Anthropometrics and Ergonomics – Principles, Variables, and Uses
By: Adalin, Mary Franchette Joy A.
ARC-1105
ANTHROPOMETRICS
About
It derives from the Greek words 'anthropos' (human), and 'metron' (measure). Anthropometrics is the
measurement of the dimension of the body or any other physical characteristics. It deals with information about human
body size, shape and plays an important role in industrial design, clothing design, ergonomics and architecture.
Principles
Human dimensions and capabilities are paramount in determining a building's dimensions and overall design. The
underlying principle of anthropometrics is that building designs should adapt to suit the human body, rather than people
having to adapt to suit the buildings.
2 Basic Areas of Anthropometry:
• Static anthropometry - the measurement of body sizes at rest and when using devices such as chairs,
tables, beds, mobility devices, and so on.
• Functional anthropometry - the measurement of abilities related to the completion of tasks, such as
reaching, maneuvering and motion, and other aspects of space and equipment use.
The building regulations provide a range of standard requirements and approved solutions for designers to help
develop suitable designs. However, it is important to consider the specific purpose and requirements of end users.
Attempts to apply standardized dimensions may not reflect the true need of the space requirements.
Older people, children, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users and so on may have specific requirements.
In particular, good accessibility and easy maneuverability around the building must be considered when designing stairs,
lifts, ramps and other features. See Accessibility in the built environment for more information.
Anthropometry may also impact on space requirements for furniture and fittings. For example, a bathroom must
have enough space to comfortably fit a bath and sink; a bedroom must have enough space to comfortably fit an average-
sized bed; an office building must have enough space to fit desks, air-conditioning units, communal areas, meeting rooms,
and so on.
Anthropometric data is regularly updated to reflect changes in the population.
Variables
Factors affecting Anthropometric Data:
1. Age
- It is an important factor in body size.
- Full growth, with respect to body dimensions, peaks in the late teens and early twenties for males and
usually a few years earlier for females.
2. Gender
-Anthropometric data are different for different gender
3. Ethnicity
- Statistics of body height vary according to the national groups, race and genes.
Uses
The use of anthropometrics in building design aims to ensure that every person is as comfortable as possible. In
practical terms, this means that the dimensions must be appropriate, ceilings high enough, doorways and hallways wide
enough, and so on. In recent times, it has come to have particular significance for workplace design, and the relationship
between desk, chair, keyboard and computer display.
Applied to occupational injury prevention, anthropometric measurements are used to study the interaction of
workers with tasks, tools, machines, vehicles, and personal protective equipment — especially to determine the degree of
protection against dangerous exposures, whether chronic or acute.
ERGONOMICS
About
The term is derived from two Greek words, ‘ergon’ (work), and ‘nomos’ (laws). It can be used interchangeably
with ‘human factors’, although ergonomics has more relevance to the environment’s physical aspects, such as
workstations and control panels, whereas human factors has relevance to wider socio-technical systems in which people
work and the cognitive aspects concerned with human performance.
Ergonomics is the science of designing environments and products to match the individuals who use them. It is
also known as human factors, describes the information about humans in working situations. Proper ergonomic design is
necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. When
designing your product you must be aware of, it must fit the person it is designed for. For example adults and children
come in different shapes and sizes is there a way to make a chair which is suitable for both age groups, this is what we
need to think about as a group to decide. It takes account of the workers capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure
that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker.
Principles
The aim of effective ergonomics is to apply learning about human abilities and limitations to improve interaction
with environments and products, and prevent or limit the risk of illness or injury.
The active involvement of end-users’ active involvement is one of the key aspects of ergonomics. The
international standard (ISO 13407: 1999) specifies that human-centered design of systems is founded on a clear
understanding of the characteristics of the users and the overall tasks they will carry out with the system. In the workplace
ambit, the involvement of users implies the systematic application of participative techniques within the ergonomics
enquiry and intervention, considered a very powerful technology of ergonomics for realizing worker’s welfare
Studies have shown that poor ergonomics is likely to result in a loss of worker productivity, higher rates of lost
work days through illness, a lack of staff morale and motivation, and increase employee turnover.
A great deal of research attention is given to the layout of workstations and the design of, and relationship
between, chairs, desks, screens and keyboards, and so on. This is because of the risk of developing musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome which affect nerves, tendons and muscles, predominantly in the arms,
hands and wrists, as a result of repetitive motion and strain.
As construction is a physically demanding work environment, site workers are often at risk of long-term injury.
Back sprains and strains are the most common disabling injuries, often due to overexertion and bodily motion.
Variables
Ergonomists work across and use data and techniques from several different disciplines, such as:
1. Anthropometry: Body sizes, shapes, variations.
2. Biomechanics: Muscles, levers, forces, strength.
3. Environmental physics: Light, heat, noise, radiation, cold, vision, and so on.
4. Applied psychology: Learning, errors, differences.
5. Social psychology: Group behaviour, communication.
Uses
Ergonomics improves productivity - Implemented correctly, an ergonomic solution improves productivity from
10 to 15%. Ergonomics leads to healthy and pain-free employees. By designing a working environment which encourages
good posture, less exertion, and fewer motions, in turn makes the work- station more efficient.
Ergonomics improves quality - Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers who will not be able to
give off their best. When the job or task is physically too difficult for the employee, they may not perform their job or task
as they have been trained to do. This will damage the reputation of the company and its products.
Ergonomics improves employee’s engagement - Employees notice when the company is providing them with
the best conditions to improve their employees’ health and safety. If an employee does not experience fatigue and
discomfort during their working day, it can reduce absenteeism, improve morale and increase your employees’
involvement. This in turn will have the knock-on effect of increasing your employees’ motivation simply by
implementing your ergonomic improvement program.
Ergonomics creates an improved understanding and awareness leading to safety oriented culture - Ergonomics
shows your company’s commitment to safety and health as a core value. Healthy employees are your most valuable asset;
creating and fostering a healthy culture within your company leads directly to increased level of organizational structure.
Costs involved in employing ergonomic methods and equipment - Many studies have shown that ergonomics
doesn’t have to be costly and can even save you money. The cost of ergonomic training, or an OHSAS 18001
(Occupational Health and Safety) training program, is cost effective as by investing in your employee’s health &
wellbeing will prevent costly injuries and lost time, leading to systematically increasing your revenues and customer
satisfaction levels. The Health and safety of employees are one of the strongest assets that a company has that should be
nourished.
REFERENCES:
Attaianese, Erminia & Duca, Gabriella. (2012). Human factors and ergonomic principles in building design for life and
work activities: An applied methodology. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science. 13. 187-202.
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