Cognitive Ergonomics and Human Error Reduction in Control Rooms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/wdxr7433Keywords:
cognitive ergonomics, human error, control rooms, mental workload, automation, operational safety.Abstract
The increase in automation across strategic sectors has intensified the operational complexity of control rooms, where cognitive overload, alarm saturation, and deficient digital interfaces continue to increase the risk of human error. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of cognitive ergonomics on reducing human error in critical monitoring environments. A quantitative research design with an explanatory scope and retrospective longitudinal approach was developed based on the analysis of 1,284 historical records from national and international operational safety agencies. Shapiro-Wilk tests, multiple linear regression, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Cronbach’s Alpha were applied using SPSS and RStudio. Results showed that 67.4% of incidents were associated with cognitive overload; additionally, alarm saturation presented the highest impact on human error (β=0.61), while the correlation between extended work shifts and cognitive fatigue reached r=0.81. Furthermore, ergonomic interventions focused on interface redesign and cognitive breaks reduced human errors by 32.6% and response times by 27.4%. Cognitive ergonomics significantly strengthens operational reliability in highly automated systems.
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