Hostettler, Karin
E-Mail-Adresse
Geburtsdatum
Suchergebnisse
Distraction and the Use of Modern Communication Devices in the Train Driver's Cab
Swiss railway companies provide their train drivers with modern communication devices such as cell phones and tablets. The use of these devices is necessary for train drivers to perform their tasks. However, the use of these devices can distract the drivers to an extent not to be underestimated. Increasing irregularities and unsafe actions, including signals passed at danger, can be attributed at least to a certain extent to the distraction of train drivers by these mobile and other digital devices in the driver’s cab. The final goal of this study was to identify appropriate measures to reduce distraction or its consequences without restricting the scope of action of the train drivers or hindering them in the performance of their primary tasks (i. e., safe train driving). We investigated which digital devices and which of their functions in the driver’s cab lead to distraction in what situations. For this purpose, we conducted 14 qualitative observations in the driver’s cab and six interviews with rail experts. Based on the results, we suggested how to address distraction in the driver’s cab from a work psychology and design perspective. To achieve a holistic approach, we developed measures that address the individual driver as well as the design of technology and the organizational processes. The development and validation of appropriate measures was realized in close collaboration with experts of several railway companies. The outcome is a set of 26 preventive and protective measures. Preventive measures aim to avoid distraction, e.g., by restricting irrelevant information from entering the driver’s cab during the ride. Protective measures reduce the negative consequences of distraction, e.g., the feature of manual and temporary suppression of incoming messages. By carefully selecting and implementing these measures, the railway companies can ultimately support their train drivers to use modern communication devices in the driver’s cab safely and sensibly.
Train operation in the future: Optimal design of human-machine systems in train driver's cab
Optimal design of human-machine systems: The aim of the project was to develop a catalogue of requirements, theoretically founded by work psychology, which would allow developers to design automated systems such that human-machine interaction will not lead to loss of operators’ situation awareness, competences and skills.
Train operation in the future: Development of a psychological instrument for an optimal design of future human-machine systems in railway operation
Increasing digitization and automation of train control at the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are going to change work processes radically. So, a number of questions arise that will be of decisive importance for the cost-effectiveness, safety and reliability of train control in the future: How can we make use of the advantages of automation without trapping into the pitfalls of their “ironies” [1]? How can we design work processes prospectively such that we will not be surprised by future technical developments? How can we use the positive aspects of automation while mitigating its negative consequences, and finally, how can we ensure the safety and reliability of the railway system in the future? A joint research project between the University of Applied Psychology and the Swiss Federal Railways should provide answers to these questions. The aim of the project was to develop a catalogue of requirements, theoretically founded by work psychology, which would allow developers to design automated systems such that human-machine interaction would not lead to losses of operators’ situation awareness or his or her competences and abilities. In order to develop these requirements, we conducted expert workshops on the date basis of previously carried out work analyses of the human-machine systems of train drivers. In these expert workshops with totally 14 participants (train drivers, fleet procurement, shunting, security specialist) we specified recommendations for future automation projects. These requirements were theoretically founded by a specific psychological method for the analysis, evaluation and design of human-machine systems, called KOMPASS [3]. General aim of KOMPASS and of the psychological requirements was to offer the operator control over the human-machine system and to design automated systems such that operators can maintain control over the automated system. Finally, we put these requirements into an electronic instrument, which should be used by developers to embed work-related psychological requirements in the design of automated human-machine systems. The instrument helps the developer to identify and to justify psychological requirements at an early stage of technology development, where there is still a relatively large amount of formative scope of action. Actually, Swiss Federal Railways use the instrument for the optimal design of train control as well as for an optimal design of future rail traffic management systems.
Developing trainings to improve cognitive skills of technical operators in the railway domain
Technical operators in the railway domain are experts responsible for the supervisory control of the traction power network as well as of the railway tunnels. The technical systems used to face these demanding tasks are constantly increasing in their complexity. To carry out this complex activity, it is essential that they have the necessary expertise, not only to master the execution of their own activity under normal conditions, but also to be able to react appropriately to unexpected events. To achieve this, the technical operators must be trained beyond the basic training in which they are educated in terms of technical knowledge and working with guidelines. Trainings to improve the cognitive skills required by technical operators are still lacking in Switzerland. Our team of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland together with a Swiss railway company, in a joint research project, developed trainings to improve the relevant cognitive skills of technical operator in the railway domain. In a first step, we conducted observational interviews to analyze the tasks of technical operators. In a second step, we applied a "Cognitive Task Analysis" (CTA) to identify the cognitive skills that the operators need to perform their tasks. In a third step, we grouped these cognitive skills in order to identify training topics for which the trainings should be developed. The resulting most relevant training topics are: (1) establishing mental models, (2) communication, (3) teamwork, (4) practical rehearsal. For each of these training topics, we defined specific goals that should be achieved by technical operators through the participation to the trainings. All defined goals related to three main categories: knowledge, skills and attitude. Only by considering all three categories, it can be ensured that achieving the goals leads to the theoretical understanding of the desired behavior, the ability and the willingness to really implement it in the work setting. Based on the goals defined for each of the identified training topic, we could finally develop trainings able to improve the relevant cognitive skills of technical operator. For each training topic, we developed two types of trainings: off-the-job trainings and on-the-job trainings. Off-the-job trainings are conceived to be carry out outside of working hours. These include presentations of theoretical content of the training, practical exercises with which the relevant skills can be acquired, and group discussions to support the transfer into the daily work routine. The on-the-job trainings consist of exercises that the technical operators can carry out during their working hours, independently or in consultation with instructors. All taken together, the participation to these trainings allows technical operators to achieve the defined goals, making sure that the relevant cognitive skills of their job are effectively trained.
