How Ergonomic Control Room Design Boosts Operator Performance

Control room operators face high-stakes responsibilities for long shifts, often under pressure and with complex systems to monitor and manage. Workspaces designed with ergonomics in mind help improve focus, reduce errors, and sustain (or enhance) productivity, ultimately supporting mission-critical performance.

The Impact of Ergonomics on Operator Efficiency
Fatigue, discomfort, and ineffective layouts increase the risk of human error. Ergonomically designed workstations include chairs built for 24/7 support, adjustable consoles, and accessible controls, allowing operators to maintain focus during long shifts. Placement of displays, lighting, and essential tools enhances situational awareness, ensuring rapid and accurate decision-making while keeping staff comfortable and mission-ready.

Custom Consoles for Every Role
Operators perform diverse tasks, from monitoring multiple screens to managing communication systems. Custom-designed consoles place tools and technology within intuitive reach, supporting workflow and minimizing unnecessary movement. This precision design improves speed, accuracy, and overall operational efficiency.

Integration With Technology
Ergonomic design extends beyond physical comfort. Integrating technology seamlessly into the workspace reduces cognitive load. Operators can easily access real-time data, video feeds, and communication systems, enhancing decision-making while minimizing strain.

Environment and Infrastructure
Acoustics, lighting, climate control, and cable management also affect operator performance. Thoughtful infrastructure design creates a distraction-free environment that supports focus and reduces errors, enabling sustained 24/7 operation.

Case in Point:
In a high-demand process control environment, BASF operators faced long hours of continuous monitoring, where physical discomfort and visual fatigue could directly impact performance and safety.

Partnering with Jeremy Lawrence, South Central Regional Sales Manager, Winsted collaborated with the operations team to develop an ergonomic control room solution focused on operator well-being. Adjustable-height consoles, refined monitor positioning, and seating designed for extended use were incorporated to support healthier working conditions.

The outcome was a control room that reduced fatigue, improved comfort, and helped operators maintain consistent accuracy, supporting both individual wellness and overall operational reliability.

Because Trust Can’t Wait: Empower Your Operators 
Operator-centered ergonomic design is essential to control room performance. By combining comfort, accessibility, and integrated technology, organizations can empower their teams, reduce errors, and maintain mission readiness around the clock.

About Winsted
For over 60 years, Winsted has designed control room solutions. Our operator-out approach focuses on human-centered design, tailoring consoles, technology, and workflows to maximize efficiency, safety, and mission readiness. By studying operator interactions and decision-making processes, we create environments that reduce fatigue, minimize errors, and support critical operations. With Winsted, your control room is engineered to perform reliably, 24/7, under any conditions.