The derivation of population stereotypes for mining machines and some reservations on the general applicability of published stereotypes

Although population stereotypes have been investigated for almost 30 years, the existing literature is by no means unequivocal. Moreover, there are a number of control-response relationships (CRRs) found on modern mining equipment which have received no previous study. Such limitations make it extremely difficult to provide reliable ergonomics advice to designers

Twenty-four CRRs found commonly on mining machines were examined. Seventeen were found to have significant stereotypes which could be used as the basis for design recommendations. Several of the stereotypes derived were in conflict with recommendations already used both in the UK and elsewhere. This highlights the danger of the assumption, implicit in many sources, that stereotypes are universally applicable

In addition to the primary objective of providing reliable design recommendations, the study also examined the influence of occupation (design engineers, fitters/drivers and clerical staff) on preferred CRRs. No significant differences were found between the occupations among the 17 relationships which could be: considered as stereotypes.