Workload management measures for supporting nuclear industry main control room operators and emergency response organization personnel during crises-a scoping review.

Abstract

The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview and classification of existing studies on strategies and measures to reduce the workload of nuclear industry main control room operators and emergency response organization personnel to support their wellbeing and functional capacity during crises. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement guidelines were followed. All the 49 studies included involved main control room operators. No studies were found on emergency response organizations. Forty studies addressed technical systems, interfaces and/or algorithms, 11 addressed guides, procedures and protocols, and three addressed training as workload management measures. Yet, only 11 studies evaluated the workload empirically. In conclusion, a large number of studies on technically oriented support measures, protocols and procedures was found. The empirical evidence on the effects of workload management measures was scarce. Further research is needed to truly evaluate the effects of these workload management strategies and measures on employees' workload, wellbeing, and functional capacity. Also, more research is needed on other measures such as management models, working hour arrangements, and social and psychological support measures. Further, the workload management of emergency response organization personnel should also be studied.