Job Analysis of Gas and Electric Power Dispatchers for Control Room Design Decision Support

Power and gas dispatchers control crucial infrastructure of modern society. Key tasks include reacting quickly to problems such as gas leaks and short circuits. Phases of low performance needs, alternating with phases of high performance requirements, with time critical components, make the job challenging. To guide future optimizations in workplace design regarding support systems, ergonomic design of the control center’s hardware and software, and the selection of applicants and training, a job analysis survey was performed. A total of 27 dispatchers filled out the Fleishman Job Analysis System questionnaire (F-JAS). Scales with high scores in the categories cognition, sensory skills and social/interpersonal skills suggest potential to optimize the jobs and are discussed in more detail to guide future research to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of the workplace.