Thursday 9 August 2012

Inventory of Tools for Ergonomic Evaluation


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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