurements were made as part of an intervention study using short mobile phone text messages to alter worker behaviour to either reduce UV exposure in summer or increase serum vitamin D in winter; the intervention is only briefly reported here. Data were collected from 67 workers from 9 worksites, of whom 41 provided measures of UV exposure for 758 working days. Daily exposure ranged from 0 to 13.47 standard erythema dose (SED), with the mean exposure for outdoor workers being 2.0 SED and the corresponding value for indoor workers being 0.7 SED. These data were obtained from a sensor located on the back of the workers hard hat; others have measured exposure on the wrist or upper arm and these locations probably, on average, have higher levels of UV exposure. It is likely that an outdoor construction worker in Britain could accumulate sufficient solar UV exposure over 30-40 years of work to more than double their risk of NMSC. We argue that employers in Britain should take a more proactive approach to manage sun safety and they should take responsibility for skin health surveillance for their workers.

The Binary-Based Model (BBM) for Improved Human Factors Method Selection.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the Binary-Based Model (BBM), a new approach to Human Factors (HF) method selection. The BBM helps practitioners select the most appropriate HF methodology in relation to the complexity within the target system. BACKGROUND: There are over 200 HF methods available to the practitioner and little guidance to help choose between them. METHOD: The BBM defines a HF "problem space" comprising three complexity attributes. HF problems can be rated against these attributes and located in the "problem space." In addition, a similar HF "approach space" in which 66 predictive methods are rated according to their ability to confront those attributes is defined. These spaces are combined into a "utility space" in which problems and methods coexist. In the utility space, the match between HF problems and methods can be formally assessed. RESULTS: The method space is split into octants to establish broad groupings of methods distributed throughout the space. About 77% of the methods reside in Octant 1 which corresponds to problems with low levels of complexity. This demonstrates that most HF methods are suited to problems in low-complexity systems. CONCLUSION: The location of 77% of the rated methods in Octant 1 indicates that HF practitioners are underserved with methods for analysis of HF problems exhibiting high complexity. APPLICATION: The BBM can be used by multidisciplinary teams to select the most appropriate HF methodology for the problem under analysis. All the materials and analysis are placed in the public domain for modification and consensus building by the wider HF community.

Radical systems thinking and the future role of computational modelling in ergonomics: an exploration of agent-based modelling.

We are teetering on the precipice of the imminent Fourth Industrial Revolution. In this new age, systems are set to become more densely intraconnected and interconnected, and massive sociotechnical systems exhibiting unprecedented levels of complexity will increasingly take hold. At the dawning of this new age, the Ergonomics discipline must reflect on its preparedness for tackling problems in these novel systems. This paper engages in this reflection by putting forth a critical commentary on the implication of these changes on the discipline and discusses the utility of our current methods in this new paradigm. A resulting Radical Systems Thinking in Ergonomics Manifesto is put forward - a set of mandates to guide practitioners and researchers in the development of new methods capable of coping with these imminent challenges. From the manifesto are derived a series of capability requirements for future computational modelling approaches in Ergonomics. Practitioner summary: The goal of this paper was to inspire the Ergonomics community to pursue further applications involving computational modelling approaches such as Agent-Based Modelling. It presents a manifesto for the future of the discipline, and from this the capabilities that future computational modelling approaches need to possess. Abbreviations: 1IR: first industrial revolution; 2IR: second industrial revolution; 3IR: third industrial revolution; 4IR: fourth industrial revolution; ABM: agent based model; AI: artificial intelligence; AoF: allocation of function; CPA: cyber physical attack; CPS: cyber-physical system; CWA: cognitive work analysis; DDoS: distributed denial of service; EAST: event analysis of systemic teamwork; FRAM; functional resonance analysis method; HCI: human-computer interaction; HERA: human error and recovery assessment; HET: human error template; HMC: human-machine cooperation; IoT: internet of things; RSTEM: radical systems thinking in ergonomics manifesto; SAI: situated artificial intelligence; STAMP: systems theoretic accident model and processes; TRACEr: technique for the retrospective and predictive analysis of cognitive errors in air traffic control.

A randomised control crossover trial of a theory based intervention to improve sun-safe and healthy behaviours in construction workers: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to sunlight can have both positive and negative health impacts. Excessive exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer, however insufficient exposure to sunlight has a detrimental effect on production of Vitamin D. In the construction industry there are onsite proactive behaviours for safety, but sun-safety remains a low priority. There is limited research on understanding the barriers to adopting sun-safe behaviours and the association this may have with Vitamin D production. This paper reports a protocol for an intervention study, using text messaging in combination with a supportive smartphone App. The intervention aims to both reduce UV exposure during months with higher UV levels and promote appropriate dietary changes to boost Vitamin D levels during months with low UV levels. METHOD/DESIGN: Approximately 60 construction workers will be recruited across the United Kingdom. A randomised control crossover trial (RCCT) will be used to test the intervention, with randomisation at site level - i.e. participants will receive both the control (no text messages or supportive App support) and intervention (daily text messages and supportive App). Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) the intervention focuses on supporting sun-safety and healthy dietary decisions in relation to Vitamin D intake. The intervention emphasises cultivating the perception of normative support in the workplace, increasing awareness of control and self-efficacy in taking sun-protective behaviours, making healthier eating choices to boost Vitamin D, and tackling stigmas attached to image and group norms. Each study epoch will last 21 days with intervention text messages delivered on workdays only. The supportive App will provide supplementary information about sun protective behaviours and healthy dietary choices. The primary outcome measure is 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D [25(OH)D] level (obtained using blood spot sampling), which will be taken pre and post control and intervention periods. Secondary outcome measures are two-fold, (1) using the TPB to detect changes in behaviour, and (2) quantifying UV exposure during the UK peak radiation season (April-September) using body-mounted UV sensors. DISCUSSION: This study will provide important information about the effectiveness of a technology-based intervention to promote sun-safety and healthy behaviours in outdoor construction workers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN15888934 retrospectively registered 15.01.2018.

