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Measuring Human Fatigue with the BLT Prototype.

PB2011109680

Publication Date	2009
Personal Author	Langley, T.; Heitmann, A.; Schnipke, D.; Ashford, J. W.; Hansen, K.; Bowles, H.
Page Count	33
Abstract	During this project investigators conducted three different experiments to validate an alertness testing system developed by Bowles-Langley Technology 'BLT'. The system is designed to screen workers prior to work to ensure they are not impaired by fatigue or by other factors. Intended users include truck drivers, power plant operators, pilots and others engaged in high-risk activities. Benefits to society include reducing accidents from fatigue or other impairment sources (illness, alcohol, drugs, etc.) and reducing operating and insurance costs. It is estimated that 70% of accidents involve human error with fatigue or impairment as a root or contributory cause. Current industry practice deals with this problem by managing shift work scheduling, educating operators and operator self-monitoring. However, there are no current minimal standards for measuring fatigue and impairment that are practical for actual workplace use. The test developed during this project is a valuable new tool for assessing fatigue in the workplace. To be practical in the workplace a fitness for work test must be short so as not to significantly delay the start of work. A two-minute test is acceptable but a 5 - 10 minute test would not be.
Keywords	Fatigue(Physiology) Performance(Human) Occupational safety and health Circadian rhythms Sleep deprivation Drugs Injury prevention Accident prevention Truck drivers Pilots Computer software Decision making
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Bowles-Langley Technology, Inc., Alameda, CA.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept.
NTIS Issue Number	201117

Measuring Human Fatigue with the BLT Prototype.

Measuring Human Fatigue with the BLT Prototype.
PB2011109680

Publication Date	2009
Personal Author	Langley, T.; Heitmann, A.; Schnipke, D.; Ashford, J. W.; Hansen, K.; Bowles, H.
Page Count	33
Abstract	During this project investigators conducted three different experiments to validate an alertness testing system developed by Bowles-Langley Technology 'BLT'. The system is designed to screen workers prior to work to ensure they are not impaired by fatigue or by other factors. Intended users include truck drivers, power plant operators, pilots and others engaged in high-risk activities. Benefits to society include reducing accidents from fatigue or other impairment sources (illness, alcohol, drugs, etc.) and reducing operating and insurance costs. It is estimated that 70% of accidents involve human error with fatigue or impairment as a root or contributory cause. Current industry practice deals with this problem by managing shift work scheduling, educating operators and operator self-monitoring. However, there are no current minimal standards for measuring fatigue and impairment that are practical for actual workplace use. The test developed during this project is a valuable new tool for assessing fatigue in the workplace. To be practical in the workplace a fitness for work test must be short so as not to significantly delay the start of work. A two-minute test is acceptable but a 5 - 10 minute test would not be.
Keywords	Fatigue(Physiology) Performance(Human) Occupational safety and health Circadian rhythms Sleep deprivation Drugs Injury prevention Accident prevention Truck drivers Pilots Computer software Decision making
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Bowles-Langley Technology, Inc., Alameda, CA.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept.
NTIS Issue Number	201117