Human Factors and Ergonomics and the management of existential threats: A work domain analysis of a COVID‐19 return from lockdown restrictions system

Paul M Salmon; Nicholas Stevens; Scott McLean; Adam Hulme; Gemma J. M Read

doi:10.1002/hfm.20897

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Human Factors and Ergonomics and the management of existential threats: A work domain analysis of a COVID‐19 return from lockdown restrictions system

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Human Factors and Ergonomics and the management of existential threats: A work domain analysis of a COVID‐19 return from lockdown restrictions system

Paul M Salmon, Nicholas Stevens, Scott McLean, Adam Hulme and Gemma J. M Read

Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, Vol.31(4), pp.412-424

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hfm.20897

PMCID: PMC8250482

PMID: 34230798

Appears in COVID-19 Research

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Abstract

cognitive work analysis

COVID-19

pandemics

systems thinking

work domain analysis

Following strict “lockdown” restrictions designed to control the spread of the COVID‐19 virus, many jurisdictions are now engaged in a process of easing restrictions in an attempt to stimulate economic and social activity while continuing to suppress virus transmission. This is challenging and complex, and in several regions, new outbreaks have emerged. We argue that systems Human Factors and Ergonomics methods can assist in understanding and optimizing the return from lockdown. To demonstrate, we used work domain analysis to develop an abstraction hierarchy model of a generic “return from lockdown restrictions” system. The model was assessed to identify (a) issues preventing a successful return from lockdown; and (b) leverage points that could be exploited to optimize future processes. The findings show that the aim of continuing to suppress virus transmission conflicts with the aims of returning to pre‐virus economic and social activity levels. As a result, many functions act against each other, ensuring that the system cannot optimally achieve all three of its primary aims. Potential leverage points include modifying the goals and rules of the system and enhancing communications and feedback. Specifically, it is argued that moderating economic aims and modifying how social and community activities are undertaken will result in longer term suppression of the virus.

Details

Title: Human Factors and Ergonomics and the management of existential threats: A work domain analysis of a COVID‐19 return from lockdown restrictions system
Authors: Paul M Salmon (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Nicholas Stevens (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
Scott McLean (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Adam Hulme (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Gemma J. M Read (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Publication details: Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, Vol.31(4), pp.412-424
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1002/hfm.20897
ISSN: 1520-6564
PMID: 34230798; PMC8250482
Organisation Unit: Bioclimatic and Sociotechnical Cities Lab; Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99522206702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Manufacturing; Ergonomics