Human Factors in Aviation - Assignment Example

Human Factors in Aviation [Name] [Institutional Affiliation] [Date] QUESTION ONE Benefits of using a User-Centered Approach in Introducing a Novel Technology into an Airport A User –centered Design (UCD) is a term for processes of design that the end-users dictate the actual design of the device/technology. This has several benefits, especially to a novel technology in an airport. One major advantage is that UCD would control expectations of the users about the new technology. Given that the users are involved in the design process from the initial stages, they thus know what to expect of the new product. They have a chance to make suggestions on usability, profitability and even recommend some changes to be made. This whole process is crucial in aiding a smooth integration of the product into the airport (Orlady, Orlady & Lauber 1999). Smooth integration occurs since the staffs gets a sense of ownership. They do not feel as though the product is imposed on them. The other benefit is that this approach fosters an in-depth understanding of various factors that may hinder the usability of the new technology. It is paramount to note that application of the novel technology encompasses myriad social ,organisational and even psychological factors that can hinder its proper integration .If these factors are not well assessed it might provoke great hindrance. UCD enables assessment and evaluation of such factors aforementioned and generation of possible solutions to them. On the other hand, UCD products require less redesign after integration. This is because the product goes through a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation before the final product is made. The airport would save funds and other resources that would otherwise be used for multiple redesigns if UCD approach is not used. UCD approach ensures that products are safe, more efficient and above all, effective. These are indispensable principles since the goal of the novel technology is to save human lives. The other benefit is that this approach would lead to generation of better designs that are creative to problems encountered with the technology (Salas & Maurino 2010). Such problems may include its applicability, health related issues and user skills. For instance, the sensors have to be diagnosed if they have any health related consequences on the staff who intends to use them. The assessment process will help realise better products that will help solve possible problems to the product itself. Other related issues include power and installation issues. QUESTION TWO Different Definitions of Anthropometry and RULA Analyses & How They Can be Applied for Identification of Factors Associated With the Check –In Desk at the Airport Anthropometry Anthropometry is defined as a one of the branches of science that entails measurement of one’s size and form and other capacities (Salas & Maurino 2010). It can be applied to assess how workers at a check-in desk relate with their equipments, the machines and tools they use in checking luggage, the tasks they do, what they are exposed to and the degree of protection offered to them. RULA Analysis RULA in full means Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. However, it is often applied to assess risk factors touching on all parts of the body. It considers factors such as the posture of the body, duration of events, frequency and force applied when doing various tasks. Risk Factors that Can be Identified Using Anthropometry and RULA Analyses and Design Strategies to be Implemented In most airports, the luggage loading process has been mechanised (Salas & Maurino, 2010). However, at times the check–in officers have to bend to “unjam” bags when there is congestion. This subjects them not only to fatigue but also the risk of developing posture problems due to bending. Designers would develop a completely mechanised luggage loading process. The design would have extra conveyor belts to prevent bags from falling off or create a zigzag surface to provide the required mechanical advantage. Standing for long hours would provoke posture complications for the workers at the points. Apart from having rotational duties done by workers on shifts, other designs would deem appropriate. Designs that enable workers to perform check-in process from a sitting position should be employed and adjustable chairs are appropriate in this regard. Further, the staff ought to be trained on how to adjust the chairs according to their size. Repeated carrying of luggage may cause undesired accidents to the staff. It would be appropriate to minimise this by designing conveyor belts that have rolling bars to link the conveyor to the weighing machine. The other risk is that workers at this point are prone to disorders of musculoskeletal. It manifests itself in the form of neck and shock pain. This comes as a result of frequent and repetitive lifting of bags over a long period of time. Shoulder pain comes as of lifting, carrying or lifting luggage or twisting to tag a bag. The distance and position of luggage ought to be designed in a way that there is minimal lifting or turning and twisting. Probably luggage should be placed at the front as opposed to one’s side. QUESTION THREE The Environmental Performance Shaping Factors on the Worker’s Health, Safety and Productivity and Suggestions to Mitigate the Effects where Applicable Noise Pollution Noise pollution emanates from the baggage trucks, old cart trailers and that of driving controls (Salas & Maurino, 2010). This is hazardous and might cause irritability, nervousness and headaches .Worse still, long-term exposure to this noise can cause damage to the ear drum and consequently hearing impairment. This works negatively on productivity due to absenteeism for purposes of sicknesses and medical treatments. The environment is also annoying and not motivating to work in. The check-in room can have sound buffers to reduce noise from outside. Noise from the conveyor belts can be minimised if the airport makes use of modern, smoother conveyor belts that have a zigzag surface .This surface not only reduces noise