Assignment BSc.

– Applied Ergonomics

Q1. (a) What is the philosophy of ergonomics design?

(b) Define industrial ergonomics, and state its objectives.

(c) Discuss why it is important to study ergonomics

Q2. What is the work of an ergonomist? What information will an ergonomist

require to enable him/her design a workplace and what advice will he/she give
concerning the following:
i) Workplace design,
ii) Lighting,
iii) Vibration from working tools and machinery.

Q3. (a) Explain why ergonomics should be incorporated early in the design life
cycle of a product.
(b) State fours ways that human beings interact with a product/equipment.

Q4. Briefly describe any six methods used by designers to create user-friendly
designs
Q5. (a) Name five disciplines that influence applied ergonomics and for each
discipline, indicate how
they influence the subject.
(b) Explain how ergonomics affect productivity and the working environment.

(c) Outline four reasons why ergonomics is normally not fully integrated into
product design and
engineering environments.

Q6. What do you understand by Manual material handling (MMH)? Describe

three methods used to assess MMH capabilities and for setting recommended
workload limits. What should be done to reduce the risk of overexertion?

Q7. Define human-machine system and outline three human-machine systems.

With the aid of a
diagram explain human-machine control loop.

Q8. How are the following disciplines used in applied ergonomics?

i) Engineering psychology,
ii) Cognitive psychology,
iii) User interface design
Q9. (a) What role does ergonomics play in the environmental man-machine
interface?

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 (b) Describe five environmental factors that affect the performance of a
worker. What
recommendations should be given for each of these environmental factors
so as to reduce their
effects on productivity.

Q10. What are anti-fatigue mats? When selecting anti-fatigue mats, what should
be considered and
how?

Q11. Write short notes on the following terms:

(i) Physiological Aspects of Muscular
Work
(ii) Cumulative Trauma Disorder,
(iii) Biomechanics,
(iv) Segmental Vibration,
(v) Whole Body Vibration
Q12. What are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)? Describe how
musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented at the workplace. What are the
benefits derived from preventing MSDs at the workplace?

Q13. What is the meaning of anthropometry? How is anthropometric data used

in design?

Q14. Why are displays used? Describe the types of displays used stating where
they are used.

Q15. Explain why ergonomics is important in the maintenance of equipment.

What are the maintenance personnel’s performance limitations; how are they
dealt with to reduce their effects?

Q16. State and discuss the domains of ergonomics

Q17. Write short notes on the human factors that must be considered when
designing products.

Q18. Describe three human factors principles that apply to all forms of visual
communication (i.e. labels and displays).

Q19. a) Discuss the importance of ergonomics education and training.

b) What are the goals of ergonomics education and training?
Q20. a) What are the three areas that Ergonomic risk factors interact?
b) Discuss any five physical risk factors
Q21. a) What characteristics of any job put the user at risk for MSDs?
b) How can the user avoid MSDs?