6. Introduction to Ergonomics

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6. Introduction to Ergonomics
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Definition

• Branch of science that applies what is known
  about human behavior, mental processes, and
  anatomy and physiology to the design,
  development, and evaluation of work methods,
  environments, technologies, and systems
• Discipline that studies human capabilities and
  performance capacities and applies this
  information in designing consumer products,
  tools, and equipment

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• Common Definitions

Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace
to the worker. The better the fit, the higher the
level of safety and worker efficiency. Fitting
the Task to the Human Grandjean 1990
Ergonomics removes barriers to quality,
productivity and human performance by fitting
products, tasks, and environments to people.
ErgoWeb.com
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Ergonomics

• Greek words
• Ergon work
• Nomos principle or laws
• Ergonomics The Science of Work
• In the literature
• in 1840s by Wojciech Jastrzebowski (a Polish
  educator and scientist)
• In 1949 by K.F.H. Murrel (a British scientist)
• Other terms
• Human Factors, Human Engineering, Engineering
  Psychology

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Origins, developments, and applications

• Kroemer et al. (2001) p.7

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The Ergonomics Process

• 1. Identify potential problems (mismatches)
• 2. Evaluate and prioritize problems
• 3. Improve (redesign) jobs and tasks

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Comprehensive Ergonomics Strategy

• Train engineers on ergonomic practices and
  principals
• Perform ergonomic evaluations of work tasks and
  work environments
• Implement ergonomic interventions
• Educate employees on ergonomics
• Establish medical control-treat/prevent injuries
  and illnesses early

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Rationale for Ergonomics

• Realization that not all problems are the result
  of human error.
• Fit the task to the person
• Recognize the need to design to accommodate a
  large number of users
• Ergonomics is not just applying checklists or
  guidelines. Its a design process.
• Ergonomics is more than just common sense.
• Who can tell me how high the letters on a sign
  need to be for a person driving 75 mph to see
  them at a distance of 200 yards?
• Who can tell me the amount of muscle exertion is
  required to trim a fish fillet?

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Ergonomics in Design of Systems
Task
Human
HFE
Environment
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Goal of Ergonomics

• Minimize the mis-match between human capabilities
  and task requirements
• What is the optimal scenario? Blue human
  capabilities
• gray job demands
• Objectives of HF
• Improve human performance
• Improve Safety
• Reduce the need for training
• Improve user satisfaction

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Components of Ergonomics
Biomechanics
Psychology
IE Work Methods Plant Layout Work Flow
Anthropometry
Physiology
Ergonomics
Methods Analysis Techniques
Workplace Design Techniques
Machine and Equipment Design
Tool Design Techniques
Operator Assignments and Job Design
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Division of the Discipline

• Physical Ergonomics (work place layout and
  design)
• Cognitive Ergonomics (cognitive and psychological
  issues)

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History

• Can be traced back to the late 1800s/early 1900s
  and Frank and Lillian Gilbrethmotion and time
  studies, investigated performance, fatigue,
  workstation design, tool design
• Formal birth in WWII significant number of
  pilot accidents due to human error
• 1950s regulations began to be developed in USA
• 1957first professional society was created
  (HFES)
• Number of tragedies in semi-recent years 3-mile
  Island, Chernobyl, dramatic increase in the
  number of reported occupational injuries
  illnesses, and deaths
• OSHA is developed
• Computer age

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Why Ergonomics?

• Increased Productivity
• improved work methods
• increased efficiency
• better tools
• less stress and fatigue
• fewer errors

• Money
• decreased medical costs
• increased productivity
• decreased workmans compensation costs
• fewer lost work day cases (light duty days)

• Quality of Work Life
• fewer injuries
• less fatigue and stress
• improved employee morale

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Current Topics

• Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
• CTDs, slips/trips/falls, deaths,
• Sources of Operator Discomfort/Fatigue
• Design for Special Populations
• HCI
• Individual Differences
• User-centered Design
• Production Ergonomics
• Human Error
• Others