Applied ergonomics
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Comparative Study
Digital, analogue, or redundant speedometers for truck driving: Impact on visual distraction, efficiency and usability.
Existing literature does not draw conclusions as to which speedometer type is better for truck driving. A digital speedometer would be more beneficial when obtaining absolute and relative readings, while an analogue speedometer would be more efficient and less distracting when detecting dynamic speed changes. Redundant speedometers, which simultaneously present digital and analogue speedometers, appear increasingly in vehicles, but no information is available on their ergonomic qualities. ⋯ This study compared the efficiency, usability and visual distraction measures for all three types of speedometers in a simulated truck driving setting. The task-dependant results were confirmed for the digital and analogue speedometer. The redundant speedometer combined the benefits of each type presented separately, which highlights interesting theoretical and applied implications.
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For paramedics, loading a stretcher into an ambulance is an activity with a high risk of back injury and accidents. The objective of this study was to document strategies paramedics use at work while loading a powered stretcher into an ambulance. A total of 249 stretcher loading operations performed by 58 paramedics, and 51 semistructured post-intervention interviews were analyzed. ⋯ Some strategies that were necessary to complete the stretcher loading operation seemed to have negative impacts on the workers' health, such as repositioning the stretcher. This action wastes time and requires significant physical efforts, as it is usually done alone. This study suggests some potential solutions, related to equipment, training, workers and work organization, to reduce the risk of injury while loading stretchers.
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The perceived hazard and rated importance of standard safety, fluorescent, and neon colors are investigated. ⋯ Implications for conveying hazard and importance in warnings through color are discussed.