Application of Virtual Reality to Improve Physical Ergonomics in a Control Room of a Chemical Industry

The control room is a critical workplace in a chemical industry or a nuclear power plant, where integrating human factors/ergonomics (HFE) could prevent accidents. Non-ergonomic situations in a control room have an adverse impact on operators, for example, cause anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Physical ergonomics such as computer workstations, sedentary postures, lighting, annoying noise, and communication difficulties are the common ergonomic factors in most of the control rooms. This study aims to use immersive virtual reality to improve physical ergonomics in a control room. The study includes HFE evaluation, proposing a new design to improve work situations and modelization of the proposed concept in a virtual reality setting. We firstly performed various ergonomic analyses such as the interview with operators, activity analysis, lighting and noise measurement. Then, a meeting was organized to present the results of HFE evaluation for decision makers. A creative session was arranged with five experts to develop the idea for a new design in the control room by considering HFE principles. The control room workplace was visualized in a virtual reality setting to make a new concept more visible and tangible. Three operators of the control room were immersed in the virtual environment to verify the proposed configuration. The proposed design was modified based on the operator's feedback. This study showed that a comprehensive approach including ergonomic evaluation, virtual modelization, and stakeholder involvements provide a substantial improvement in a control room.