Ergonomics and Workplace Design

Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is the study of the effect of health and safety in the working environment on productivity.
• Bad working conditions affect productivity adversely, while good working conditions make workers more interested in their job.
• The science that considers factors such as comfort and safety in workplace design is called ergonomics.

Definitions of Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is derived from the Greek words "Ergo" (work) and "Nomos" (natural laws).
• Ergonomics is the study of relations between humans and their environment, occupation, equipment, and particularly, the applications of anatomical, physiological, and psychological knowledge to solve problems.
• Ergonomics is the science of work that deals with the relationship between humans and their working environment, implying "Fitting the job to the worker."
• Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products, and systems to fit the people who use them.

Objectives of Ergonomics

• Enhance safety and reduce injuries by minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and preventing accidents.
• Improve comfort by ensuring workplaces, tools, and equipment are comfortable to use, reducing physical strain and discomfort.
• Increase productivity and efficiency by designing systems and workplaces that enhance productivity.
• Enhance performance by improving the performance of tasks and facilitating better decision-making.
• Improve the quality of work life by creating work environments that promote well-being and satisfaction.
• Facilitate accessibility and inclusivity by ensuring products, environments, and systems are accessible to people with varying abilities and disabilities.
• Support human-centered design by emphasizing the importance of designing systems around the needs and characteristics of users.

Man-Machine System Interface (MMSI)

• MMSI is the combination of humans and machines interacting to bring about the desired output from given input.
• Components of MMSI include the human element, machine element, and interface.
• Human element factors include capabilities, limitations, and physical and cognitive characteristics.
• Machine element factors include hardware and software.

Objectives of MMSI

• Enhance efficiency and productivity by designing interfaces that are intuitive and reduce task time.
• Ensure safety by designing interfaces that provide clear and timely feedback, preventing user errors and enhancing safety.
• Improve usability by creating user-friendly interfaces that require minimal training and are easy to navigate.
• Enhance user comfort by considering ergonomic factors such as posture, reach, and visual comfort.
• Support decision-making by designing interfaces that present information clearly and concisely.

Design Principles of MMSI

• User-centered design: design should be based on the needs, capabilities, and limitations of the user.
• Consistency: maintain uniformity in interface design.
• Feedback: provide clear feedback to users about their actions.
• Simplicity: keep the design simple and uncluttered.
• Error prevention and recovery: design to minimize errors and provide ways to recover from them.
• Affordance: design elements should suggest their functionality.
• Accessibility: make interfaces usable by people with a range of abilities.

Examples of MMSI Applications

• Industrial control panels
• Aviation cockpits
• Medical devices
• Consumer electronics

Effect of Environment on Worker Performance

• Lighting: proper lighting reduces eye strain and fatigue, improving focus and productivity.
• Temperature and humidity: maintaining optimal temperature and humidity helps create a comfortable working environment.
• Noise levels: high noise levels can be distracting, leading to reduced concentration and increased stress.
• Air quality: poor air quality can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue.
• Ergonomics: ergonomically designed workspaces can prevent musculoskeletal problems and reduce fatigue.
• Color and aesthetics: colors can influence mood and energy levels, and aesthetically pleasing workspaces can enhance mood and reduce stress.
• Workspace layout: the layout of a workspace affects communication, collaboration, and efficiency.
• Access to nature: access to natural elements can reduce stress and improve mood and cognitive function.
• Break and rest areas: providing areas for rest and breaks can reduce fatigue and improve concentration.
• Psychosocial environment: a positive psychosocial environment with supportive leadership, clear communication, and opportunities for social interaction can improve morale and productivity.