Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting, Sep 1, 2010
... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housin... more ... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housing, since the abilities and disabilities of this group vary ... Guidelines • HUD FHA Design Manual • IBC 2003 • IBC 2000 • ANSI A117.1(1986) • CABO/ANSI A117.1(1992) • ICC/ANSI 117.1 ...
This chapter defines and describes which consumer factors, such as age, education and status, imp... more This chapter defines and describes which consumer factors, such as age, education and status, impact purchase decisions and explores several categories of consumer products. Consumers’ purchasing considerations differ depending on how much thoughtfulness plays a role in decision-making. Some consumer products require analysis and comparison prior to making a purchase decision. Not all consumer products are desired; some are purchased out of immediate need. Unsought and emergency products are purchased in response to unexpected stimuli and experiences. Unlike other consumer products, digital goods have nearly infinite supply, as the costs to download and distribute a digital song, for example, is negligible. Services, such as insurance, medical care or house cleaning are not something you can hold or that can be physically broken; thus they share a similar intangible as digital goods. Differences between industrial, consumer, do-it-yourself and self-service products are discussed. Th...
There are many ways that product manufacturers can communicate risk to consumers. The hazard cont... more There are many ways that product manufacturers can communicate risk to consumers. The hazard control hierarchy describes the fundamental elements and appropriate methodology for implementation of research-supported concepts and provides effective techniques for risk communication. Distinctions among types of risk communication and relevant standards are reviewed. Comprehension of risk information by product users is an essential part of the communication process. Label conspicuity and placement on the product are considered as to how they impact the efficacy of a warning, and are evaluated in real-world applications. Anti-warnings: communications that downplay risks and/or undermine warnings are also important to consider and are discussed relative to their effect on warning communications.
Forensic human factors (HF) consultants apply the science of human factors to litigation. After s... more Forensic human factors (HF) consultants apply the science of human factors to litigation. After someone has been injured and a lawsuit has been filed, attorneys will often seek the expertise of forensic HF consultants to analyze the incident and determine if features of the person, place, or product involved were causal factors in the incident. In this chapter we describe the conventions, guidelines, and procedures involved in a typical forensic HF case. In addition, we describe the human factors content areas that are most frequently addressed over the course of an HF evaluation.
A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread u... more A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread use of ramps. Ramps for handicapped access are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA has specific guidelines for many aspects of ramp design. Although these specifications detail ramp requirements, they do not necessarily guarantee that a ramp will be trouble-free for users. A recent study that evaluated how wheelchair users perceive differences in slope and cross slope revealed design problems for modular aluminum ramps. The purpose of this paper is to identify aluminum ramp design issues that resulted in usability difficulties for wheelchair users in that study. When designing an environment, it is critical that the wide range of users test it. This paper demonstrates that attempting to provide greater accessibility in one area may create new barriers in another.
Human factors consulting and practice in the area of safety management has been motivated by a va... more Human factors consulting and practice in the area of safety management has been motivated by a variety of practical and theoretical interests, including injury reduction. When conducting a human factors analysis involving a hazard, the first course of action is to “design out” the hazard when possible. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a systems approach to design out an exposure hazard in an industrial setting. The benefits of a systems approach will be discussed. An example of a complex industrial system with a potential radiation hazard will be analyzed.
Adverse drug events (ADE) are defined as any medication error with significant potential to harm ... more Adverse drug events (ADE) are defined as any medication error with significant potential to harm a patient [13]. Often times, ADE occur due to inadequate or ineffective systems of labeling. These ADE often result in mistakes in prescription adherence (compliance) with the prescription instructions. These mistakes are costly and can be deadly. Potential problems with drug labeling can occur in both in-patient and out-patient environments. This paper discusses some of the key issues to consider in drug labeling and its impact on patient safety.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2016
This special joint session with shared interest from the Forensics Professional Technical Group a... more This special joint session with shared interest from the Forensics Professional Technical Group and the Safety Technical Group presents an enactment of human factors expert testimony for a trial involving the use and possible misuse of a child’s transportation safety product: a used car seat. The mock trial session presents human factors issues related to the use of the product, including packaging and instructions retention, expectations, user environment, and foreseeable use/misuse of this product. Human factors experts for the plaintiff and the defense will each weigh in on the circumstances surrounding the injury, with examination from the respective attorneys, and cross examination from the opposing attorneys. An attorney commentator will provide reactions and explanation of how the information will be used after each side has given its testimony. No judgment or verdict on the case will be reached at the end of the session.
