Developing static information displays: a case study on improving worker safety

A case study of a human factors effort to improve information displays at the Department of Energy´s Rocky Flats Plant is presented. The posted displays convey information about controls on process variables which are necessary to ensure safe operations. An independent assessment of criticality safety at this facility determined that human performance is key to achieving safety in processes involving fissile material and that analyses on its improvement were needed. Reviews conducted of past infractions and a sample of postings identified problems with legibility, complexity, readability, saliency, and usability. A discussion of issues related to each problem area and a comparison with applicable literature is offered. An improvement project was conducted which developed candidate display formats, and the results of efforts undertaken.<>