Ergonomics in Hospitality

• Ergonomics is an applied science focused on designing and arranging elements for efficient and safe interaction between people and things
• The term comes from the Greek words "ergon" (work) and "nomos" (laws), meaning "laws of work" or "science of work"

Disciplines of Ergonomics

• Anthropometry
• Biomechanics
• Mechanical engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Industrial design
• Information design
• Kinesiology
• Physiology and Psychology

Ergonomics in Hospitality

• Hospitality staff strive to maintain a fast-paced environment, sometimes sacrificing ergonomics

Common Injury Categories

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Accidents are common where people are hurrying; employers should take steps to reduce the risk
• Ensure floors are dry and display warning signs when wet
• Remove obstructions from walkways and near staircases
• Require proper footwear for all staff
• Promptly address spills
• Avoid running cables across walkways, even temporarily

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Injuries occur when staff repeatedly twist their backs, raise their arms, bend their wrists or necks, or stand for long periods
• These postures combined with increased force, repetition, or duration can increase injury likelihood
• Educate staff on ergonomic work methods
• Encourage staff to lift heavy items together
• Rotate staff to different jobs to allow recovery of overused body parts
• Provide mechanical equipment for lifting items that cannot be safely lifted manually

Facilities Planning

• Facilities planning determines how hospitality resources are used to achieve goals and priorities
• Facilities location is where facility elements are placed relative to employees, guests, suppliers, and other stakeholders
• Facility design specifies how a facility is created, including systems for layout and handling
  • Layout plans the organization and relationships within a facility, including elements of handling systems
  • Facility systems include structural, atmospheric, and other systems for normal operations
  • Handling systems are elements needed for facility interactions, including front-of-house and back-of-house employees

System Analysis

• System analysis focuses on the structures and roles that simplify work processes in environments and facilities

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE)

• Human Factors and Ergonomics deals with the relationship between people, technology, and other influencing factors
• This is seen in hospitality to maximize comfort and productivity for employees and guests

Importance of Facilities Planning and HFE

• Facilities planning should be a priority, especially in the fast-paced tourism and hospitality industry
• Combining facilities planning and HFE improves work, efficiency, and makes operations resistant to errors
• It increases productivity and reduces costs by streamlining systems and eliminating unnecessary activities like staff retraining
• Wastes like fines and lawsuits are minimized via Occupational Safety and Health and Disaster and Risk Reduction
• Facilities planning supports sustainability through energy conservation and green building systems
• Facilities planning cuts losses and increases profitability through better process flows and physical design