Emotions play an important role in risk perception. There are many ways in which users’ personal ... more Emotions play an important role in risk perception. There are many ways in which users’ personal feelings can impact their evaluation of and reaction to product risks. Strong emotions and overall affect can influence behavior and decision-making in a manner distinct from related stimuli. In order to explore this relationship, the process of risk-benefit analysis is observed through an evaluation of several different activities and products, such as adrenaline sports, gambling, and smoking.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2017
Many of the most dangerous products killing and injuring children are not toys – they are adult p... more Many of the most dangerous products killing and injuring children are not toys – they are adult products. Of the 150,000 products regulated by the CPSC, ATVs are responsible for more child deaths annually than any other. In many cases, the children injured or killed were riding adult ATVs. Products inside the home are also responsible for deaths and serious injuries. Dressers and televisions tip over and kill children at a rate of one every two weeks. Window covering cords have strangled at least one child every month for decades. And button batteries found in everything from remote control devices to bathroom scales are ingested by infants and young children, causing serious injuries and death. Finally, cell phone use by children has opened up a wide range of serious risks - not only driving and pedestrian accidents, but also risks associated with exposure to strangers and unsafe products. In this alternative format panel, experts address each of these products and explore how risk...
Several distinct but intrinsically related sections are discussed from an epidemiological standpo... more Several distinct but intrinsically related sections are discussed from an epidemiological standpoint including the epidemiology of risks, individual versus population risks, intervention and prevention. A number of specific risk factors identified in published research are considered and categorized for either individual or population-level effect. Risk factor assessment, with an emphasis on the concept of risk level among individuals through their life span is specified, with a focus on consumption patterns. The efficacy of prevention is evaluated among intervention approaches, with case studies provided for context.
This chapter discusses the age-related issues one may consider when investigating accidents that ... more This chapter discusses the age-related issues one may consider when investigating accidents that occur among preschoolers, adolescents, and older individuals. The objective is to illustrate how the factors beyond the basic facts of a case can be evaluated before a thorough analysis is complete. Research in psychology provides insight into the developmental issues for many age groups. Combining forensic human factors psychology provides use age-related guidelines for consultants to consider when investigating accidents. In order to demonstrate the evaluate of age-related human factors, six case studies are presented.
Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 2009
The use of ramps to improve building accessibility for wheelchair users is required by the Americ... more The use of ramps to improve building accessibility for wheelchair users is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and various building codes, all of which specify requirements for ramp design, including their maximum running slope and cross slope. Design recommendations for either the running slope or the cross slope requirements are based on limited empirical research. This study evaluated the degree to which users of manual and motorized wheelchairs could perceive differences in the running slope or in the cross slope of ramps and in the perceived effort (Borg scale) required to negotiate these ramps. Participants traversed two adjoining ramps with different combinations of running slope and cross slope and made comparative judgments of slope differences. Results suggest that for a transit distance up to 6 m (20 ft), a ramp should not exceed a maximum cross slope of 5% or a maximum running slope of 7%.
A set of cases concerning child injury is described in which there are several human factors/ergo... more A set of cases concerning child injury is described in which there are several human factors/ergonomics (HFE) issues. Each panelist describes an injury or death of a child with a brief overview of the events that occurred. Major HFE issues are presented and discussed using the framework of the hazard-control hierarchy of designing out, guarding against, and warning about hazards. Consideration is not only given to children but also caretakers in the design of useable and safe products. A secondary purpose of the panel is to discuss interest in forming a special interest or technical group on children’s HFE issues.
Human factors research has long addressed the issue of hazard management and the adequacy and eff... more Human factors research has long addressed the issue of hazard management and the adequacy and effectiveness of product design and labeling. One issue that most professionals in the field would likely agree on is that manufacturers typically have the most information about hazards associated with their products and that they are in the best position to pass that information along to consumers. This case study regards a manufacturer who chose to provide multiple and conflicting labels when supplying product information to customers. The manufacturer failed to apply the appropriate label to its product and left that task to the consumer. A human factors analysis evaluated the design, labeling and relevant standards of care for playgrounds.
Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a... more Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a text message included in a warning detains readers in a hazardous location, this text message may keep readers in harm's way. Therefore, warnings comprised only of pictorials may be the best solution in some situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pictorial as the sole source of warning information. Eighty-five participants were asked about their comprehension of a warning symbol, both without and with contextual information. Results indicated that 96% of participants over 16 years old were able to comprehend the warning, which exceeds the ANSI standard of an 85% symbol comprehension rate.
This special joint session with shared interest from multiple technical groups (Forensics profess... more This special joint session with shared interest from multiple technical groups (Forensics professional, Children’s issues, and Safety) presents an interactive demonstration of human factors preparation with “client” attorneys. Actual attorneys, exhibits and experts from a matter that took place in South Florida will work with the audience to “prepare” the case and give example cross-examination testimony. The attorneys and experts will then form a panel to respond to audience questions.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting, Sep 1, 2010
... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housin... more ... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housing, since the abilities and disabilities of this group vary ... Guidelines • HUD FHA Design Manual • IBC 2003 • IBC 2000 • ANSI A117.1(1986) • CABO/ANSI A117.1(1992) • ICC/ANSI 117.1 ...
