Ergonomic Study in a Traffic Control Room of Public Transport

Abstract

A technological change will produce a transformation of the traffic control room in Lisbon's bus and tramway public transport operator. An ergonomic study as been required aiming the evaluation of the working conditions. The operators have to cope with a very demanding task concerning vision, attention and memory, together with long working hours in a seated posture, in poor environment conditions. The main health complaints of the workers are visual problems, fatigue, cervical and lumbar pain. Other complaints are irritability, headache, sleep loss and digestive problems. The definition of a new layout and work organization is proposed. Concerning the environment level other improvement measures were also suggested, including noise reduction, illumination and air quality.