UNIT TITLE Introduction to Ergonomics

This unit deals with the skills, knowledge and attitude required in
planning and implementing ergonomics in the workplace. It also
UNIT DESCRIPTOR
introduces the student ergonomics intervention, benefits of good
ergonomic practices, and principles of motion economy.

NOMINAL DURATION 5 HOURS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Discuss what is ergonomics and its importance in the workplace.

2. Explain the benefits of good ergonomic practices for hospitality businesses.
3. Identify different human movements at work and how this can be studied to apply concepts
of motion economy.

Unit Contents:

Information Sheet 1.1: What is Ergonomics and Ergonomics Intervention

Information Sheet 1.3: Benefits of Good Ergonomics Practices

Information Sheet 1.4: Principles of Motion Economy

 INFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.1
Ergonomics and Ergonomics Intervention

Learning Objective:
At the end of this information sheet, you must be able to:
1. Define ergonomics.
2. Explain the important factors that ergonomics studies and examines.
3. Discuss the aims of ergonomics in the workplace.

Introduction to Ergonomics
During work, employees often manually lift, carry, push or pull heavy objects, maintain uncomfortable
postures, or strain their muscles. Ergonomically-designed jobs, work tasks or work stations, however,
can reduce strain and improve productivity and employee wellbeing.

Ergonomics uses human biological sciences in conjunction with engineering sciences to identify and
optimize all factors that affect an employee’s work to obtain maximum work satisfaction and enhance
overall productivity.

Ergonomics deals with manual lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of heavy loads, over-exertion,
awkward postures and repetitive actions or motions which can lead to an increased risk of
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are painful, often crippling, disorders or illnesses of the hand,
arm, neck, shoulder and/ or back. Adverse working conditions such as poorly-designed work stations or
working environments can also cause employees to develop MSDs.

Such working conditions can also reduce work efficiency and decrease productivity, causing income
losses, increased medical claims, and in some instances even permanent disability. Therefore, an
effective ergonomics program with specific ergonomic interventions should be implemented to reduce
MSDs and associated costs, as well as improve productivity and employee well-being.

 What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the term applied to the field of science that studies and designs human-machine, human-
tool, human-work environment and human-human interfaces to prevent injury and illness and improve
work performance. It is a multi-disciplinary science drawing on anatomy, biomechanics, anthropometry,
physiology, psychology, sociology, physics, engineering and medicine.

Ergonomics studies and examines:

 the interface between the employee and the machine;
 the interface between the employee and the work environment;
 the physical and mental demands on the employee necessary for him/ her to perform his/her
job;
 the manual tools required for the job;
 the machine and equipment the employee monitors or controls; and
 the workspace in which the employee must perform his/ her tasks.

Therefore, ergonomics aims to optimize:

  Motion study - analysis of the basic hand, arm, and body movements of workers as they
perform work
 Work design - design of the methods and motions used to perform a task, which includes:
 workspace and workstation design to meet the physical characteristics of the employee;
 equipment, tool and machine design to match the physical characteristics of the employee;
 control and display layouts to enable the employee to operate and monitor work machinery
efficiently with minimum human error;
 task performance by minimizing external forces or stress that may affect the employee in
performing his/ her tasks; and
 work procedure development to meet the employee’s capabilities.

 Ergonomics Intervention

Putting in place an ergonomics program in the workplace helps prevent work-related MSDs and injuries.
Timely ergonomics intervention can also help employees with existing MSDs reduce the stresses on their
bodies so that they can continue working.

This set of guidelines outlines how to develop an in-house ergonomics program for a company or
organization to manage ergonomics problems and work-related MSDs at the workplace. Employees and
employers can also obtain information on good ergonomics practices and the prevention of work-
related injury or illness. In particular, through using this guidelines, workplace, equipment, task or job
design can be better matched to the capabilities of the working population, including pregnant
employees, older workers or those with functional limitations.

The guidelines will cover the legal requirements relevant to ergonomics in the workplace, risk factors of
work-related MSDs, how to prevent ergonomics-related injuries and how to implement an ergonomics
program.
 INFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.2
Benefits of Good Ergonomics Practices

Learning Objective:
At the end of this information sheet, you must be able to:
1. Determine how ergonomics make work safer, healthier, more efficient and comfortable
for workers through improving their relationships with their tools and work environment
2. Discuss what are the benefits of having good ergonomic practices in the workplace

 Benefits of Good Ergonomics Practices

The aim of an ergonomic approach is to make work safer, healthier, more efficient and comfortable for
workers through improving their relationships with their tools and work environment. Therefore, the
task of ergonomics is to develop and optimize conditions for employees through their working
environment, physical workloads and working postures to facilitate psycho-sensorial functions in
machine operations and tools. These measures would help minimize human errors, maximize efficiency
and improve the quality of working life.

