Week 1 and 2 – Chapter 1: Introduction to Ergonomics

Learning objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the student can:
a. Define what is ergonomics;
b. Describe the different scope of ergonomics;
c. Discuss the different categories of ergonomics;
d. Identify the risk factors;
e. Define related terms too ergonomics

Introduction to Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans
and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to
design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. – International
Ergonomics Association

It is a science-based discipline that incorporates expertise from other subjects such as anatomy and
physiology, psychology, engineering and statistics, to ensure that designs match people’s strength and
abilities and minimize the impacts of their shortcomings.

Ergonomists strive toe consider how a product, workplace or structure can be to accommodate the
individuals who need to use it, rather than requiring people to conform to a design that requires them
to work in an inconvenient, stressful or unsafe way.

It is possible to use the terms ERGONOMICS and HUMAN FACTORS interchangeably, since ergonomics is
mostly used in relation to the physical aspects of the setting, such as broader workstations and control
panels, while human factors are often used in relation to the broader system in which people work.

SCOPE OF ERGONOMICS

Design of Man-Machine Systems

A man-machine system is a system where, in relation to one or more computers, devices or
facilities, one or more workmen/ humans operate. Productive systems as well as utility systems,
such as a post office or firefighting system or a pharmacy, etc., may be such systems.
Ergonomics is used to adjust such systems so as to provide the user of the device with maximum
job satisfaction and comfort and minimal physiological and mental load.
Design of Consumer Goods and Service Systems
In the design of consumer products, ergonomics is applicable, starting from the design of the
toothbrush and other items such as dinning set, sofa set, kitchen ware, table and shoes, etc.
Similarly, it should also be economically sound for protective equipment such as safety googles,
adverse weather and space clothing, gloves, crash, helmets, firefighting and industrial hazard
protection and appliances.

Design Working Environment

The multiple factors related to ergonomics, such as human lighting resistance, emissions, noise
heating and ventilation should be taken into account when designing a proper working
environment for the workforce/ workers at work. At each stage real design up to real usage or
actual operation, this factor should be taken into account. The area is infinite and applicable.
Ergonomic research should be conducted on all environmental considerations, such as
workbench, architecture, public transport, road networks, city and country planning, workers,
neighborhoods, airports, etc.

Categories of Ergonomics

There are three broad areas of ergonomics:

 Physical ergonomics – looks at how human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological
and biochemical characteristics relate to physical activity. This includes:
 Working postures
 Manual handling
 Repetitive movements
 Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
 Workplace layout and environment

 Psychological ergonomics – studies mental processes (e.g. perception, cognition,

memory, reasoning, and emotion) and how people interact with products, systems, and
environments. This includes:
 Mental workload
 Decision-making
 Human-computer interaction
 Human ability
 Attitudes
 Stress
 Motivation
 Pleasure
 Cultural difference
 Organizational Ergonomics – is about optimizing the organizational structures, policies,
and processes of socio-technical systems. This includes
 Communication
 Work design
 Staff resource management
 Working time patterns
 Co-operative work
 Quality management
 Organization culture