but also helps reduce ‘jamming of bags’ whenever there is congestion. Heat Heat produced in these rooms not only makes one uncomfortable but can have serious health issues. The workforce in such an environment can exhibit high levels of irritability (Patankar & Taylor 2004). Remember this could be a major source of conflict as workers could easily get angry over petty issues. In addition, there could be loss of concentration in the tasks they are doing. Given the sensitivity attached to the check –in points, any slight loss of concentration is not recommended. To mitigate this challenge, the ceiling in these rooms could be adjusted to higher heights .Vans and other thermo regulators could also be installed in the rooms. Lighting A normal bulb light ranges from 250 to 500 lux. Light in these chambers is barely an average of 150-180 lux (Salas & Maurino, 2010). This is far below the recommended amount of light. It means that the employees strain their eyes and will consequently suffer from eye problems. This could also hamper their ability to sleep well and think clearly. This is the simplest issue and can be solved if lighting in these rooms is adjusted to the standard lux and in accordance with the size of the room. Physical health issues Most work in this station is done manually with little help of machines (Salas & Maurino, 2010). This is not only tiresome and cumbersome but also likely to cause posture related complications like musculoskeletal disorders .To counter this challenge the whole process can be mechanised . Conveyor belts can be used to transport of bags instead of the luggage handlers doing it themselves. QUESTION FOUR The goal of hierarchical task analysis is to provide in-depth understanding of how tasks are supposed to be realized (Salas & Maurino 2010). It provides a simplified approach to performing mild tasks. The tasks to be realized are broken down into many subtasks for easy understanding. Hierarchical Task Analysis has a lot benefits, especially to an airline. Firstly, it will make it more efficient for the personnel dealing with sending and receiving e-mails for clients (Patankar & Taylor, 2004). It will be an advantage for personnel who have little experience in sending and receiving multiple e-mails for millions of clients. This will facilitate easy decoding of the information there-in and reaction upon. Hierarchical Task analysis for creating and sending an e-mail Figure 1: Creating and sending an email Hierarchical Task analysis for creating and sending an e-mail 1. Open the e-mail application 1.1. Log in by entering correct password and e-mail address 1.2. Move the mouse to "compose" and click on it 1.3. Enter the recipient’s e-mail address (s) in the field provided -"To" 1.4. Add the subject of the mail in the field "subject:" 1.5. Now type your message in space provided. 1.6. To attach file, click on icon "attach file " .Select a document form your folder and click "open" 1.7. Allow sometime for the document to load 1.8. Now double click on send to send the e-mail to the recipient(s) 1.9. To reply to an e-mail, open the received mail. 1.10. Click on reply and compose your reply in the spaces provided, 1.11. You select and click on the icon select to forward an e-mail. 1.12. Insert the e-mail address of the recipient(s). QUESTION FIVE Analysis of the Accident of Air Florida 90 Using Human Analyses and Classification System The report on the accident can be analysed under the following categories. ERRORS Skill-based Errors Before departure all the pilots failed to put on the engines’ internal ice protection systems. The anti-icing system generates heat that protects sensors from freezing and consequently gives incorrect readings. The pilots similarly omitted to stop taking off despite the fact they had detected a possible power problem. This was detected while they taxed and noted snow build-up on the wings. The crew team deliberately used the reverse system despite the fact the same was disallowed by the Boeing airline in such circumstances. None of the pilots had experience in flying in snowy weather but they had the guts to attempt something did not have experience in. As illustrated the captain himself had just eight takeoffs in similar weather conditions. Decision Errors The pilot’s decision to closely manoeuvre behind a DC-9.By dong this he hoped to cause melting of ice on the wings. The captain did not make any attempt to respond to the emergency situation. The radio call evidence shows that the he was aware that the craft was going down but he chose to ignore .The first is heard telling him that they are going down. His response to this is only ”I know” Perceptual Errors When the take-off began, the captain assumed that the instruments were correct. The report indicates that the First Officer indicated to the Captain that the readings were wrong but the captain objected .Perhaps he did not perceive reality at hand. VIOLATIONS Failure by the pilots to adhere to flight manual regulations on an icing situation .This regulation disallowed flying behind a DC-9 in that icing situation. This constituted flying using unauthorised approach. The Captain, during take-off, refused to heed to advise given by the first officer. In essence, the crew members are supposed to work together and listen to one another. The captain violated rules of training by putting the lives of the passengers and crew at risk. He did not make attempt to call for help or, make any emergency response reaction. The captain violated the flight rules by deliberately omitting to apply diecing. The report indicates that the aircraft had waited for over 49 minutes and thus they feared that they would be late. References Top of Form Top of Form Orlady, H., Orlady, L. & Lauber, J. 1999. Human factors in multicrew Flight operations.Aldershot: England, Ashgate. Patankar, M. S., & Taylor, J. C. 2004. Applied human factors in aviation maintenance. Aldershot: Hants, England, Ashgate. Salas, E., & Maurino, D. E. 2010. Human factors in aviation. Amsterdam: Academic Press/Elsevier. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=534983. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Read More