Control rooms are used by industries to maintain and manage operations. Here, operators oversee business processes in real-time. But this can become a difficult job if the working conditions are poor. Poorly designed control rooms can result in increased error and slower reaction times on the operators’ side and can lead to safety hazards.
On the other hand, a well-planned environment in control rooms can help boost efficiency and prevent mistakes. The ultimate goal of having proper control room ergonomics is to improve operators’ performance and productivity. Every single detail counts, from lighting and noise levels to workstation arrangement.
This article is about the key principles behind control room ergonomics and how they can impact industrial business operations.
Why control room ergonomics matter in industries
Control rooms must follow standard operating procedures and have technologically advanced systems. However, just how successfully a control room functions is tied to how well operators handle operations and respond to challenges. Industries need to take a human-centric approach when designing a control room and set it up by keeping ergonomic principles in mind.
Control room operators frequently put in long hours at work under intense pressure. Ergonomic design helps them perform their best without feeling discomfort or stress. This, in turn, helps businesses run operations effectively and smoothly. Therefore, all industries should adopt an operator-centric approach when designing control rooms.
Posture, comfort, and productivity in control room environments
Operators often have to spend prolonged periods of time sitting and monitoring systems. This might cause them to unknowingly adopt poor postures. Poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, back pain and increased fatigue. This can lead to unproductivity during working times.
In order to improve posture and comfort, control rooms can include adjustable workstations where operators can change the positioning of their desks and screens to their liking. This can help avoid neck and eye strain. Seating should provide sufficient back support. Using ergonomic elements to promote proper posture can help operators remain comfortable and productive throughout their shifts.
Cognitive load in control rooms
It takes a lot of physical and mental energy to operate a control room. Operators must continuously assess data, keep an eye on several screens, and act quickly to resolve problems. This could sometimes lead to cognitive overload. When the brain is overwhelmed, decision-making slows down and errors can become more frequent. To avoid cognitive overload, factors that could cause mental strain should be taken into account when setting up a control room.
Control rooms can be designed with intuitive interfaces so that screens display clear information without overload. Routine processes can be automated where possible. New technologies that automate redundant control room processes are being introduced by the day. Business operations should take advantage of these technologies.
Operators should be encouraged to take short breaks from time to time to reset their mental focus and reduce fatigue. It’s a well-known fact that control rooms which can reduce unnecessary mental strain lead to better decision-making and fewer operational mistakes.
Hidden factors that influence control room ergonomics
Control room ergonomics can be influenced by several not-so-obvious factors besides workstation arrangement and mental overload. A healthier and more productive work environment in control rooms can be achieved by addressing these hidden factors in ergonomic design.
Some of these factors are
- Lighting - Tiredness and eye strain can result from harsh or dim lighting. Lighting in control rooms should be well adjusted to suit different operational requirements. A study published in 2020 examined visual ergonomics in control room environments at two Swedish process industries. The results showed that operators' visual fatigue and mental workload became worse by poor lighting conditions.
- Noise levels - Distractions can be caused by background noise from machinery or alarms. It's better if the control room is situated in a less noisy location. Studies found that high noise levels can impair cognitive performance and emphasize the importance of managing noise in environments that require high concentration. Noise-canceling devices and soundproofing might help maintain better focus.
- Temperature - Uncomfortable conditions can make operators distracted. The WELL Building Standard emphasizes the importance of thermal comfort in workplace design noting that employees perform 15% poorer in hot conditions and 14% poorer in cold conditions. Maintaining a steady temperature and enough ventilation will help them concentrate better.
Ergonomic design to improve control room efficiency
More than just advanced equipment, a well-designed control room makes sure that operators can carry out their tasks effectively and without undue stress. One of the most important requirements for efficiency is workstation flexibility. An uncluttered workspace with easy-to-use controls will facilitate workflow and help operators respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
Efficiency is greatly influenced by the surrounding environment beyond the workstation. For operators to respond quickly in an emergency, there must be accessible exits and clear pathways. When control rooms are designed with ergonomics in mind, operators will be able to work smarter, not harder, as well as produce better results.
Conclusion
Ergonomics in the control room are essential for improving operator satisfaction and productivity. Operators can stay focused and complete tasks more quickly in a well-designed workspace. When industries prioritize ergonomics, control rooms become safer and more productive environments for everyone involved.
