Introduction to Ergonomics

Study Notes

Ergonomics: An Introduction

Definition: The scientific study of how humans interact with their workplaces and systems. Aims to understand the interaction between humans and other elements of the system, applying principles and data to design optimal systems for human well-being and performance.
Domains of Ergonomics:
- Physical Ergonomics:
  - Focuses on the physical aspects of work, including posture, repetitive motions, and environmental conditions.
- Cognitive Ergonomics:
  - Deals with mental processes in the workplace, such as perception, memory, and information processing.
- Organizational Ergonomics:
  - Optimizes systems by considering organizational structures, policies, processes, and the interaction with technical aspects of work.

Importance of Ergonomics

Benefits:
- Promotes employee comfort, leading to decreased stress and fatigue.
- Reduces work-related errors.
- Results in lower absenteeism, increased productivity, greater job satisfaction, and decreased employee turnover.

Physical Risk Factors at Work

Posture:
- Maintaining a neutral posture is crucial, allowing the body rest and recovery.
- Promotes proper body alignment, whether sitting or standing to minimize strain.
Temperature:
- Extreme temperatures can be harmful to workers and decrease performance.
- Need to ensure comfortable temperatures for optimal work environment.
Ventilation and Air Quality:
- Adequate airflow and air quality are essential to reduce exposure to mildew, mold, and toxic compounds.
- Creates a healthier and more productive environment.
Noise:
- Employers need to consider the duration and frequency of noise exposure to prevent hearing loss.
- Implement noise control measures where necessary.
Vibration:
- Workers should not be exposed to excessive vibration, especially those that transmit into the body.
- Analyze potential sources of vibration and implement control measures.
Vision and Lighting:
- Balance the visual demands of tasks with appropriate lighting conditions.
- Minimize glare and reflections to ensure clear vision and reduce eye strain.
Shift Work:
- Shift work can disrupt natural sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness.
- Implement strategies to manage shift work to prevent negative impact on employee health.
Repetitive Work:
- Repeated motions can lead to muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- Design work tasks to minimize repetitive movements and provide breaks for recovery.
Force and Compression:
- Gravity can influence how tasks are performed and can place strain on the body.
- Consider the impact of force and compression on worker's bodies and implement measures to minimize strain.

Other Work Risk Factors

Boredom and Monotonous Tasks:
- Lack of stimulation can lead to decreased motivation, alertness, and errors.
Occupational Stress:
- Work-related stress can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
Fatigue and Alertness:
- Fatigue can lead to decreased performance, errors, and accidents.
- Implement strategies to manage fatigue, such as adequate breaks and sleep.
Sedentary Behavior:
Prolonged periods of sitting can negatively affect health, leading to cardiovascular disease, obesity, and MSDs.
Encourage movement and breaks to promote physical activity throughout the day.

Implementing an Ergonomics Program

Role and Benefits:
- Anticipates, identifies, analyzes, mitigates, and reviews ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.
- Aligns employee capabilities with the demands of the job.
Creation Process:
- Identify Risk Factors:
  - Review injury history, psychosocial stress reports, identify specific tasks that might lead to MSDs and involve employee participation for risk recognition.
- Train and Involve Managers and Workers:
  - Provide training to managers and workers about ergonomic principles and risk factors.
- Implement Control Measures:
  - Utilize methods such as ergonomic screenings, surveys, job analysis, and workstation adjustments to implement control measures.