This chapter defines and describes which consumer factors, such as age, education and status, imp... more This chapter defines and describes which consumer factors, such as age, education and status, impact purchase decisions and explores several categories of consumer products. Consumers’ purchasing considerations differ depending on how much thoughtfulness plays a role in decision-making. Some consumer products require analysis and comparison prior to making a purchase decision. Not all consumer products are desired; some are purchased out of immediate need. Unsought and emergency products are purchased in response to unexpected stimuli and experiences. Unlike other consumer products, digital goods have nearly infinite supply, as the costs to download and distribute a digital song, for example, is negligible. Services, such as insurance, medical care or house cleaning are not something you can hold or that can be physically broken; thus they share a similar intangible as digital goods. Differences between industrial, consumer, do-it-yourself and self-service products are discussed. Th...
There are many ways that product manufacturers can communicate risk to consumers. The hazard cont... more There are many ways that product manufacturers can communicate risk to consumers. The hazard control hierarchy describes the fundamental elements and appropriate methodology for implementation of research-supported concepts and provides effective techniques for risk communication. Distinctions among types of risk communication and relevant standards are reviewed. Comprehension of risk information by product users is an essential part of the communication process. Label conspicuity and placement on the product are considered as to how they impact the efficacy of a warning, and are evaluated in real-world applications. Anti-warnings: communications that downplay risks and/or undermine warnings are also important to consider and are discussed relative to their effect on warning communications.
Forensic human factors (HF) consultants apply the science of human factors to litigation. After s... more Forensic human factors (HF) consultants apply the science of human factors to litigation. After someone has been injured and a lawsuit has been filed, attorneys will often seek the expertise of forensic HF consultants to analyze the incident and determine if features of the person, place, or product involved were causal factors in the incident. In this chapter we describe the conventions, guidelines, and procedures involved in a typical forensic HF case. In addition, we describe the human factors content areas that are most frequently addressed over the course of an HF evaluation.
A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread u... more A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread use of ramps. Ramps for handicapped access are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA has specific guidelines for many aspects of ramp design. Although these specifications detail ramp requirements, they do not necessarily guarantee that a ramp will be trouble-free for users. A recent study that evaluated how wheelchair users perceive differences in slope and cross slope revealed design problems for modular aluminum ramps. The purpose of this paper is to identify aluminum ramp design issues that resulted in usability difficulties for wheelchair users in that study. When designing an environment, it is critical that the wide range of users test it. This paper demonstrates that attempting to provide greater accessibility in one area may create new barriers in another.
Human factors consulting and practice in the area of safety management has been motivated by a va... more Human factors consulting and practice in the area of safety management has been motivated by a variety of practical and theoretical interests, including injury reduction. When conducting a human factors analysis involving a hazard, the first course of action is to “design out” the hazard when possible. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a systems approach to design out an exposure hazard in an industrial setting. The benefits of a systems approach will be discussed. An example of a complex industrial system with a potential radiation hazard will be analyzed.
Adverse drug events (ADE) are defined as any medication error with significant potential to harm ... more Adverse drug events (ADE) are defined as any medication error with significant potential to harm a patient [13]. Often times, ADE occur due to inadequate or ineffective systems of labeling. These ADE often result in mistakes in prescription adherence (compliance) with the prescription instructions. These mistakes are costly and can be deadly. Potential problems with drug labeling can occur in both in-patient and out-patient environments. This paper discusses some of the key issues to consider in drug labeling and its impact on patient safety.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2016
This special joint session with shared interest from the Forensics Professional Technical Group a... more This special joint session with shared interest from the Forensics Professional Technical Group and the Safety Technical Group presents an enactment of human factors expert testimony for a trial involving the use and possible misuse of a child’s transportation safety product: a used car seat. The mock trial session presents human factors issues related to the use of the product, including packaging and instructions retention, expectations, user environment, and foreseeable use/misuse of this product. Human factors experts for the plaintiff and the defense will each weigh in on the circumstances surrounding the injury, with examination from the respective attorneys, and cross examination from the opposing attorneys. An attorney commentator will provide reactions and explanation of how the information will be used after each side has given its testimony. No judgment or verdict on the case will be reached at the end of the session.
