E RGONOMICS

MECH 3102: Industrial Engineering

OBJECTIVES

• Define ergonomics
• Establish ergonomics in the
workplace
• Introduce basic skills in the
recognition & control of
occupational ergonomic hazards
• Introduce ergonomic exercises.
ERGONOMICS DEFINED

• Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the

worker.
 ERGONOMICS

ERGON --> WORK

NOMOS --> LAW
The Laws to be Observed at
Work
Human Factor Engineering
Human Factors Engineering

Physical and mental work capacity Industrial design

Fatigue Work place design
Body forces, strength and posture Product design
Body sizes Furniture design
Thermal comfort/ heat stress/cold stress Machine design
Vision Ventilation
Hearing Lighting
Perception Acoustics
Information processing Engineering control
Decision making (Chemical & Physical)
Performance and efficiency Building orientation
Adaptation and rehabilitation Maintenance
Behavior & social relations
Ergonomics
Ergonomics means literally the study or
measurement of Work
In addition to work as labour for monetary gain,
work also includes
éSports
éLeisure activities
éDomestic work
éEducation and training
éHealth and social services
Ergonomics considers
human operators variability
4An automobile design has to consider
• Range of physical size and strengths of
users
• Seats are comfortable
• Controls readily identifiable and within easy
reach
• Clear visibility front and rear
• Easily read internal instruments
• Ease of entry and egress
AIMS OF ERGONOMICS
Ensures that human needs for safe and efficient
working are met in the design of work system
To design
Appliances
Technical Systems
Tasks
In such a way to improve
Human Safety
Health
Comfort and
Performance
Basic aims of ergonomics

Efficiency in purposeful activity

To achieve desired result without
Waste
Error
Damage to persons
Working situation in harmony with the
activities of the worker
Difficulties in achieving the aims of
ergonomics
Human operator is flexible and adaptable
Large individual differences
Obvious differences: --> Physical size, strength
Not obvious differences --> Culture, style, level
of skill

Thus a systematic approach and theory are

necessary. There should be measurable
objectives to be checked and remedial action
taken. A detailed study of the science of
ergonomics provides these approaches and
theories
DEFINITIONS OF ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is a means of improving working

conditions and reducing illness at work
Ergonomics attempts to ‘Fit the Job to the Man’
rather than ‘Fit the Man to the Job’
Ergonomics is concerned with the design of
systems in which people carry out work
Ergonomics optimizes Efficiency, Health, Safety
and Comfort of people through better designs of
products and work places
Who is a human operator?

Skilled professional using a complex

machine in an artificial environment
Customer who has purchased a new
equipment
Child sitting in a classroom
Disabled person in a wheel chair
ERGONOMICS and DISCIPLINES

•Ergonomics is a Multi-Disciplinary Science

•Ergonomics is also an Inter-Disciplinary

Science
DISCIPLINES IN ERGONOMICS

PSYCHOLOGY PHYSIOLOGY
-COGNITIVE -ENVIRONMENTAL
-WORK -WORK
-SOCIAL ERGONOMICS

ANATOMY
-ANTHROPOMETRY
-BIOMECHANICS
DISCIPLINES IN ERGONOMICS

ECONOMICS LAW MANAGEMENT

PSYCHOLOGY PHYSIOLOGY
-COGNITIVE -ENVIRONMENTAL
-WORK -WORK
-SOCIAL ERGONOMICS
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
TOXICOLOGY
ANATOMY OPERATIONS
-ANTHROPOMETRY
RESEARCH
ENVRONMENTAL
-BIOMECHANICS
MEDICINE ENGINEERING
 DISCIPLINES IN ERGONOMICS
ECONOMICS LAW MANAGEMENT

ARTIFICIAL
INTELIGENCE MANUFACTURING

PSYCHOLOGY PHYSIOLOGY
-COGNITIVE -ENVIRONMENTAL
-WORK -WORK
-SOCIAL ERGONOMICS
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
TOXICOLOGY
ANATOMY OPERATIONS
-ANTHROPOMETRY
RESEARCH
ENVRONMENTAL
-BIOMECHANICS
MEDICINE ENGINEERING

WORK
SYSTEMS DESIGN ORGANIZATION
ERGONOMICS
PROFESSIONS HAVING COMPLEMENTARY
ROLES WITH ERGONOMICS
Safety Civil
Occupational Officer Engineer
Health Officer

Mechanical
Industrial Engineer
Nurse ERGONOMICS

Architect
Physiotherapist

Industrial
Ind. Medical
Social Designer
Officer
Psychologist
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
Ergonomics is:
“Higher productivity and a better place to work”
“The science that saves both lives and dollars”
“Human engineering where the goal is to optimize
worker well being and productivity”
“A way of thinking about and planning work so
that it suits the capabilities and needs of the
people”
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
Ergonomics is a solution finding method for
questions like these:
How can human body dimensions be applied to car seat design?
What is the proper height for kitchen counters?
How can traffic lights be programmed for optimal urban traffic flow
throughout the day?
How can stereo receiver displays and controls be coded to
effectively define their respective functions?
How can the material and design of swim suits for competition be
improved for minimal water resistance?
How should computer software and screens work and look best to
fit human cognitive capabilities?
 BIOMECHANICS

The science of measuring the amount of force put on the muscles

and joints of people when working in different positions.
BIOMECHANICS CONT.