The Essential Elements of a Risk Governance Framework for Current and Future Nanotechnologies.

Societies worldwide are investing considerable resources into the safe development and use of nanomaterials. Although each of these protective efforts is crucial for governing the risks of nanomaterials, they are insufficient in isolation. What is missing is a more integrative governance approach that goes beyond legislation. Development of this approach must be evidence based and involve key stakeholders to ensure acceptance by end users. The challenge is to develop a framework that coordinates the variety of actors involved in nanotechnology and civil society to facilitate consideration of the complex issues that occur in this rapidly evolving research and development area. Here, we propose three sets of essential elements required to generate an effective risk governance framework for nanomaterials. (1) Advanced tools to facilitate risk-based decision making, including an assessment of the needs of users regarding risk assessment, mitigation, and transfer. (2) An integrated model of predicted human behavior and decision making concerning nanomaterial risks. (3) Legal and other (nano-specific and general) regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and to stimulate proactive approaches to safety. The implementation of such an approach should facilitate and motivate good practice for the various stakeholders to allow the safe and sustainable future development of nanotechnology.

Multiple driver distractions: a systemic transport problem.

Strategies to contend with driver distraction may no longer be sufficient for the emerging variety of contemporary driver distractions. A more systematic and systemic approach holds promise for improved road safety but is not currently being developed. This systematic review of multiple driver distractions aims to address this gap and presents two key findings. Systematic classification of distracting tasks with respect to driving is challenging, and engagement with Multiple-Additional-to-Driving (MAD) tasks is almost universally detrimental to driving performance. A model is presented to assist in systematically characterising multiple driver demands. Identified literature is placed into context using the model and shortfalls are identified.

Couples, contentious conversations, mobile telephone use and driving.

Studies have shown that the inappropriate use of in-vehicle technology may lead to hazardous disruption of driver performance. This paper reports an investigation into the socio-technical implications of maintaining a difficult conversation while driving. Twenty romantically involved couples participated in a driving-simulator experiment. The participants engaged in emotionally difficult conversations while one partner drove. The contentious conversation topics were identified using a revealed differences protocol, requiring partners to discuss sources of ongoing disagreement in their relationship. The conversations were conducted either using handsfree telephone or with both parties present in the simulator. Results indicate that the revealed differences tasks were subjectively viewed as emotionally more difficult than a control. Driver performance was found to be adversely effected for both longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Performance was worst during contentious conversations with the partner present, suggesting the drivers may be better able to regulate driving task demands with the partner not in the vehicle during difficult discussions.

Perspectives on occlusion and requirements for validation.

This paper discusses the limitations and potential of using an occlusion test to assess visual distraction and the suitability of an in-vehicle information system (IVIS) task for driving. This discussion was expanded from issues raised during a UK workshop on occlusion. The paper describes the research history and empirical foundations of occlusion. It describes some of the occlusion technology and applications for this procedure. Issues concerning the occlusion tasks and the duration and timing of occlusion are presented. The main part of this paper focuses on the priority research considerations for occlusion. The paper concludes with a description of some alternatives to occlusion and future research needs. It is concluded that the occlusion test has some promise, however the empirical basis for occlusion is lacking. If occlusion is to be developed as a metric to determine maximal safe visual distraction, substantial barriers remain.

Distraction from multiple in-vehicle secondary tasks: vehicle performance and mental workload implications.

This study investigates the impact of multiple in-vehicle information systems on the driver. It was undertaken using a high fidelity driving simulator. The participants experienced, paced and unpaced single tasks, multiple secondary tasks and an equal period of 'normal' driving. Results indicate that the interaction with secondary tasks led to significant compensatory speed reductions. Multiple secondary tasks were shown to have a detrimental affect on vehicle performance with significantly reduced headways and increased brake pressure being found. The drivers reported interaction with the multiple in-vehicle systems to significantly impose more subjective mental workload than either a single secondary task or 'normal driving'. The implications of these findings and the need to integrate and manage complex in-vehicle information systems are discussed.

Individual differences during driver secondary task performance: verbal protocol and visual allocation findings.

This paper reports a study in which visual allocation and verbal reports were recorded to determine individual differences in drivers conducting in-vehicle tasks. Participants drove a simulated route whilst conducting pre-defined tasks using the in-vehicle entertainment system. Tasks of varying complexity were presented to the participants. Licensed (experienced) drivers made significantly more verbal reports relating to road signs and markings, vehicles, scenery in general and vehicle operations; than did unlicensed (novices). No significant difference was found between expert and novice drivers when reporting in-car entertainment system related utterances. Surprising gender differences were also found. Males drove faster, with greater variance, and made more utterances in identified categories. Females were found to make significantly less verbal reports during secondary task performance. The difference in results obtained between expert and novices may imply that novices need to use their attention capacity to focus on the skill of driving, whereas experts through experience, have automated this skill and can use their attention capacity to more effectively during primary tasks. Results suggest that expert drivers are not necessarily experts at undertaking secondary tasks.