The Potential Influence of Environmental Factors on Human Error Essay

The Potential Influence of Environmental Factors on Human Error - Essay Example Reflectance This is a very major problem as far as the lighting of the work place is concerned. The reflectance from an overhead light falling onto a computer screen can be distracting for an individual. Similarly, the natural light falling from a window onto a computer screen also leads to reflectance problems. One of the major developments in recent office ergonomics has been the reduction of reflectance from window and light surfaces. One way of catering with reflectance problem is to introduce blinds on the windows. Another solution is to change the position of the computer so that the screen no longer faces the window. Glare A good reason for breaking up the direct impact of a light source is to reduce the amount of glare produced by it. Human eye makes adjustments for brighter and less brighter sources, but if this adjustment continue , this can cause visual fatigue.. Demands on vision and individual differences Visual acuity is an aspect of performance which can be measured wi th psychometric tests and may be demanded by some jobs. Most people who have any common â€Å"defects† in vision are corrected by use of spectacles, contact lenses or, surgery. Excessive work with computers may effect viausal acuity. Visual acuity also changes with age, and people need visual correction after middle age. The Auditory Environment Human beings and other animals are detectives to sound. At work place, hearing protection concerns the appropriate level of sound for messages, communication systems and auditory alarms. The problem of hearing against noisy backgrounds can lead to the problem of temporary or permanent hearing loss through exposure to loud noise. The everyday sounds that we are exposed to are highly complex, in terms of their... This essay stresses that this is a very major problem as far as the lighting of the work place is concerned. The reflectance from an overhead light falling onto a computer screen can be distracting for an individual. Similarly, the natural light falling from a window onto a computer screen also leads to reflectance problems. One of the major developments in recent office ergonomics has been the reduction of reflectance from window and light surfaces. One way of catering with reflectance problem is to introduce blinds on the windows. Another solution is to change the position of the computer so that the screen no longer faces the window. This paper makes a conclusion that human beings and other animals are detectives to sound. At work place, hearing protection concerns the appropriate level of sound for messages, communication systems and auditory alarms. The problem of hearing against noisy backgrounds can lead to the problem of temporary or permanent hearing loss through exposure to loud noise. The everyday sounds that we are exposed to are highly complex, in terms of their waveforms, and include gaps. People working in very noisy fields can suffer from hearing loss and other hearing problems. The effects of noise on task performance have been varied depending on characteristics of the noise itself and the kind of task being performed. People’s tolerance level to noise varies. The most obvious effect is that noise can actually mask important communication and sources of information over the phone within the work environment.