Good ergonomic practices and sound application of ergonomic principles in the design of offices,
workplaces, jobs and tasks can have the following benefits:

 Ergonomics reduces costs

By systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent costly MSDs. With approximately
$1 out of every $3 in workers compensation costs attributed to MSDs, this represents an opportunity for
significant cost savings. Also, don’t forget that indirect costs can be up to twenty times the direct cost of
an injury.
 59% average reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders
 65% average reduction in incidence rate
 75% reduction in lost workdays
 53% reduction in restricted days
 68% reduction in worker’s compensation costs
 39% reduction in cost per claim
 43% decrease in labor costs

 Ergonomics improves productivity

The best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity. By designing a job to allow for good
posture, less exertion, fewer motions and better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes more
efficient.
 25% increase in productivity

 Ergonomics improves quality

Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers that don’t do their best work. When the
job task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not perform their job like they were trained. For
example, an employee might not fasten a screw tight enough due to a high force requirement which
could create a product quality issue.
 67% average reduction in scrap/errors
 Ergonomics improves employee engagements
Employees notice when the company is putting forth their best efforts to ensure their health and
safety. If an employee does not experience fatigue and discomfort during their workday, it can reduce
turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and increase employee involvement.

 48% average reduction in employee turnover

 58% average reduction in employee absenteeism

 Ergonomics creates a better safety culture

Ergonomics shows your company’s commitment to safety and health as a core value. The
cumulative effect of the previous four benefits of ergonomics is a stronger safety culture for your
company. Healthy employees are your most valuable asset; creating and fostering the safety & health
culture at your company will lead to better human performance for your organization.
 INFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.3
Human Movements at Work

Learning Objective:
At the end of this information sheet, you must be able to:
1. Discuss and explain how the five characteristics of easy movements are considered in
work simplification.
2. Identify examples of each movement that you do in everyday life.

 Human Movements at Work

Easy movement of the human body is an important consideration in work simplification. The studies of
the motion of the human body members indicate five characteristics of easy movement:
 Simultaneous Movements (Magkasabay)
These are movements of the hands that begin and end at the same time. These movements are
easier than those where one hand requires a longer or shorter time to complete the motion. These
are best accomplished when both hands are doing identical tasks.
 Symmetrical Movements (Magkatugma)
Movements of the hands are easiest if they are symmetrical about the center of the body. The right
hand moves to the right of the centerline, while the left moves to the left-center. Movements
directly forward from the body should staff with both hands and return at the same time.
 Natural Movements (Likas na Kilos)
These are the movements that correspond to the physical structure of the body and are the easiest
and fastest to make. The following are examples of this type of movement:
 the movement wherein the extended arm will result in an arc;
 curved movement which are more natural than straight movement of the arm;
 movement where the greatest force of fingers is towards the palm;
 movement consisting of grasping an object suspended with a dimension in a vertical plane
rather than in a horizontal plane;
 movement which does not cause the arms to exert the greatest force and the bicep muscles to
be arched.
The classes of natural movements are:
Class I Finger Movement
II Finger and Wrist Movement
III Finger, Wrist, and Forearm Movement
IV Finger, Wrist, Forearm, and Upper Arm Movement
V Finger, Wrist, Forearm, Upper Arm, and Shoulder Movement
*Class I requires the least amount of time and effort to perform and is also the weakest
type. Class V is the least efficient but requires the greatest effort.
 Rhythmical Movements (May Kumpas)
These are movements in which the total motion pattern creates a rhythm when repeated frequently
and are easiest to perform.
 Habitual Movements (Kinaugalian)
The creation of rhythmical, simultaneous, symmetrical, and natural movements leads to the
development of habitual movements. This type Of movement indicates that the cycle of the
movements is made exactly the same way each time the cycle is repeated. Habitual movement
becomes automatic after a period of time and much fatigue and strain can be eliminated.
 INFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.4
Principles of Motion Economy

Learning Objective:
At the end of this information sheet, you must be able to:
1. Enumerate and explain the twelve principles of motion economy.
2. Discuss how human movement at work can be utilized to ensure work simplification.
3. Provide examples of work simplification techniques that applies the principles of motion
economy.

