Ergonomic design of safety protective wearables in confined space operations

Abstract

This paper introduces a design methodology that integrates Systems Theoretic Accident Modeling and Process (STAMP) with ergonomics to address the limitations of current safety protective wearables in confined spaces, including incomplete functionality, low adaptability, and complex operation. The methodology begins with the development of a STAMP-Human Factors Control model to identify Unsafe Control Action (UCA) within confined spaces. Subsequently, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to prioritize these UCA. User demand hierarchy models are derived from questionnaire surveys and interviews, which are then analyzed using the Kano model to define requirements that enhance user satisfaction. Risk assessments of critical task postures under confined space operations are conducted using the JACK virtual simulation. The design of safety productive wearables is refined based on UCA, user requirements, and risk assessment outcomes. Finally, design optimization and human factor analysis are performed using JACK.