Introduction to Ergonomics

Introduction to Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is the study of the laws pertaining to work.
• Also known as Human Factors.
• Derived from Greek words: "ergon" meaning work and "nomos" meaning laws.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the basics of ergonomics.
• Learn ergonomic principles and their applications.
• Understand good working practices.
• Identify work tasks that may cause pain or injury.
• Learn practical ergonomics solutions for work and life.
• Understand musculoskeletal injuries from improper ergonomics.

Lesson 1: Definition and History

• Ergonomics is a scientific discipline.
• Concerned with understanding interactions between humans and other system elements.
• Applies theory, principles, data, and methods.
• Aims to design jobs, products, workplaces, and equipment.
• Optimizes human well-being and system performance.
• Focuses on work performance, with emphasis on worker safety and productivity.
• A multidisciplinary activity that collects data on people's capacities and abilities.
• This data is used to design jobs, products, workplaces, and equipment.

Lesson 2: Ergonomic Framework

• A framework including Company Culture, Work Organisation, Environment, Tools/Workstation, Tasks & Person.
• Task design should accommodate the capabilities of workers.
• Tools should be suitable for the task.
• Workstation is the place where people perform tasks.
• Environment includes factors like temperature (10ºC).
• Organizational considerations include Task Characteristics, Task Demands, Instructions and Procedures, and Potential Stressors

Lesson 3: Importance of Ergonomics

• Increasing worker safety and health, reducing stress and fatigue.
• Enhancing efficiency and productivity.
• Reducing ill-health and errors.
• Preventing accidents.
• Improving system performance that includes people and equipment.
• Optimizes the integration of people and machines to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensuring a good match between people and the things they interact with (products, systems, environment).

Lesson 4: Ergonomic Domains

• Physical Domain: Focuses on physical characteristics of a person essential for work (anatomical, anthropometric, physiological, biomechanical).
• Cognitive Domain: Concerned with cognitive processes (perception, memory, reasoning) and its impact on interactions amongst humans and system elements.
• Organizational Domain: Looks at psycho-social and socio-cultural systems (organizational structures, policies, and processes). Aims for optimization of sociotechnical systems.

Classification of Ergonomic Problems

• User-Based Approach: A systematic approach to address problems at work, taking user constraints (e.g., musculoskeletal problems) into account.
• Task-Based Approach: Focuses on occupational environment, specific issues and impacts on the user.

Legislative & Regulatory Bodies

• USA: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• UAE: Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSM).

Role of Ergonomist

• To accommodate worker functional capacities and capabilities.
• To design a healthy workplace that aims to improve work efficiency and maximize productivity.

Applications of Ergonomics

• Worker & Job match (placement need).
• Training & injury prevention needs.
• Rehabilitation.
• Job modification needs.
• Tool design & redesign.

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ergonomics, including its definition, history, and the importance of proper working practices. You'll learn about ergonomic principles, musculoskeletal injuries, and practical solutions to enhance workplace safety and productivity. Test your knowledge of human factors and their influence on work design.