Healthy, safe, comfortable and productive workplaces: A visual ergonomics perspective

摘要

It can be argued that many current visual ergonomics topics are not new issues, but are new applications of visual issues already debated in the scientific literature. Therefore, if we understand the limitations and capabilities of the visual system, then it is a relatively straightforward process to apply existing knowledge to ensure workplaces are healthy, safe, comfortable and productive. This paper challenges the assumptions underlying this premise. Firstly, we have an evolving understanding of the human visual system, and this limits our ability to apply existing knowledge to solve new visual ergonomics problems. Secondly, we have a limited understanding of how to measure the environment so that it correlates with visual comfort and ability. Finally, even if we did have a complete understanding of visual function and how to measure task-related factors, and were to apply this knowledge to new technology, there are other factors which lead to worker acceptance that a workplace is healthy, safe, comfortable and productive. To support the arguments in this paper, three topical visual ergonomics issues are discussed: the discovery of intrinsically photoreceptive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGC) in the human eye, the use of maintenance illuminance to assess lighting suitability, and blue light emission from digital devices. There are many research and practical opportunities in visual ergonomics which can further our understanding of healthy, safe, comfortable and productive workplaces. The challenge for HFE professionals is to keep up to date with the factors which contribute to healthy, safe, comfortable and productive workplaces and to integrate evidence based knowledge into their practice.