Track: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Abstract

Every year, a significant number of people are injured while using products in their homes or as a result of their misuse, emphasizing the importance of risk communication. The purpose of this study is to assess the consistency of color perception and hazard rating among male and female participants in Pakistan with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommendations. Undergraduate students from various academic backgrounds participated in the study.

The findings show that color perception and hazard rating differed between male and female participants. Participants showed significant mean differences when comparing colors, with some colors rated as more dangerous than others. Surprisingly, the perceived hazard ratings generally matched ANSI recommendations. However, there were some inconsistencies, especially in the differentiation of certain colors. Notably, neither male nor female participants distinguished significantly "Blue from Green and Yellow." Females, on the other hand, did not distinguish significantly between "Blue vs. Orange." They (male and female) did not distinguish between "Green and Yellow." Males, on the other hand, did not perceive "Green and Orange" as significantly different. Similarly, they (males) could not tell the difference between "Yellow and Orange." Furthermore, neither differentiated between "Red and Black."

Both perceived Red as the most hazardous. However, Female participants provided less score as compared to male. These findings offer valuable insights into the complexities of color perception and its implications for warning label design. These results underscore the need for further research to better understand the relationship between color perception, cultural influences, and hazard communication, particularly in the context of product safety.