Montilla, Chiarra Jazzsm G.

BSIE 3-4

1.)

The principle of ergonomics has been in existence for a long time, different cultures have always
sought to do things easier in order to reduce physical stress. But the word ergonomics was coined
and defined for the first time by Polish scholar, Wojciech Jastrzebowski in 1857.

However, the first concept of ergonomics was published in the early 1900’s, in which measurement
of occupational fatigue, development of preventive measures and principles of scientific
management were discussed in details. World War II was considered as the beginning of the study
of ergonomics. Experimental psychologists studied that many of the accidents occurred because of
illogical or poor design concept, that is as a result of the limitations of the human body, this was the
beginning of the study of human capabilities and ergonomics.

2.) Identify three different manufacturers across a range of industries. Find out from them (via
website and other sources) whether they use ergonomic principles in the design of their
products, tasks, equipment selection, and processes.

a.) Dataflex International BV

Dataflex designs ergonomic products to enhance the physical and mental well-being of the people
who use them.

To achieve a truly efficient, comfortable and healthy workplace, we believe you have to look at
ergonomics from a broader perspective. This is why Dataflex designs products that complement
ergonomic chairs and desks to form a ‘golden triangle’ of office ergonomics.

An ergonomic workplace

Asked what an ergonomic workplace is, many people will mumble something about height-
adjustable desks and chairs. But as said, it goes much further. Broadly you can break the ergonomic
workplace down into 3 key topics: environment, activity and workstation.

b.) Johnson Technologies Corp.

Johnson Technologies Corporation (JTC) provides “best practice” solutions for the workplace. Their
ergonomic products include anti-fatigue footwear, matting, flooring, stand up sewing control pedals,
and custom ergonomic products.

The drive to produce quality products that prevent injury, relieve stress and strengthen morale has
been motivated by a determination to eliminate unnecessary health problems that result from poor
product or workplace design. With each patented technology breakthrough, new levels of comfort,
protection and safety are achieved, benefiting thousands of people and setting a higher standard for
optimum health for working people everywhere.
c.) American Sales Development LLC

ASD's Ergo Equipment was established in 2006 to make available to the North American market
innovative ergonomic products and systems that lift, move, and control safely and easily in industrial
environments. These include manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and anywhere that heavy loads
or repetitive motions may create the risk of injury and lost time accidents. We have 43 years of
combined experience in industry in many areas. Our goal is to facilitate safe and ergonomically
sound practices among our clients.

Our current product lines include height adjustable, sit and stand workbench frames and lift systems
to allow operators to comfortably adjust the height of any work surface, reducing back injuries and
other work-related stresses, to vacuum and platform lifts to manipulate and control heavy objects
such as rolls, boxes, and bags. We have recently begun to offer air bearing technology casters and
platforms for the movement of extremely heavy loads as well as electric tugs. Heavy duty carts and
conveyors can reduce the use of forklifts and our self-adjusting carts and pallet handlers assure that
loading and unloading is always done at the right ergonomic height.