 Principles of Motion Economy

Knowing such human movements at work, the following should be applied in the principles of motion
economy:

Principle 1 - Design work to fully utilize both hands

 It’s natural tendency for most people to use their preferred hand to accomplish most of
work. The other hand plays a minor role, e.g. holding object, while the preferred hand
works on it.
 As a first principle, both hands should be used as equally as possible.
Principle 2 - The two hands should begin and end their motions at the same time
 This follows the first principle. Sometimes, you must design method so work is evenly
divided between right-hand & left-hand side of workplace.
 In this case, division of work should be organized according to principle (3)
Principle 3 - Hand and arm motions should be symmetrical and simultaneous
 This means that you need to minimize the amount of hand-eye coordination required
by worker. Since both hands are doing the same movements at the same time, less
concentration is required than if two hands had to perform different & independent
motions .
Principle 4 - Design work to favor preferred hand
 It is better to work with the preferred hand since it is faster, stronger, and more
practical. If the work to be done cannot be divided evenly between two hands, take
advantage of worker’s best hand.
 Examples in work units should consider:
 Entering workplace on side of worker’s preferred hand
 Exiting workplace on the opposite side
Principle 5 - Worker’s two hands should not be idle at the same time
 Avoid periods when neither hand is working
 It may not be possible to completely balance workload between the right & left
hands but it should be possible to avoid having both hands idle at the same time
 The exception to this principle is during rest breaks
 Work cycle of worker-machine system is also an exception if:
 worker is responsible for monitoring machine during its automatic cycle, and
 monitoring involves using worker’s cognitive senses rather than hands.

Next 5 principles of motion economy attempt to utilize laws of physics to assist use of hands and arms
while working
Principle 6 - Method should consist of smooth continuous curved motions
 It is better to use such motion rather than straight motions with abrupt changes in
direction
 The reason behind this principle is that:
 Straight-line path sequence includes start and stop actions (accelerations,
decelerations) and consume worker’s time & energy
 Motions consisting of smooth continuous curves help minimize lost time in
starts & stops
Principle 7 - Use momentum to facilitate task
 When work situations provide opportunity to use momentum (e.g. when chefs chop
meat using a cleaver – they’re using momentum) use it.
 The previous principle (smooth continuous curved motions) shows beneficial use of
momentum to make a task easier
Principle 8 - Take advantage of gravity – don’t oppose it
 Less time & energy is required to move heavy object from higher to lower elevation
than to move object upward. This principle is usually implemented by proper layout and
arrangement of the workplace
Principle 9 - Method should achieve a natural rhythm of the motions involved
 Rhythm refers to motions that have regular recurrence and flow from one to the next.
 Basically, the worker learns rhythm & performs motions without thinking. Incorporate
this into the work so that rhythm feels like natural & instinctive motion pattern such as
when one is walking.
Principle 10 - Use lowest classification of hand and arm motion (five classifications)
 There are five natural movement classifications discussed in the previous topic and
involve the finger, wrist, forearm, upper arm, and shoulder.
 For lower classification, worker perform hand and arm motion more quickly & with less
effort. As such, work method should be composed of motions at lowest classification
level possible.
 This principle can be accomplished by locating parts & tools as close together as
possible in workplace.
Principle 11 - Minimize eye focus and travel
 Eye focus occurs when the eye must adjust to change in viewing distance
 e.g. from 25 in. to 10 in., with little or no change in line of sight
 Eye travel occurs when eye must adjust to a line-of-sight change
 e.g. from one location in the workplace to another, but the distances from eyes
are same
 Since eye focus and eye travel each take time, it is desirable to minimize need for
worker to make these adjustments as much as possible. This can be accomplished by
minimizing distances between objects (e.g. parts and tools) used in workplace
Principle 12 - Design method to utilize feet and legs where appropriate
 Legs are stronger than arms, although feet are not as practical as hands. As such, work
method can sometimes be designed to take advantage of greater strength of legs, like
in lifting tasks.
References:

ErgoPlus Industrial. Benefits of ergonomics. ErgoPlus Industrial Prevention School Publication.

ErgoPlus Industrial. Ergonomic design checklist. ErgoPlus Industrial Prevention School Publication.
ErgoPlus Industrial. Fundamental ergonomic principles. ErgoPlus Industrial Prevention School
Publication.
Lehto, M., & Buck, J. (2008). Introduction to human factors and ergonomics for engineers. Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates.
Marras, W.S., & Karwowski, W. (2006) Fundamentals and assessment tools for occupational ergonomics.
Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Perdigon, G. (2004). Facilities planning and design for lodging and foodservice operations . Merriam
Webster Bookstore
The Advantages of Ergonomics from: https://www.oshatrain.org/courses/pdf/ergoadvantages.pdf
Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore (2014). Workplace safety and health guidelines:
Improving ergonomics in the workplace. Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore and
Ministry of Manpower
Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore (2014). Workplace safety and health guidelines:
Improving ergonomics in the workplace. Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore and
Ministry of Manpower