TRAIN DRIVER UNDERLOAD AS A RESULT OF LOW TASK DEMAND AND MONOTONY

Baris Cogan ； Birgit Milius

《IETI Transactions on Ergonomics and Safety》 6卷2期 (2022/12) Pp. 15-30

https://doi.org/10.6722/TES.202212_6(2).0003

摘要

Technological developments lead to substantial changes in train drivers' tasks. The effect of automation as well as changing task and environmental characteristics impose new challenges on train drivers. One of the expected effects is a rise in the underload of train drivers which in turn might affect their performance. In this study, scientific literature from various safety-critical domains is reviewed to identify the factors that have the potential to lead to cognitive underload. Experimental studies on train driving are extracted to conduct a simple meta-analysis on the effects of monotony and low task demand in train drivers. The findings point to impaired cognitive state in train drivers under monotonous and low task demand conditions. Prolonged performance under such conditions might impair vigilance task performance. Literature review reveals several good practices and potential techniques that can be used to avoid or delay the occurrence of underloading situations or to mitigate the arising effects.

關鍵字

Mental workload ； underload ； automation ； railway safety