Human Factors Checklist: Operator Survey

Human Factors Checklist: Operator Survey

Brief instructions

Questions require a free response, unless otherwise stated (i.e.: ‘please tick’ or ‘yes/no’). Only brief notes are required to remind you of the response the interviewee gave when it comes to assessing the answers.

Do not write the respondent’s name anywhere on this sheet, their data should be kept anonymous.

Try to ensure a private space for interviewing the respondent to protect his/her confidentiality.

You’ll need to advise interviewees of how the interview will progress, just prior to the interview. We suggest the following is read out although feel free to cover the points in your own words:

Operator interview guide/ survey

NAME OF SITE

DATE OF INTERVIEW

NAME OF INTERVIEWER

INTERVIEWEE JOB TITLE

JOB

1a) What automated technology have you got here, for example: door/fence alarms, automatic detection by cameras?

1b) To what extent do these help with your workload?

1c) Are they ever ignored or over-ridden?

2) To what extent would you say any alarms or warnings which relate to the CCTV system are well-designed? Both auditory and visual warnings…

3) Are all cameras positioned so that you can carry out your work easily?

4) Do you use camera maps and if so, how easy are they to use?

5) How long do you typically spend monitoring the screens, before either doing something else or having a break?

6a) How often do you typically feel overworked?

6b) How often do you feel underworked?

7a) How much variety would you say your job includes?

7b) What scope is there for you to make decisions?

7c) Does this job give you the opportunity to use your skills?

8) How would you rate morale in the control room and why?

- Now we’re moving on to talk about how team members understand each other’s roles –

9a) Can you give me an example of when a situation has arisen due to confusion about what someone in the team does as part of their job?

9b) How well would you say that other individuals or teams outside of the control room understand what you do?

9c) What about when talking to people in other organisations, (for example, the emergency services), do communication issues sometimes occur?

- Now we’re moving on to the control room environment in general -

10a) Are there any sources of noise in the control room, which make it difficult for you to do your job?

10b) Are you ever distracted by conversations in the control room?

11) Are there any workstations that people tend to avoid for any reason?

If so, why?

12) Have you ever experienced aches and pains in the upper body (wrists, hands or back), which you have associated with work?

INDIVIDUAL

13a) Did you receive training when you first started this job?

13b) How well did it prepare you for the job?

14a) Do you receive training on an on-going basis?

14b) Is there a training programme? If so, how well does it supply you with the skills and knowledge you need for your job nowadays?

ORGANISATION

15a) Do you feel you are getting a good deal in terms of pay and other perks of the job or do you feel dissatisfied?

15b) To what extent would you feel the organisation has been fair in its treatment of you?

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