Human Factors and Entrapment

Human factors in product design play a role in entrapment risks. It's up to all of us to promote better product designs and pay attention to human factors involved in the use of products. Below will give you an idea of how products place demands on the user and influence safety.

DEMANDS ON USER	CONSIDERATIONS
PHYSICAL - differences        Activity level, trunk/arm strength, ROM, Chest depth	Does the product accommodate variable user capabilities.
PHYSICAL - capacity        Isometric-Concentric strength, ROM	Does the product accommodate changing (dynamic) user needs.
MOVEMENT                                Speed, Control, Coordination	Is the product designed to accommodate these variables or changing user needs.
BALANCE:                                  Static, Dynamic, Gait, Postural	Does the product increase function in key areas as the users needs change.
ATTENTION                        Selective, Dividing, Switching	Attention the user needs to use a product safely. Do use limitations or instability require too much "attention" to be safe.

 

Below will give you an idea of what entrapment looks like.

Entrapment hazard from  a roll off the bed.

Entrapment hazard from a "bed fall".

Aim to Reduce Bed Falls link Homemods.org

Learn more about FDA bed safety guidelines and entrapment:

• Clinical Guidance For the Assessment & Implementation of Bed Rails

• Hospital Bed System Dimensional & Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment  

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Updated June 25, 2008