Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
group of areas start to work together. This is probably the case when
we perceive a risk that cannot be solved by our automated noncon-
scious programs. Consciousness is defined as being aware of the here
and now situation, and alertness as the focus on special stimuli. Safety
awareness has both a physical and a mental aspect that mutually influ-
ence each other. The physical aspect is related to the body
'
s readiness
to follow orders from the brain. Mental alertness varies with the fre-
quency by which brain cells communicate with one another. A low fre-
quency is better for learning, a high frequency for doing tasks under
stress. The demands from the external world strongly influence the
communication speed between brain cells. High stress is developed for
acting fast while in great danger, but too much stress can reduce the
impact of the consciousness because it is too slow. This can lead to
automated behavior that can be dangerous when the person is not
trained for that task. The brain has several mechanisms to adjust the
level of alertness. Alertness uses free brain cells and can flourish in an
environment that is deprived from stimuli, in a mind that is free to
focus, and in a job that allows tasks to be done one by one.
TIPS FOR TRANSFER
Tip 1: Working Alone Versus in a Team
The saying
expresses the principle that sensitiv-
ity goes down when in company. Also, anxiety levels go down when peo-
ple operate together. There are many situations in which the
companionship of another person is needed at work, for example, when
extra hands are required, when complementary competences are needed,
or when one has to do the operation and the other has to check it.
“
shared fear is half fear
”
In all cases in which there is doubt as to whether two or more peo-
ple are needed, consider strongly giving the task to only one person.
This person will probably be more alert during the task.
Tip 2: Junior Versus Senior Employees
Juniors, defined as those new on the job, can deliver a similar result as
seniors in normal circumstances. Sometimes they might even do better
because they are still fresh. The biggest difference can be seen when
serious problems arise and stress is involved. In such a case, a decent
intuition helps to perform in a faster way. Seniors can rely on more
experience, which helps them to work more intuitively. This gives them
