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Involving users in a ship bridge re-design process using scenarios and mock-up models. Ergonomics, http://dx.doi.org/10. 1016/j.ergon.2016.02.008 Access to the published version may require subscription. N.B. When citing this work, cite the original published paper. International Journal of Industrial AbstractThe context for this study is the maritime domain and the design of shipboard workspaces. Due to the globalized nature of shipping, the traditional approach to a participative ergonomics process can be a logistical challenge since stakeholders like designers, manufacturers and operators are often scattered both geographically and organizationally. The participative design study presented in this paper addresses this challenge by exploring the ability of three types of simple three-dimensional (3D) models to act as mediating objects for representative users in order to elicit design feedback in a use scenario-workshop format. The study found that all three types of 3D models, when coupled with a scenario description, elicited several types of useful design feedback that served not only as direct input to changing proposed design parameters, but also as an unprompted long-term learning opportunity for the design team to gain insight into the lives and challenges of their users, who both work and live on board. Relevance to industryThe paper presents a procedure for a participatory design process in the maritime domain where the involved stakeholders are geographically and organizationally dispersed. Mock-up models coupled with use scenario descriptions elicited useful design feedback and an unprompted longterm learning opportunity for the design team.

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Piracy can lead to risks so high that they, according to the International Maritime Organization, are tolerable only if risk reduction is not practicable or is disproportionate to the benefits achieved. Therefore, there is a need for reducing ship security risks in relation to antagonistic threats such as piracy.The aim of this study is to identify challenges for ship operators when developing their ship security management. Furthermore, this study also investigates two central aspects in the analysis; understanding the threat and understanding how a security threat affects the crew and operation of the ship.It is clear from the analysis that the importance of subjective aspects beyond a ship operators' direct control is high. This seems to be the fact for all aspects of the risk management process. The situation is also dynamic as the security risk, as well as the risk perception, can change dramatically even though there are no actual operational changes. As a result, the ship security management process is highly iterative and depends on situations on board as well as conditions out of the ship operator's control.In order to make ship security manageable the risk management has to put particular focus on methodological understanding, relevant system understanding and well defined risk acceptance criteria as well as on including all levels of the organization in the risk reduction implementation and on a continuous monitoring.

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BACKGROUND: Working in front of computer screens is visually demanding and related to adverse eye symptoms. Occurrence of glare further increases visual fatigue. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents results from an examination of visual ergonomics in control room environments at two Swedish process industries. METHODS: Visual conditions were examined and evaluated in nine control rooms and eighteen process operators answered questions about their perceived workload and visual experiences. RESULTS: When working in the control rooms, the mental workload was rated significantly higher by the participants, compared to experienced performance. The operators further experienced significantly higher visual fatigue and blurred vision compared to double vision and sore eyes. Visual demands were increased in conditions where contrast glare was present, as well as frequent changes of focusing distances, and low contrast between background and characters in computer screens. CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal visual working conditions in the control rooms contributes to increased visual demands on the operators. Presence of glare is leading to visual fatigue and an unnecessary high mental load. The findings support the relevance of considering principles of general and visual ergonomics when designing and organizing work in control rooms. Workstation design should also be flexible to allow for individual and contextual adjustments.

This paper has been peer-reviewed but does not include the final publisher proofcorrections or journal pagination.

The present paper reports a case study examining a conceptual framework for assessing financial impact of occupational maritime ergonomics in a Swedish shipping company. Specifically, the aim was to study the availability and applicability of suggested determinants for operational performance, routines for estimating the effects of ergonomics and the customer's (sea transport buyer's) demands for ergonomics management on the case company. The results show that the determinants and subcategories for operational performance in terms of productivity, efficiency and quality are present and applicable, albeit not measured to any large extent. No routines or specific methods for measuring or estimating cost and effects of ergonomics investments, accidents and operational disturbances were found. Further, the results show that the sea transport buyers increasingly express interest for and place demands related to maritime ergonomics, for instance, through compliance of specific standards and guiding principles linked to maritime ergonomics. It is concluded that in order to support and enable managers' ability to make well-informed decisions and prioritizations, between investments, ergonomic or other, increased knowledge is needed of the financial effects of ergonomics on company core value processes. There is also a need to develop and implement usable tools to simplify these measuring procedures.