Ergonomics Overview and Scope

Study Notes

The scientific discipline focused on understanding the relationship between humans and their work environment.
Aims to optimize well-being and performance by minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

Design of Man-Made Machine Systems: Encompasses systems involving human interaction with computers.
Design of Consumer Goods and Service Systems: Focuses on making everyday products and services user-friendly and safe.
Design of Working Environment: Optimizes physical spaces to promote health, productivity, and comfort.

Physical Ergonomics: Analyzes the physical aspects of human interaction with the work environment, considering anatomical, anthropometric, physiological, and biochemical factors.
Psychological Ergonomics: Examines mental processes and cognitive functions within the work environment, including perception, memory, and decision-making.
Organizational Ergonomics: Optimizes organizational structures, work processes, and relationships to enhance overall performance and well-being.

Posture: Maintaining a neutral posture is crucial, avoiding awkward postures that can strain muscles and joints.
Force: Excessive force exerted during tasks puts stress on the musculoskeletal system.
Frequency: Repetitive movements performed frequently can lead to cumulative trauma disorders.

Increases Productivity: Implementing ergonomic solutions can boost efficiency and output by minimizing fatigue and discomfort.
Reduces Costs: Long-term cost savings through decreased employee absenteeism, reduced workers' compensation claims, and improved overall health.
Improves Quality of Work: Ergonomic interventions can improve work quality by enhancing focus, reducing errors, and promoting task efficiency.

Conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.
Caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, forceful exertion, and prolonged static positions.

Maintain Neutral Posture: Keeping the body aligned and balanced to minimize strain.
Work in the Power/Comfort Zone: Optimizing the height and position of work surfaces to minimize effort and discomfort.
Allow for Movement and Stretching: Regular stretching helps reduce fatigue and prevent stiff muscles.
Keep Items Easy to Reach: Minimizing the need to reach excessively, reducing strain on the body.
Reduce Excessive Force: Minimizing the force required to perform tasks to prevent musculoskeletal stress.
Reduce Excessive Motion: Streamlining movements to reduce unnecessary strain and increase efficiency.
Minimize Contact Stress: Implementing practices to reduce pressure points and friction on the body.
Provide Clearance: Ensuring adequate space for movement and comfort.
Reduce Excessive Vibration: Minimize exposure to vibration, which can cause discomfort and injury.
Provide Good Lighting Conditions: Adequate and appropriate lighting reduces eye strain and improves task performance.

Assess Risk: Conducting ergonomic assessments to identify potential risk factors.
Plan Improvements: Developing and implementing solutions to address identified risks.
Measure Progress: Monitoring the effectiveness of implemented ergonomic solutions.
Scale Solutions: Adapting and implementing ergonomic processes across different departments and work areas.

Flexible Interior Plan: Creating adaptable and adjustable spaces to suit individual needs and tasks.
Kitchen Work Triangle Principle: Optimizing the arrangement of key elements in a kitchen to optimize workflow and minimize unnecessary movement.
Right Equipment, Ventilation, and Lighting: Selecting appropriate tools and ensuring proper ventilation and lighting for each work area.
Sufficient Space for Smooth Workflow: Ensuring adequate space for movement and efficient work processes.
Tidying and Storing: Utilizing effective storage solutions to maintain order and minimize clutter.

Design: The realization of a concept or idea through visual and physical representation.
Elements of Design: Fundamental units used by designers (e.g. line, form, color, texture) to create a design.
Principles of Design: Guidelines for combining and arranging design elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing composition.