Control rooms are the operational hub where a company can manage systems, video surveillance, emergencies, and much more. The personnel working there must constantly process a vast amount of data. For this reason, operator comfort is essential, and the ergonomics of a control room should not be considered an afterthought, but rather a crucial factor for safety, operational efficiency, and operator well-being.
This is where the concept of an “ergonomic study” comes into play. But first, what exactly does this term mean?
Control Room Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science that studies how people and the elements of a system (in this case, a control room) interact, with the goal of optimizing human well-being and overall performance.
A proper ergonomic study helps minimize drops in concentration, as well as physical discomfort (back pain, stiff neck, eye strain) and mental fatigue among control room staff.
The Workstation
Everything starts with the workstation. Indeed, it must comply with the ergonomic standards set by current regulations.
Take, for example, the positioning of the monitor relative to the operator. Regulations state that:
- the screen must be at a distance of 50-70 cm from the eyes;
- the top edge of the screen must be at eye level;
- the monitor must be adjustable and positioned to avoid glare.
Control Room Video Wall Ergonomics
Another crucial element is the ergonomics of the video wall. The positioning of the monitors is highly important: an incorrectly placed video wall can cause eye strain and stiff necks for operators, negatively impacting how quickly they process information.
The monitors of a video wall must be arranged to:
- avoid glare from windows or other light sources;
- minimize neck movements for the operators;
- highlight the most important information (i.e., positioning it as close as possible within the operator’s central field of vision).
Other Aspects to Consider for Control Room Ergonomics
These are just a few examples of the aspects to consider when conducting an ergonomic study applied to a control room. Other highly important factors include the type of chair (reclining backrest, lumbar support, adjustable height) and the work desk (height-adjustable, sufficient legroom).
The combination of these elements can make a huge difference in the long term, especially for operators who must remain seated for extended periods. An operator in pain is a distracted operator: ergonomic studies serve precisely to prevent this situation from occurring.
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