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Chapter 1 Introduction

The document provides an overview of ergonomics, defined as the fit between people and their environments, emphasizing its importance in reducing stress and improving efficiency. It discusses the historical context, the role of ergonomists, and the impact of ergonomic practices on workplace safety and productivity. Additionally, it highlights the need for proactive ergonomics to prevent injuries and the benefits of implementing ergonomic programs in organizations.

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mfarrej
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2 views

Chapter 1 Introduction

The document provides an overview of ergonomics, defined as the fit between people and their environments, emphasizing its importance in reducing stress and improving efficiency. It discusses the historical context, the role of ergonomists, and the impact of ergonomic practices on workplace safety and productivity. Additionally, it highlights the need for proactive ergonomics to prevent injuries and the benefits of implementing ergonomic programs in organizations.

Uploaded by

mfarrej
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 1

Introduction

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 1


Definition
•Ergonomics is about 'fit‘: the fit between people, the things they
do, the objects they use and the environments they work, travel and
play in.
• If good fit
•reduces the stresses on people.
• they can do things more quickly and easily
• they make fewer mistakes.
•Not only physical but also with psychological and other aspects
too.
•That is why ergonomics is often called 'Human Factors'.
•Someone who is qualified in ergonomics is called an ergonomist.
10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 2
Origin of the Term Ergonomics
• Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws)
to denote the science of work, ergonomics is a systems-
oriented discipline which now applies to all aspects of
human activity.

• Practicing ergonomist must have a broad understanding


of the full scope of the discipline, taking into account the
physical, cognitive, social, organizational, environmental
and other relevant factors.

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 3


Human Factors VS. Ergonomics
Ergonomics and human factors - the same thing?

• Ergonomics has always been the more common term within the
UK and Europe
• Human Factors is favored by the North Americans
• The two terms then would are interchangeable.
• A few years ago the terms were combined in the name of the
American Society - now know as the Human Factors and
Ergonomics Society.
• Incidentally, the Oxford English Dictionary supports the
equivalence of the terms.

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 4


History of Human Factors
 Early 1900: Motion Study
 1949: Ergonomics Society (Britain)
 1957: Human Factors Society (U.S.)
 1959: International Ergonomics Association
 1960~1980: Rapid Growth
• Consumer products design
• Workplaces design
• Manufacturing process design
 1990~
• Safety & Health
• Medical Devices Design
• Design for the Elderly
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Reactive and Proactive Ergonomics

 Reactive Ergonomics – is where you respond to a


work place complaint or injury.

 Proactive Ergonomics – is where you analyze a


proposed task at design time to prevent an injury.

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Needs for Ergonomics
Examples of work requirements that can cause
discomfort, fatigue, injury, and illness are:

• Stretching to reach
• Repeated heavy lifting
• High pinch forces
• Handling objects that are sharp, very hot, or very cold.
• Working with hands above shoulders
• Long periods of work without a change in body posture.
10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 7
Needs for Ergonomics

Effects
Effects on
on the
the Operator
Operator Effects
Effects on
on the
the Company
Company
 Fatigue  Poor Quality
 Pain  Absenteeism
 Illness, back ache, etc  Higher costs
 Low morale  Higher employee turnover &
 Frustration & Irritation training

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 8


The Role of an Ergonomist

• Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline


concerned with the understanding of the interactions among
humans and other elements of a system.
• The profession applies theoretical principles, data and
methods to design in order to optimize human well-being
and overall system performance.

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 9


The Role of an Ergonomist

•Practitioners of ergonomics, ergonomist, contribute to


the planning, design and evaluation of tasks, jobs,
products, organizations, environments and systems in
order to make them compatible with the needs,
abilities, and limitations of people.

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 10


Working areas of Human Factors Specialists
 Computers work stations
 Aerospace engineering
 Industrial Processes
 Health and Safety
 Communications
 Transportation
 Other

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 11


Domain of Specialization

• Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical,


anthropometrics, physiological and biomechanical
characteristics as they relate to physical activity.
1.working postures
2.materials handling
3.repetitive movements
1. work-related musculoskeletal disorders
2. workplace layout
4.safety and health.
Homework

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 12


Physical Ergonomists
 Physical ergonomics is also concerned with how the physical
environment around you might affect your performance. 'Physical'
here means the kinds of things physicists know and love - heat,
light, noise, dusts, chemicals, and so on.
 For example, there's a thermal comfort range which suits people
best unless they are doing hard physical work, in which case they
might prefer a cooler range.
 Similarly with noise; at night, you might want things quiet so that
you can sleep.
 Physical ergonomics is about understanding the effects of these
aspects of the environment on people, and in particular, the
harmful effects. Then you can design environments for people
which won't harm them, and they might even enjoy the experience.

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 13


Why important?
 Up to 80% of accident causes can be attributed to
human factors
 All major accidents involve a number of human

failures
 Human factors is concerned with

• Understanding the causes of human failures


• Preventing human failures.

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 14


Why be Concerned?
 Up to 80% of accident causes can be attributed to
human factors
 Cumulative Trauma Disorders(CTD) and other
ergonomic related injuries accounted for 34% of lost
workdays, 60% of costs, and $20 billion/year DIRECT
losses to industry
 Direct cost per average CTD case: $9,389
 For every $500 spent on insurance claim, expect $1500-
$2500 increase in premiums
 Prevention is the only cure for CTDs

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Ergonomic Risk Factors
 Occupational Risk Factors
• Repetitive Motions (Frequency)
• Sustained Exertions
• Awkward or Static Postures
• Forceful Activities
• Localized Mechanical Pressures
• Vibration Exposures
• Lighting
• Temperature Extremes
• Noise

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 16


Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)

 If you experience signs or symptoms of MSDs, report it


to a supervisor, industrial hygienist or safety
professional

 If pain or discomfort does not go away when you leave


work or interferes with you carrying out normal
activities, see an occupational health nurse or physician

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 17


How do you Avoid MSDs?
 Work in neutral postures  Use proper lifting
 Reduce excessive force techniques and lift aides
& repetition  Ask for assistance with
 Keep everything in easy
difficult tasks
reach and at proper  Take micro-breaks (stand,
heights
stretch, change tasks)
 Keep warm
 Minimize static
 Maintain a comfortable
environment
unsupported postures
and pressure points

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 18


Solutions for Occupational Risk Factors

 Administrative Controls (Hazard Recognition)


 Engineering Controls (Adjustability)

 Task Design

 Personnel Protective Equipment

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 19


Benefits of an Ergonomics Program
 Decreased injury rates > Increased employee morale
 Engineering changes and task redesign: $1 invested,
$11-$35 saved in production costs
 Increased productivity > increased profits
 Decreased insurance cost
 Prevent injuries before they occur

10/10/2009 Eng. Mohammad Y. "Bani Mfarrej" 20

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