Ergonomics: The Concept

The study of human abilities and characteristics which affect the

design of equipments, systems, and jobs.

It is a science that focuses on designing a job for the worker.

The aim of ergonomics is to:

Improve efficiency
Increase productivity
Reduce operators fatigue
Improve comfort
Improve safety level

Work Place Design
The goal of workplace design is to provide spaces that allow
people to do their jobs with maximum utility and comfort.


Workplace Height

The working height should be such that the job can be done
without the back bent and with the shoulders relaxed and
their natural position.
Workplace Height

The general principles regarding workspace height are:

When feasible, provisions should be made for individuals to adjust
the work surface height.

The work surface should be at a level that permits the arms to hang
in a relaxed position from the shoulder, with the forearm usually
being near horizontal or slopping down slightly.

In any event, the forearm should not be required to angle upward
very far.


Workplace Height

The work-surface level should be such that it does not require
excessive bending of the spine.

When working in a standing position,
The things needed for the job should be within easy reach.

The height of the work table is adjusted to the height of the worker.

The worker should stand straight in front and the close up to the
work table with his weight evenly distributed on both feet.

There should be enough room for his legs and feet.


Working Posture
It is necessary to decide early on whether the task should be
performed standing up, sitting down or in either position.

There are many factors to consider when deciding the best
working posture for a task.
These include the length of the task or shift, level of repetition
involved, manual handling requirements and use of tools and
equipment.

Working Posture
People should be able to perform the task with their arms
below shoulder height for the majority of the time.

All required equipment should be positioned within reach
where practicable.

Prolonged lifting or load bearing should be performed
between chest-height and waist-height.

Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the spine during
normal task activities.
Workstation Design
The work area should be carefully designed with both the task
and the workforce in mind.

The work station should be able to accommodate the majority
of the workforce population (90%).

Anthropometric data allows designers to accommodate the
differences between peoples size and shape within the
workplace and ensures that the majority of the population
can do the job within the environment provided.
Workstation Design
Such a design will reduce the risk of work-related
musculoskeletal disorders and improve productivity.

APPROACHES TO DESIGN:

Designing for the extremes
Designing for the average
Designing for adjustability
Workstation Design
Designing for the extremes :
This is the design to accommodate the maximum and
minimum dimensions of the population.

Designing for the average:
This involves making designs adjustable to fit different sized
individuals. In this approach there is a trade-off with
cost/complexity.

Design for the Average:
In this approach, the work place is designed to suit the
average person, and not be too bad for most people.
PRINCIPLES OF WORKSPACE DESIGN

Use elbow height to determine work surface height.
Adjust the work surface height based on the task
Provide a comfortable chair
Provide adjustability in the seat
Encourage postural flexibility
Provide Anti-fatigue mats for a standing operator
Locate all tools and materials within the normal working area
Fix locations for all tools and materials
Use gravity bins and drop delivery
Arrange everything to minimize motions

Task Design
The most natural way to work is to work rhythmically. This
dynamic load enables the muscles to alternate between
contraction and relaxation.

If an object is lifted up and held in this position, this puts the
muscles under a uniform static load.

It specifies the content of each Task and determine how work
is distributed within the organization.

For an employee, motivation and job satisfaction are affected
by the match between job factors and personal needs.

Objectives of Task design


The three main objectives that a manger tries to realize in specifying
jobs are

1. Technical feasibility
2. Economic feasibility
3. Behavioral feasibility
Technical Feasibility
The person who holds the job must be capable of performing the
assignment with the equipment and system available and the job must
take the necessary transformation of inputs into outputs.

Economic Feasibility

-- The cost of performing the job should not be too high .

Behavioral Feasibility

-- Since a job is often more than just a set of mechanical motion to be
performed ,it requires motivation and mental stimulation if it is to be
performed ,successfully.
Prolonged, repeated or extreme exposure to multiple WMSD risk factors
can cause damage to a workers body.

Risk Factors include:
Repetition
Awkward Postures
Static Postures
Cold Temperatures
Excessive Force
Vibration
Compression
Inadequate Recovery

Neutral is the optimal position of each joint that provides the most
strength and control Awkward or unsupported postures that stretch
physical limits, can compress nerves and irritate tendons
Equipment Design
Equipment and tools should be designed for the job being
performed with the worker in mind.
They must be specifically designed for right-handed and left-
handed individuals.

Different Types of Tools

Impact tools
Sharp edged tools
Power driven hand tools
4 Factors In Ergonomic Hand Tool Design
1. Weight
Hand tool should be light weight and easy-to-use.
2. Power
Power tools are typically heavier and more bulky than hand tools; this
added weight can be an additional source of stress/strain.
3. Handles
The one aspect of tool design with the most ergonomic considerations is
handle design.
4. Vibration
The best way to minimize vibration in power tools is to design the tool
using materials, like rubber, that help deaden vibrations


Tool Selection

For single-handle tools used for power tasks:
Tool selected should feel comfortable with a handle diameter in the
range of 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches. You can increase the diameter by
adding a sleeve to the handle.

For single-handle tools used for precision tasks:
The tool should have a handle diameter of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.

For double-handle tools (pliers-like) used for power tasks:
The tool should have a grip span that is at least 2 inches when fully
closed and no more than 3 1/2 inches when fully open.
For double-handled pinching, gripping, or cutting tools:

The tool should be with handles that are spring-loaded to return the
handles to the open position.

Adding a sleeve to the tool handle pads the surface but also increases
the diameter or the grip span of the handle.

The tool should be with an angle that allows you to work with a
straight wrist.

Select a tool that can be used with dominant hand or with either
hand.


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