Entwicklung von Trainings kognitiver Fähigkeiten für technische Operateure im Bahnbetrieb
Technische Operateure im Bahnbetrieb sind Experten, die für die Überwachung und Steuerung des Bahnstromnetzes und der Bahntunnel verantwortlich sind. Trainingsmethoden zur Verbesserung der von technischen Operateuren benötigten kognitiven Fähigkeiten fehlen in der Schweiz bislang. In einem Forschungsprojekt der Hochschule für Angewandte Psychologie der Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz wurde zusammen mit einem Schweizer Bahnunternehmen mit einer sog. Cognitive Task Analysis untersucht, welche kognitiven Fähigkeiten die Operateure benötigen. Basierend auf den Untersuchungsergebnissen wurden Trainigsmethoden entwickelt, um die identifizierten relevanten kognitiven Fähigkeiten zu trainieren.
Vorschriften evaluieren und sinnvoll reduzieren - aber wie?
Gerade Hochrisiko-Unternehmen sehen sich einer zunehmenden Flut von Standardisierung und Regulierung durch Vorschriften gegenüber. Beim Umgang mit (zu) vielen Vorschriften braucht es theoretisch begründete Kriterien, mit denen Vorschriften auf ihre Eignung geprüft und ggf. reduziert werden können. Diese Kriterien wurden in einem gemeinsamen Forschungsprojekt von FHNW, SBB, BLS und BAV aus arbeitspsychologischen Theorien abgeleitet, und es wurde ein generischer Prozess zur Vorschriftenreduktion erarbeitet. Über dieses Projekt wird im Vortrag berichtet.
Use of modern communication devices in the train driver's cab – risks and design options
Most Swiss railway companies equip their train drivers with modern digital communication devices such as cell phones and tablets. The use of these devices is necessary for train drivers to perform their tasks but has a potential for distraction that should not be underestimated. Increasing irregularities and unsafe actions, including the signals passed at danger, can be attributed at least to a certain extent to the distraction of the train driver by these mobile and other digital devices in the driver's cab. In a research project conducted by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland together with a Swiss railway company, we investigated which of these digital devices and functions lead to distraction in which situations. Based on this investigation, we analyzed how this problem should be addressed from a work psychology and design perspective. The final goal was to identify appropriate measures to reduce distraction or its consequences without restricting the scope of action of the train drivers or hindering them in the performance of their primary tasks (i.e. safe train driving). In a qualitative approach, we conducted observations of train driving in the driver’s cab and interviews with train drivers and experts. Based on the data obtained and on to the current literature, we conceived the first measures. In order to achieve a comprehensive approach, we developed measures that address the individual train driver as well as measures to improve the design of technology and organizational measures. In a further step, in workshops with other railway professional groups, we discussed and completed these measures in terms of their effectiveness and practicability. The result was a set of 26 preventive and protective measures. Preventive measures have the goal of avoiding distraction, whereas protective measures are conceived to reduce the negative consequences of distraction. While a preventive measure is for e.g. the introduction of attention trainings where train drivers learn to avoid certain distractions, a protective measure is for e.g. the feature of manual and temporary suppression of incoming messages which lead the driver to be distracted by messages but for a shorter duration. By carefully selecting and implementing these measures, the railway company can ultimately support its train drivers in the safe and sensible use of modern communication devices in the driver's cab.
Vorschriften evaluieren und sinnvoll reduzieren - aber wie? Entwicklung eines theoriegeleiteten und kriterienbasierten Prozesses zur Evaluation und Reduktion von Vorschriften
In Unternehmen mit hohem Gefahrenpotenzial sind Flexibilität und Resilienz wichtige Voraussetzungen, um Sicherheit zu gewährleisten. Aber gerade diese Unternehmen sehen sich einer zunehmenden Flut von Standardisierungen und Regulierungen durch Vorschriften gegenüber. Die Regeldichte hat inzwischen so stark zugenommen, dass Vorschriften oft nicht mehr vollständig eingehalten werden können (Dekker 2003; Hale & Borys 2012). Die kritische Reflexion (zu) vieler Vorschriften braucht theoretisch begründete Kriterien, mit denen Vorschriften auf ihre Eignung geprüft und ggf. reduziert werden können. Ziel der Reduktion ist ein System, das durch eine angemessene Balance von Standardisierung und Flexibilisierung anpassungsfähig wird und dabei die Expertise der Mitarbeitenden berücksichtigt. In einem Forschungsprojekt gemeinsam mit zwei Schweizer Bahnunternehmen und einer Aufsichtsbehörde wurden Kriterien zur Evaluation und Reduktion von Vorschriften aus arbeitspsychologischen Theorien abgeleitet. Ein auf diesen Kriterien basierender generischer und partizipativer Evaluationsprozesses wurde mit Vorschriftenerstellern, -anwendern und -überwachern entwickelt und getestet. Reduktionsstrategien für Vorschriften sind dabei die Elimination, die Substitution und die Flexibilisierung. Wann welche Strategie angewendet werden darf, wird im Beitrag beschrieben. So sollen Fachexperten bei der theoretisch begründeten Reduktion von Vorschriften und dem Erreichen einer angemessenen Balance von Standardisierung und Flexibilisierung im Unternehmen unterstützt werden.