Emotions play an important role in risk perception. There are many ways in which users’ personal ... more Emotions play an important role in risk perception. There are many ways in which users’ personal feelings can impact their evaluation of and reaction to product risks. Strong emotions and overall affect can influence behavior and decision-making in a manner distinct from related stimuli. In order to explore this relationship, the process of risk-benefit analysis is observed through an evaluation of several different activities and products, such as adrenaline sports, gambling, and smoking.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2017
Many of the most dangerous products killing and injuring children are not toys – they are adult p... more Many of the most dangerous products killing and injuring children are not toys – they are adult products. Of the 150,000 products regulated by the CPSC, ATVs are responsible for more child deaths annually than any other. In many cases, the children injured or killed were riding adult ATVs. Products inside the home are also responsible for deaths and serious injuries. Dressers and televisions tip over and kill children at a rate of one every two weeks. Window covering cords have strangled at least one child every month for decades. And button batteries found in everything from remote control devices to bathroom scales are ingested by infants and young children, causing serious injuries and death. Finally, cell phone use by children has opened up a wide range of serious risks - not only driving and pedestrian accidents, but also risks associated with exposure to strangers and unsafe products. In this alternative format panel, experts address each of these products and explore how risk...
Several distinct but intrinsically related sections are discussed from an epidemiological standpo... more Several distinct but intrinsically related sections are discussed from an epidemiological standpoint including the epidemiology of risks, individual versus population risks, intervention and prevention. A number of specific risk factors identified in published research are considered and categorized for either individual or population-level effect. Risk factor assessment, with an emphasis on the concept of risk level among individuals through their life span is specified, with a focus on consumption patterns. The efficacy of prevention is evaluated among intervention approaches, with case studies provided for context.
This chapter discusses the age-related issues one may consider when investigating accidents that ... more This chapter discusses the age-related issues one may consider when investigating accidents that occur among preschoolers, adolescents, and older individuals. The objective is to illustrate how the factors beyond the basic facts of a case can be evaluated before a thorough analysis is complete. Research in psychology provides insight into the developmental issues for many age groups. Combining forensic human factors psychology provides use age-related guidelines for consultants to consider when investigating accidents. In order to demonstrate the evaluate of age-related human factors, six case studies are presented.
Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 2009
The use of ramps to improve building accessibility for wheelchair users is required by the Americ... more The use of ramps to improve building accessibility for wheelchair users is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and various building codes, all of which specify requirements for ramp design, including their maximum running slope and cross slope. Design recommendations for either the running slope or the cross slope requirements are based on limited empirical research. This study evaluated the degree to which users of manual and motorized wheelchairs could perceive differences in the running slope or in the cross slope of ramps and in the perceived effort (Borg scale) required to negotiate these ramps. Participants traversed two adjoining ramps with different combinations of running slope and cross slope and made comparative judgments of slope differences. Results suggest that for a transit distance up to 6 m (20 ft), a ramp should not exceed a maximum cross slope of 5% or a maximum running slope of 7%.
A set of cases concerning child injury is described in which there are several human factors/ergo... more A set of cases concerning child injury is described in which there are several human factors/ergonomics (HFE) issues. Each panelist describes an injury or death of a child with a brief overview of the events that occurred. Major HFE issues are presented and discussed using the framework of the hazard-control hierarchy of designing out, guarding against, and warning about hazards. Consideration is not only given to children but also caretakers in the design of useable and safe products. A secondary purpose of the panel is to discuss interest in forming a special interest or technical group on children’s HFE issues.
Human factors research has long addressed the issue of hazard management and the adequacy and eff... more Human factors research has long addressed the issue of hazard management and the adequacy and effectiveness of product design and labeling. One issue that most professionals in the field would likely agree on is that manufacturers typically have the most information about hazards associated with their products and that they are in the best position to pass that information along to consumers. This case study regards a manufacturer who chose to provide multiple and conflicting labels when supplying product information to customers. The manufacturer failed to apply the appropriate label to its product and left that task to the consumer. A human factors analysis evaluated the design, labeling and relevant standards of care for playgrounds.
Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a... more Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a text message included in a warning detains readers in a hazardous location, this text message may keep readers in harm's way. Therefore, warnings comprised only of pictorials may be the best solution in some situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pictorial as the sole source of warning information. Eighty-five participants were asked about their comprehension of a warning symbol, both without and with contextual information. Results indicated that 96% of participants over 16 years old were able to comprehend the warning, which exceeds the ANSI standard of an 85% symbol comprehension rate.
This special joint session with shared interest from multiple technical groups (Forensics profess... more This special joint session with shared interest from multiple technical groups (Forensics professional, Children’s issues, and Safety) presents an interactive demonstration of human factors preparation with “client” attorneys. Actual attorneys, exhibits and experts from a matter that took place in South Florida will work with the audience to “prepare” the case and give example cross-examination testimony. The attorneys and experts will then form a panel to respond to audience questions.
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