Ergonomics UJ PDF

ERGONOMICS  Ergonomics Ergonomics is: The study of the individual operator or working team The objectives of ergonomics are to enhance functional effectiveness whilst maintaining or improving human welfare Working conditions and the work environment Occupational accidents Physical...

ERGONOMICS  Ergonomics Ergonomics is: The study of the individual operator or working team The objectives of ergonomics are to enhance functional effectiveness whilst maintaining or improving human welfare Working conditions and the work environment Occupational accidents Physical Economic – direct/indirect Direct costs Medical care & compensation Indirect costs Lost work time Production stoppage Material Damage Legal costs Fatigue – reduces productivity and increases production rejects Causes of Declining Productivity 1. Hazardous working environment 2. Cultural differences 3. Labour turnover 4. Absenteeism Occupational safety and health Prevention by: 1. Employer has responsibility for safety and health 2. Policy and management systems (NOSA (National Occupational Safety Association) OSH-ACT 18001) 3. Participation by workers 4. Information, education, training 5. Right not to work in a hazardous environment, without protection 6. Allocate responsibility 7. Orientation of new workers 8. Safety committees Safety Occupational accidents 1. Visible hazards Unfenced scaffolds Opening in Floor Dripping/ leaking chemicals 2. Invisible hazards Inert/Inactive gasses Welding fumes Noise, vibration Mixture of chemicals 30% of accidents occur in manual handling  Diseases Industrial Hygiene must be built into the design phase a)Preventative measures e.g. at design phase b)Control technology c)Personal Protection Equipment Prevention of Accidents Fire prevention - design of buildings, storage areas to Limit combination of Oxygen, heat, fuel. Good Housekeeping Fire Emergency Preparedness 1. Emergency plan 2. Clear, marked, unobstructed exits 3. Fire extinguisher – correct type + inspection 4. Hands on training 5. Automatic fire protection (sprinklers) 6. Trained firefighting team 7. Inspection and audits – evacuation routes, exits, alarm etc. 8. Fire and evacuation exercises Major Hazard control ◦ Identify major hazardous installations (regulations) ◦ Accessible, transparent information about plant ◦ Action in plant - Safety policy, plans, operating manuals, ◦ Emergency planning – with authorities Working Premises Some basic principles need to be applied 1.Design of the building 2.Good housekeeping 3.Lighting 4.Noise 5.Vibration levels/ exposure 6.Climate 7.Ventilation 8.Toxic substances 9.Personal Protective Equipment  Working Premises 10.Ergonomics Enhance functional effectiveness while improving human welfare People Objects Method Safety 11.Working Hours Hours of work, Overtime, Breaks and rest pauses, daily and weekly rest, Night work, Flexible working time arrangements, Working time arrangements in practice: Staggered hours, Flextime, Compressed work week, Shiftwork, Hours averaging, annual hours and related schemes 12.Welfare facilities – Drinking water, Sanitary facilities, First aid and medical facilities, rest facilities, Feeding facilities, childcare facilities, recreational facilities