Inventory of Tools for
Ergonomic Evaluation
Introduction
This is an inventory of tools for
description, evaluation, and design of working environment / ergonomics. This
‘Tool Inventory’ is intended to assist practitioners in identifying potentially
useful methods for evaluating working environment in their professional work
(or perhaps evaluating their own working environment!). The emphasis here is on
tools that can be used to evaluate a workplace or a potential design for a workplace,
often in some kind of quantitative way. Evaluation methods and change tools
such as focus groups, photo-safari, or dialogue conferences are not included
here. A number of such improvement tools are described in a related SMARTA
project. There are many evaluation tools ‘out there’ and this list includes
only some of these. The aim of this report is to provide those seeking
evaluation approaches with a broad overview of available tools and connections
to information that can help choose the tool best suited to their needs.
Methods
The tools listed here were identified
in a number of ways:
·
Tools and methods known to the author either
directly or through reports & literature
·
Tools were identified in connection with the
associated SMARTA evaluation review project tools that had been used in the
scientific studies of ergonomics interventions were included
·
Tools identified by web searches and from
measurement text-books
·
Tools & tips provided by colleagues who viewed
early versions of this list
A classification scheme was
developed as tool were collected based on characteristics of the tool and how
the tool might be used. Whenever possible internet links and references are provided
giving the reader access to more information and sometimes even copies or
software of the method itself. This scheme is sequenced roughly in order of
stages of development. Thus simulation tools, that can be used before a
workplace is built, are listed before checklists that usually require existing
workplaces.
Results
Tool were categorised as follows:
·
Tools for Strategic Decision making
·
Tools for Work System & Product Design
o
Complex Human Simulation Models
o
Simpler Computerised Human Biomechanical Models
o
Design
Checklists and Other Design tools
o
Flow Simulation Tools
o
Tools for Product Design
·
Instruments for Evaluating Work Environment
·
Computer Based Evaluation Tools
·
Checklists
for Workplace Evaluation
·
Questionnaires on Risk Factor Perceptions
o
Physical Risk Factors
o
Psychosocial & Psychophysical
·
Questionnaires on Health & Wellbeing
o
Fatigue,
Motivation, Satisfaction etc.
o
Pain, Disability & Symptom surveys
·
Economic Models
Tools for evaluating work
environment were found in all categories except for the support of strategic
decision-making. The most common tool identified was the ‘Checklist’ type tool,
many of which exist in computerized formats.
Discussion
Use the right tool for the job.
There is no ‘best’ tool. After all a hammer is not a ‘better’ tool than a saw.
The choice of tool depends therefore on what needs to be done. Early in a
design phase it may be more suitable to use simulation approaches that can be
based on early design specifications. If a workplace is running, and a specific
concern is to be addressed, then a simple paper and pencil tool may be more
cost effective. When choosing a tool considers:
What is the purpose of the
evaluation?
Who will gather the information?
Who will use or act on the information?
Just because you have a hammer in your hand
doesn’t mean your problem is a nail.
These tools aim to evaluate risk
and consequences. Most of the tools listed here attempt to quantify the physical
load or psychosocial conditions for the employee. Several tools are oriented to
quantifying outcomes such as pain or disability. A few tools consist of
economic models that try to evaluate a potential change in terms of
productivity, costs, and financial benefits.
Every tool has a ‘blind spot’. No
tool is perfect. Carpenters have dozens of tools for different tasks. Remember
that there are often ‘intangible’ effects from change projects. It is helpful
to try and capture these with more qualitative approaches – by interviewing the
people involved. This can provide insight into the effects (and process) of
change that might not be clear from a particular tool. Operator and supervisor
descriptions of how the system is working and where improvements might be made
can support and shed light on the results of your analysis.
It’s the skill of the carpenter
not just the sharpness of the saw that counts.
Of course a good tool makes a big difference, but how the tool is used
is also critical. The way you use a tool and the process by which the
information is used by you and by others can always be improved. Think of the
tool as supporting your organisations continuing development efforts.
Conclusions
There are many tools available
for evaluating ergonomics at different stages in the development process.
Checklists (often implemented on computers) for evaluating current working
situation appear to be the most common tool type. Research is needed to examine
the extent to which tools are being used by practitioners, the process by which
tools are used, and their experience of the benefits and drawbacks of various
tools.
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