Ergonomics

What is Ergonomics?

The study of relationship between workers

and their environment

Ensuring a good “fit” between people, the

work they do and the things they use

Fitting the job to the worker, rather than the

worker to the job

Ergonomic Factors to Consider

Consider all ways in which the equipment

or system may be used and then ask:

– Does it suit your body size?

– Does it also suit all other users?

– Can you see & hear all you need to easily?

– Do you understand all information presented?

– Do errors occur frequently, and is it easy to

recover from them?

– Does the equipment or system cause discomfort

if you use it for any length of time?

Ergonomic Factors to Consider cont.

Is it convenient to use?

Is it easy to learn to use?

Is it compatible with other systems in use?

Could any of these aspects be improved?

Do other users have similar reactions?

Identifying Problems

Causes of accident & near misses may be

attributable to people being:

– Unable to see important displays;

– Unable to reach controls;

– Unable to work in a comfortable position;

– Overloaded with too much information at one

time;

– Inattentive because there is too little to do or

too little variety

Identifying Problems

Make shift adaptations to machines – e.g.

lengthened levers, extra labels on witches,

blocks of wood or cushions used to alter

working positions – can be an indication

that the design of the equipment or job

needs attention

Medical and absence records may also

reveal problems with particular jobs or tasks

Solutions

Risks can be reduced by changes to designs

of workstations, tools and work

organisation

Simple solutions are often better

Involve and consult the workforce

Monitor remedial actions to ensure

effectiveness

Example Solutions

Example Solutions

Example Solutions

Example Solutions