A. Persson et al., Passive versus active operator work in automated process control - a job design case study in a control centre, APPL ERGON, 32(5), 2001, pp. 441-451
Methods of avoiding common problems associated with operator work in automa
ted process control, such as understimulation and difficulties in achieving
and maintaining necessary skills and competence, are addressed in this pap
er. The source of these problems is deduced here to be that monitoring task
s are a predominant part of the job. This case study shows how work in a hi
ghly automated process can be designed not only to avoid the traditional pr
oblems, but also provide a stimulating job within a good work situation at
the same time as fulfilling efficiency demands. A new definition of active/
passive operator jobs is made which is based on a categorisation of the typ
es of work tasks that make up the job. The definition gives an explanation
of how different designs of operator jobs result in more or less active/pas
sive work situations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.