Validation of a task demand measure (VACP) for predicting mental workloads of control room operators

The progress of technology and modern technology has changed today’s workplaces and imposed more mental and cognitive demands to the workers. Control Room is an example of these workplaces. Currently, assessment of mental workload is a key point in the research and development of human-machine relationships in the workplaces. This study aims to validate an analytical approach in evaluating demanded mental workloads for control room operators in Fars combined cycle power plant.
Methods and Materials: This study is a fundamental-practical and cross-sectional study. First of all, a task analysis was used to understand the operation steps of control room operators. Then, the Visual, Auditory, Cognitive, Psychomotor, VACP, technique was applied to determine the mental workload demanded for performing each step of the works. Finally, the assigned ratings of VACP method were validated by the analysis of Pearson correlation with the answers of the NASA-Task Load Index, NASA-TLX, questionnaire collected from control room operators.
Based on the results, the correlation between the assigned ratings of VACP technique and the answers of the NASA-TLX questionnaire was positive and significant.
Due to the high correlation between the assigned ratings of VACP technique and the answers of the NASA-TLX questionnaire the proposed VACP technique which can be carried out in the early stage of the design, was suitable as an analysis tool for predicting metal workloads of control room operators.