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Introduction To Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding interactions between humans and other elements of a system to optimize human well-being and system performance. It involves fitting jobs to the worker through workstations, tools, equipment, and work organization that consider human abilities and limitations. The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal disorders from factors like repetition, force, awkward postures, and vibrations and maximize productivity and comfort. An effective ergonomics program requires expertise from many disciplines and focuses on identifying and minimizing risks.

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54 views

Introduction To Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding interactions between humans and other elements of a system to optimize human well-being and system performance. It involves fitting jobs to the worker through workstations, tools, equipment, and work organization that consider human abilities and limitations. The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal disorders from factors like repetition, force, awkward postures, and vibrations and maximize productivity and comfort. An effective ergonomics program requires expertise from many disciplines and focuses on identifying and minimizing risks.

Uploaded by

mohdanas2112
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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“The scientific discipline concerned with understanding of interactions among humans and other

elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, methods and data to design
in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance”.
Ergonomics means IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS
“fitting the job to the worker,” including:  Overexertion leading cause of injuries
Work stations • Most costly
• Recurring/Persistent pain may develop in
Tools
future
Equipment
 Bodily reaction is another leading cause
of injuries in workplace
Ergo = Work  Repetitive motion also within top 10
Nomos = Law most common workplace injuries

MEANING OF ERGONOMICS EMERGENCE


 Derived from two Greek words: Nomoi” meaning natural laws  As early as 18th century doctors noted that
workers who required to maintain body
Ergon” meaning work. Ergonomists study human capabilities positions for long periods of time developed
in relationship to work demand. musculoskeletal problems.
 Ergonomics is the science and the art of fitting the job and the  Within last 20 years research has clearly
workplace to workers’ needs. It is the study of work. established connections between certain job
tasks and RSI or MSD.
 It is a way to make jobs/tasks fit the employees better.
 It is a way to make work easier. RSI = Relative strength Index
MSD= Musculoskeletal Disorders
Physical ergonomics is the human body’s responses to physical and
physiological work loads. Repetitive strain injuries from repetition, vibration,
force, and posture fall into this category.

Cognitive ergonomics deals with the mental processes and capacities of


humans when at work. Mental strain from workload, decision making, human
error, and training fall into this category.

Organizational ergonomics deals with the organizational structures, policies


and processes in the work environment, such as shift work, scheduling, job
satisfaction, motivation, supervision, teamwork, telecommuting, and ethics.

Role in FSP
 As a facilities and services planner one should provide safety
and work in the work station.
 The study of ergonomics enables a person to know how to
provide safety for a worker and his environment.
The objective is to improve the efficiency of operation by taking into account a typical person's size, strength, speed,
visual acuity, and physiological stresses, such as fatigue, speed of decision making, and demands on memory and
perception.

To maximize productivity while lowering the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs develop as a result of long
term exposure to a combination of ergonomic risk factors such as repetition, high forces and awkward postures.

Examples of MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and back disorders.

Two classifications of ergonomic injuries :


 Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s)
 Exposure driven Strains/Sprains – instantaneous (event driven)

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s) - Injury to soft tissue caused by prolonged exposure to multiple ergonomic risk
factors.
Typically develop in small body segments (i.e. fingers, wrists, elbows, and neck)
Risk of injury increases with prolonged exposure to any of these ergonomic risk factors:
 Presence of multiple risk factors within a single job task
 Awkward Posture Repetition Force Static Loading Contact Stress Vibration

 Warm up & stretch before activities that are repetitive, static or prolonged.
 Take frequent breaks from ANY sustained posture every 20-30 minutes.
 Respect pain- positions or stop painful activity.
 Recognize early signs of inflammatory process, & treat early.
 Be aware of workstation environment.
 A successful ergonomics program utilizes the skills of many disciplines, including engineering, psychology, medical,
safety, management and the employees or associates.
 Applications range from the design of work areas (including office furniture, automobile interiors, and aircraft
cockpits) to the disposition of switches and gauges on the control panels of machinery to determining the size, shape,
and layout of keys on computer terminals and character height, color, and clarity on video displays.

The benefits of applying ergonomic principles: -


 Maximize productivity, efficiency and quality.
 Reduce MSD risk by eliminating or minimizing ergonomic risk factors.
 Improve employee morale and
 Cost savings associated with injury-related absenteeism, treatment, new hire training and WCB claims.
 It can help you do work safely.
 It can make you more comfortable.
 It can prevent injuries
 Minimize ergonomic risk factors in your area.

 Stretch throughout the shift especially before and after activities that require awkward positions or lifting .

 Pay attention to your body and know your physical limitations.

 Report ergonomics issues through appropriate channels.

 Ergonomic injuries are preventable, and you own your own safety

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