Vigilance in Transport Operations. Field Studies in Air Transport and Railways

Abstract

Human operators in transport operations are often confronted to monotony, boredom and irregular work schedules. This situation seems to be more and more acute because of the growing automation of the systems. This paper presents the method and the first results of two field studies on the vigilance and performance of plane pilots and train drivers. The aim of these studies is to identify the factors that can modify the vigilance and to elaborate some specific solutions for reactivation. The method is based on the collection of physiological data in the field and on the task observation of the operators. The recorded physiological data (EEG, EOG), permit an evaluation of the vigilance and the rest-activity cycles. For pilots, results show a high occurence of decreases of vigilance, in particular during the phase of low workload (i.e. during the cruise). Furthermore it was shown that these periods of lowered vigilance can occur at the same moment for two crewmembers. For the train drivers a great number of decreases of vigilance were also observed. These decreases of vigilance were observed although the operators had sometimes a high level of activity. It was also noted a direct relation between the sleep duration and the rest onset. This study would provide some means to reactivate the train drivers when necessary and to improve the system of rotating work schedules.