HU151_ Lect8_Ergonomics 1

HU 151 Lecture 8

Fall 2012/13

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Outline

• Definition and Domains– Physical– Cognitive– Organizational

• Benefits

• Ergonomic Risk Factors

• Ergonomic Controls

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Ergonomics?

It is . . . fitting the work to the worker

• Ergon = Greek for “work”• Nomos = Greek for “laws of”• The Study of Work• Applies both on and off the job

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Definition

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.

Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability

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Domains of Ergonomics

• The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) divides ergonomics broadly into three domains:

1. Physical

2. Cognitive

3. Organizational

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Physical ergonomics:

• is concerned with human anatomical, and some of the anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity.

• Relevant topics include:– working postures, – materials handling, – repetitive movements, – lifting, – work related musculoskeletal disorders, – workplace layout.

focus

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Cognitive ergonomics:

• is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.

• Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system and Human-Computer Interaction design.

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Resources

• International Ergonomics Association http://www.iea.cc/

• UCLA Ergonomicshttp://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/

• Manual Tasks Risk Assessment Toolhttp://ergonomics.uq.edu.au/download/mantra2.pdf

• Cornell University Ergonomics Webhttp://ergo.human.cornell.edu/

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Organizational ergonomics:

• is concerned with the optimization of socio technical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes.

• Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work programs, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.

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Benefits of Ergonomics• Decreased injury risk

• Increased productivity

• Decreased mistakes/rework

• Increased efficiency• Decreased lost work days

• Decreased turnover

• Improved morale

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Ergonomic Risk Factors• Repetition• Awkward posture• Forceful exertion• Static posture• Mechanical contact • Stress• Temperature• Vibration

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Ergonomic Controls

• Engineering

– Modify the tool or work area design

• Administrative

– Don’t do one thing too long

• Work Practices

– Use the right tool

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1. Use a good chair with a dynamic chair back and sit back in this

2. Top of monitor casing 2-3" (5-8 cm) above eye level 

3. No glare on screen, use an optical glass anti-glare filter where needed

4. Sit at arms length from monitor 5. Feet on floor or stable footrest  6. Use a document holder, preferably

in-line with the computer screen 7. Wrists flat and straight in relation

to forearms to use keyboard/mouse/input device

8. Arms and elbows relaxed close to body 

9. Center monitor and keyboard in front of you 

10. Use a negative tilt keyboard tray  with an upper mouse platform or downward tilt able platform adjacent to keyboard

11. Use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard tray

12. Take frequent short breaks (microbreaks)

            12 tips for an Ergonomic Computer Workstation (Cornell University)

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Tilt the work surface instead of the wrist.

Stand with weight evenly distributed between feet. When standing for long periods of time, rest one foot on a sturdy object above floor height and switch legs periodically

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Keep elbows close to the body.

Reduce the need for outstretched arms. Use a higher work surface.

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Avoid bending over your work.

Avoid overhead work. Use a ladder.

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Bend the tool, not the wrist.

Use tools that distribute pressure evenly across the palm.

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Moderate to High Hand -Arm Vibration

Use low vibration tools if available

Maintain tools

Use anti-vibration gloves or tool wraps

Take frequent pauses

Stretch your hands and arms

Better . .

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Lifting• Size up the load

• If too heavy for one person, get help!

• Lift together or use mechanical assistance

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