Ergonomics investigations of work-places in a police command-control centre equipped with TV displays

Ergonomics experiments were performed in a police command-control centre using computer controlled text processing systems with three alternative input devices: function keys, a light pen and a touch panel. A group of 14 operators was examined while using the alternative devices. Significant differences were found between the devices in terms of the following: sensory and motor activities, local muscular strain, transgressions of tolerance limits for 4-hour work sessions, and increases in heart rate. Suggestions for redesigning the control centre are given using anthropometric analysis. The paper also shows the relation between the sub-optimal design of a work system and the resulting strain.