International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Stroboscopic issues: an ergonomics perspective  
  by Ze-Rui Xiang, Yu Wang, Xiao Zhao, Hai-Nan Liu, Hong-Bao Wang, Hu-Ping Wei, Sen Peng 
  Abstract: To systematically investigate the stroboscopic effect - a critical subset of temporal light modulation (TLM) - from an ergonomics perspective, a bibliometric review was conducted using 4,343 publications indexed in the Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (1990-2024). By mapping research clusters onto the human information processing (HIP) framework, this study reveals a maturing field undergoing a significant paradigm shift: moving from a methodological core of quantifying perceptual visibility to investigating systemic photobiological effects mediated by the ipRGC-SCN pathway. A socio-technical analysis further highlights divergent research trajectories, contrasting Chinas application-oriented focus on product compliance and engineering solutions with the Wests mechanism-oriented emphasis on pathology and theoretical modelling. Additionally, a critical comparison of international standards exposes the tension between strict health protection and industrial feasibility. Finally, the study proposes operationalised future research designs, including longitudinal physiological validation and adaptive ergonomic interventions, to address these systemic challenges and optimise human-machine interaction.
  Keywords: stroboscopic effect; ergonomics; literature visualisation; evaluation methods; temporal light modulation; TLM; human information processing; HIP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10076843
   
  
• Acute and long-term recovery from work: a cross-sectional study among Finnish retail sector employees  
  by Pihla Säynäjäkangas, Joonas Poutanen, Eija Haukka, Ari-Pekka Rauttola, Annina Ropponen 
  Abstract: This cross-sectional study of retail sector employees aimed to examine psychophysiological strain, as well as acute and long-term recovery from work. The volunteer participants were 36 healthy retail employees (94% women) working in six service stations, four hypermarkets, and one convenience store in Finland. Acute recovery and psychophysiological strain (metabolic equivalent, MET) were assessed using 24-hour heart rate variability (HRV) measurements collected in April-June 2024, while long-term recovery was evaluated using the occupational fatigue exhaustion/recovery scale (OFER) based on survey data gathered in JanuaryFebruary 2024 (69% response rate). HRV-based acute recovery was average overall, whereas about one-third of the employees reported inadequate long-term recovery. On average, the psychophysiological strain during the workday was light-to-moderate (2.8 +- 0.9 MET), but the workday also included periods of moderate-to-heavy workload (5.2 +- 1.3 MET). The observed difference between acute and long-term recovery highlights the importance of assessing both by combining measurements and self-reports.
  Keywords: recovery from work; acute recovery; long-term recovery; work strain; workload; retail sector; heart rate variability; HRV measurements; survey; metabolic equivalent.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10076987
   
  
• Passenger comfort over time: stationary vs. driven scenarios and implications for study design  
  by Melina Makris, Anna-Lisa Osvalder, Katarina Bohman 
  Abstract: Assessing passengers car comfort is resource-intensive, highlighting the need for efficient study designs. This study examined how scenario type (stationary vs. driven) and duration influence the sitting comfort of belted rear seat passengers. Nineteen participants completed two 45-minute sessions, with comfort assessments at 15-minute intervals through questionnaires, interviews, and videos. Comfort decreased within 15 minutes in both scenarios (r > 0.750), with further decreases in the stationary scenario between 15 and 45 minutes (r > 1.000), where increased self-awareness encouraged critical assessments. In contrast, comfort stabilised in the driven scenario, reflecting natural postural adjustments and psychological comfort. Shorter stationary studies (~15 minutes) capture decreases in overall comfort, longer stationary studies (~45 minutes) capture discomfort across multiple body regions, and longer driven studies (~45 minutes) capture postural adjustments and shoulder movement for passengers with certain body shapes. Overall, this study provides practical implications for designing efficient studies of passenger comfort in cars.
  Keywords: car comfort; car discomfort; passenger comfort; passenger discomfort; driving study; stationary study; method development; practical implications; comfort study design.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10077308
   
  
• Electronic flight bag positioning in the Airbus C-295 flight deck: an ergonomic evaluation  
  by Vanessa Charleaux, Gilvan Vasconcelos Da Silva, Adriano Percival Calderaro Calvo, Paula Morisco De Sá 
  Abstract: Air operations impose heavy workloads on pilots; portable electronic flight bags (EFBs) can alleviate this burden. However, specific guidelines for EFB postural ergonomics and usability are lacking despite existing cockpit regulations. To describe postural ergonomic and performance observations in six male Brazilian military pilots using portable EFBs during full-flight simulation (Airbus C-295). Participants were evaluated across four cockpit EFB placements. None of the positions met adequate ergonomic standards. The window position presented medium risk, necessitating mitigation strategies. Thigh, yoke, and handheld positions showed high ergonomic risk requiring correction. Despite high ergonomic risk, pilots maintained flight performance standards, likely through compensatory effort. Preliminary findings indicate that while no EFB placement provided adequate ergonomic posture, cockpit positioning did not compromise flight performance. These results highlight the need for subsequent investigations in larger, more robust studies.
  Keywords: aviation; cockpit; pilots; military; safety; ergonomics; task performance and analysis; reference standards; human factors; simulation training.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10077796
   
  
• Human factors in shaping preventive measures in quarrying occupational accident investigation  
  by Jelena Lezdkalne 
  Abstract: Human factors (HFs) are increasingly acknowledged in workplace safety, yet their influence on preventive action remains uncertain. In high-risk sectors such as quarrying, it is essential to understand whether HF findings in accident investigations translate into effective corrective measures that support organisational learning and safety culture. The objective of this study was to assess the depth of human factor analysis in occupational accident investigation reports and to examine how this analysis influences the nature and target of proposed preventive actions. The study reviewed 150 accident investigation reports (2014-2024) from a multinational quarrying company, assessing HF recognition, depth of analysis, and the nature and target of proposed actions. HF were referenced in 90 reports; however, only 24% recommended preventive measures beyond individual-focused interventions. Most corrective actions centred on retraining, reminders, or procedural updates, while systemic or organisational contributors were rarely addressed. Reports demonstrating deeper, systemic HF analysis were rare. Findings indicate that recognising HF alone does not reliably drive systemic change. To improve safety outcomes, HF should be integrated not only into accident analysis but also into the development of preventive and corrective actions.
  Keywords: human factors; occupational accident investigation; organisational learning; high-risk industry; systemic safety analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10077797