ABSTRACT

This chapter reports the results of two trials conducted to evaluate new workload assessment tools developed for the rail industry. It details the first trials with the tools in the signalling environment and provides the reader with up-to-date information regarding current practice for workload assessment in the rail industry. A specific tool is required for the following reasons: to ensure that the assessment scale has meaning and reflects interpretations of workload in the industry. An integrated workload scale (IWS), specific to signaller workload has been developed by the Institute of Occupational Ergonomics, at Nottingham University. A second trial was conducted in August 2003 using an NX panel. The aims of this trial included: to develop a scenario that generates a higher workload experience for operators to test the higher end of the rating scale and to comment on the hardware solution of the IWS currently offered and to provide guidance on the future direction of this element of the design.