ADVANCED ERGONOMICS

1. Communication is a key factor to successfully completing a task, especially if others are involved in the task completion. In an essay, discuss the items that can go wrong with a communication system. Discuss the elements of a communication system and what the ultimate impact might be due to some sort of failure.

2. The amount of information can sometimes hamper the outcome expected by the end user. In other words, clutter can hinder the intended message. One example of clutter (or too much information) is prescription-drug packaging. Explain why it is important for ergonomics professionals to understand the concept of clutter or "too much information".

3. Beth, the administrative assistant, continues to have headaches. Using the ideas of positive feedback loops and negative feedback loops (control processes), comment on what Beth could do to relieve these headaches. The treatment options could include medications and how the employee responds to those, adjustment of the lighting within the work site, sound, smell, etc. Also comment on non-medicinal therapies that might be available for this employee.

4. Continuing to draw upon our examples highlighted in Unit I, Beth continues to develop headaches while at work. Remember, she is an administrative assistant and works in a new office building, which has produced significant odors relating to the combination of construction materials. And this is the presumed source of the headaches. Because this has become a workers compensation issue, you are asked to look into the employee's setup for her work station. Discuss this situation using both the feedback mechanisms and also the controlling mechanisms as they pertain to Beth's individual circumstance.