Ergonomics

It is derived from two Greek words, Ergon means work and Nomoi means natural
laws. According to Helander (1977), Ergonomics is defined as using knowledge of
human abilities and limitations to the design of systems, organisations, jobs,
machines, tools, and consumer products for the safe efficient and comfortable
human use.
Ergonomics is a science-based discipline that brings together knowledge from
anatomy, physiology, psychology, engineering and statistics to ensure that the
designs enhance the strength and abilities of humans and minimise the effect of
their limitations. Instead of asking the people to adapt to uncomfortable and
stressful environment, ergonomists (also called human factor specialists)
understand how a product, workplace, system can be designed to suit the person
who will use it.

The scientific research is done for the elimination of work-related injuries and lessen
the stress, sprain and other disorders involved in the overuse of muscles. It
determines the changed required at workplace such that it fits to the respective
worker for comfortable interaction with environment.

For instance, the correct posture will reduce any muscle risk. Ergonomics can help in
keeping the bodys joints at a level when moving in a certain way. The Alexander
Technique is a program which designed to help workers have better physical
coordination and movements. The British Medical Journal has shown that this
technique has helped in reducing back ache.
Another example is The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations
(1992) sets out minimum requirements for computer workstations including

Assignment Submitted By- ANSHITA MISHRA, MBA-BUSINESS ANALYTICS, 2 ND SEM,

INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY, SAP ID: 500056051
hardware, software and furniture. These requirements are based on ergonomic

principles.

ADVANTAGES OF ERGONOMICS-
1. Increased savings.
a. Fewer injuries.
b. More productive and sustainable employees
c. Fewer workers compensation claim.
2. Fewer employees experiencing pain.
3. Increased productivity.
4. Increased morale.
5. Reduced absenteeism.

Ergonomics applications
1. COFFEE MACHINE
Earlier there used to be coffee outlets only.
Most people need coffee in morning for
feeling fresh especially in winters. The
waiting period the coffee shops made
workers late arrival. Also, without coffee the
performance was seen to be decreased. A
coffee machine in the office has made employees to come to office on time,
just in time of coffee whenever required, saving their time. Also, the
efficiency of the person was increased.

Assignment Submitted By- ANSHITA MISHRA, MBA-BUSINESS ANALYTICS, 2 ND SEM,

INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY, SAP ID: 500056051
 The espresso coffee machine Aurelia has been the first machine in the whole
world to get the certification of its being ergonomic. It resulted in easy
operation and safety of operator.

The display field: The physiologic sight position is inclined at 20

downwards in comparison to the horizontal level. The buttons
and the display are in a position that perfectly suits the visual
field.
The intelligent push-button panel: The chromatic study of the
push-button panel is ergonomically correct as it can perfectly
combine design and technical functions. The light buttons with
intensity adjuster, for example, enable to work even in places
where lights are soft and guide him/her to the correct selection
of the function to be carried out.
cool touch wands: it is a thermal-proof that remove the burning
risk.
steam outlets end with rounded corners. In this way, they reduce
the scaling deposit and the inox steel represents an extremely
long lasting guarantee.

2. ERGONOMIC MOUSE
Using a mouse regularly involves using the same small muscles repeatedly,
and can lead to discomfort, pain, and even Workplace Musculoskeletal
Disorders (WMSDs). There are two reasons why using a mouse regularly can
be hazardous. First, using a mouse requires a person to make small, exact
movements with their hand, fingers, and thumb. By positioning, travelling,
scrolling, and clicking the mouse again and again, the same small muscles
can become tired and overworked. This can cause

Pain (ache, soreness) on the top of the hand, around the wrist, along
the forearm and elbow.

Formulation of painful nodules, and in the later stages, ganglion cysts,

around the joints and along the tendons.
Assignment Submitted By- ANSHITA MISHRA, MBA-BUSINESS ANALYTICS, 2 ND SEM,
INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY, SAP ID: 500056051
 Numbness and tingling in the thumb and index finger.

The second reason is that the placement of the mouse can make it awkward
to reach. Many computer workstations have limited space; since the keyboard
is already directly in front of the person using the computer, most times the
mouse is placed around the upper right hand corner of the keyboard and
toward the back of the desk. Benefits of an Ergonomic Computer Mouse

1) A more natural grip-When you choose an ergonomic computer mouse that

is the right shape and size for your hand, it results with a more natural and
easier grip and hold. This eases the tendon and muscle fatigue in your hand,
elbow and arm.

2) Better Support-Buying the mouse that is the right size for hand supports
your hand.

3) Assumes natural wrist position-Assumes the natural position of your wrists

even when working, using your ergonomic computer mouse does not require
you to twist your forearm.

4) Less effort and energy used when using mouse-Is not too slippery on the
screen, or on your mousepad. Reduces tension.

Assignment Submitted By- ANSHITA MISHRA, MBA-BUSINESS ANALYTICS, 2 ND SEM,

INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY, SAP ID: 500056051