Module 12: Organizational Ergonomics

Question 1

macro-ergonomics model

Answer 1

• organizational factors
• people factors
• technology factors

Question 2

organizational factors

Answer 2

• conflicting objectives
• work overload/underload
• level of supervision
• clarity of goals

Question 3

people factors

Answer 3

• physical and mental abilities
• competence, experience, familiarity
• intelligence
• confidence

Question 4

technology factors

Answer 4

• clarity of signs, signals, alarms
• display and controls
• difficulty of tasks
• distractions and interruptions
• time pressure

Question 5

types of shift work

Answer 5

1) rotational shift systems (rapid, weekly/monthly)
2) permanent night shift systems
3) extended day shift systems

Question 6

rapid rotating system

Answer 6

• switch schedule once/twice per week
• causes the least amount of disturbance to the body

Question 7

weekly/monthly rotating systems

Answer 7

weekly:

• changes schedule every week
• worst due to circadian rhythm disruption
• easiest to maintain equity

monthly:

• change schedule every month

Question 8

Forward-moving direction vs. backward-moving direction rotation

Answer 8

• forward better for shift rotation
• forward causes smaller disturbances in circadian rhythm
• workers like backward rotation more

Question 9

permanent night shift systems

Answer 9

• shorter sleep durations and poor sleep quality
• possible to adjust the circadian rhythm
• often feel socially isolated
• higher risk of injury

Question 10

extended day shifts

Answer 10

• 9-12 hours
• paid more
• more time off
• more leisure time
• less commute time
• miss out on things
• burn out
• more breaks needed
• slower pace of work

Question 11

health effects of shift work

Answer 11

• sleep disturbance
• impact on social life
• safety effects
• digestive problems
• CVD
• obesity
• cancer

Question 12

fatigue

Answer 12

decline in mental/physical alertness

Question 13

causes of fatigue

Answer 13

1) individual factors
2) workload
3) job factors

Question 14

most alert times

Answer 14

9:30-11:30am

6:00-10:00pm

Question 14

least alert times

Answer 14

1:00-3:00pm

12:00-5:00am

Question 15

consequences of fatigue

Answer 15

1) human performance
2) health
3) operational performance

Question 16

work-related ways to prevent fatigue

Answer 16

• breaks
• scheduling
• temp control
• lighting control
• appropriate tasks for the time
• increased supervision
• double-check systems

Question 17

non-work-related ways to prevent fatigue

Answer 17

• sleep 7-9 hours
• good sleep environment
• take naps
• regular routine
• caffeine
• healthy diet
• exercise
• avoid drugs and alcohol