• STATIC - Holding one object or body part in one position for an

extended period. EX. Standing or sitting in a parking booth or at a
microscope.
BIOMECHANICS CONT.

• DYNAMIC - An activity created by the rhythmic contraction and

relaxation of the muscles. EX. Walking
ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS

WORKERS - what they bring to the job

TOOLS - what they bring to the worker

 ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS

TASKS - what the worker must do

ENVIRONMENT- the conditions

surrounding the worker and the tool
 ERGONOMIC FOCUS

The Task
The Tool

The User /Operator

The Work
Station and
Environment
 RESULTING INJURIES ARE CALLED:

• Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD),

Or
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI),
Or
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
 HOW SERIOUS ARE MSD

• MSD account for:

• 1/3 of all lost day injuries each year
• These injuries cost business $15-20 billion in worker’s
compensation each year
 COMMON CAUSES:
• Repetitive and/or prolonged activities
• Awkward postures/positions for an extended time
• Static postures
• Vibration
• High/low Temperatures for an extended time
• Forceful exertions
ERGONOMIC STRESS AREAS

Hip

Knee
SIGNS OF MSD
• Decreased range of motion • Decreased grip strength
• Loss of function • Loss of balance
• Deformity • Swelling
• Cramping • Redness
• Loss of color
SYMPTOMS OF MSD

• Muscle fatigue or pain

• Aching
• Burning
• Numbness
• Stiffness
• Tingling
EXAMPLES OF MSD

• TENDONITIS- An inflammation of the tendon.

Typically occurs in the shoulder, wrist, hands, or
elbow.
• CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME- Irritation of the
median nerve, which runs through a bony channel
in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Usually results
from excessive flexing or twisting of the wrist.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
MSD CONT.

• TRIGGER FINGER SYNDROME- Tendons in the

fingers become inflamed, causing pain, swelling,
and a loss of dexterity.

• EYE STRAIN - The eyes become strained as a result

of poor lighting, glare or viewing from awkward
positions.
MSD CONT.

• HAND/ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME- Tingling,

numbness, blanching, loss of dexterity in the
hand/arm

• MUSCLE STRAIN – Pain in muscles

WHAT CAN WE DO?

• Administrative controls

• Work practice controls

• Engineering controls
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS

• Employee rotation/job task expansion

• Physical adjustments to the work pace
• Redesign of work methods
• Alternative tasks
• Breaks
WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS

• Safe & proper work techniques & procedures

• Training
• Physical conditioning period
POSTURE & ANGLES
• Whether your tasks are performed while
sitting or standing, always maintain proper posture & angles-
-and avoid:
Awkward positions, and
Extreme reaches for materials
BODY ANGLES

• HEAD
• SHOULDERS
• ELBOWS
• HANDS
• WAIST
• LEGS
• FEET
SITTING POSTURES
MORE ANGLES…
MORE ANGLES…
ENGINEERING CONTROLS

•Workstations
•Tools/equipment
•Facilities
WORKSTATIONS

The objective is to:

• Fit the workstation to the employee
• Reduce awkward positions

This can be done by using two methods:

WORKSTATIONS CONT.

Standard Way Innovative Way

• Adjustable • Cut legs off
workstation • Add blocks
• Adjustable chair • Build foot rest
• Foot rests • Thick book
• Adjustable monitor • Build platform
• Document holder
TOOLS

• Use of Force or of grip-strength

• Longer/shorter and thicker/thinner handles
• Repetitive motion
• Ratcheting mechanism or gears
• Power tools
•Electric stapler
•Electric knife
•Spring-loaded returns
 TOOLS CONT.
• Awkward positions
• Bent or curved handles
• Extensions or add-ons
• Headphones
• Support equipment overhead
• Step stool
• Forceful exertions
• Soft-touch keyboards/buttons
• Lifting devices
TOOLS CONT.

• Static positions
• Anti-fatigue mats
• Vibration
• Anti-vibration materials
• Anti-vibration mounts/handles
• External support
• Anti-vibration gloves
FACILITIES
• Lighting/glare
Some important ergonomic requirements
(From ILO Ergonomic Checkpoints)
Lighting
•Increased use of daylight
•Light up the work area evenly
•Sufficient lighting for working
•Local lighting for precision work
•Removing shiny surfaces
•Avoid glare
FACILITIES

•Temperature
FACILITIES

• Noise
 Some important ergonomic requirements
(From ILO Ergonomic Checkpoints)
Premises
ÔPrevent the exposure to excessive heat
ÔInstall effective local exhaust systems
ÔIncrease the use of natural ventilation
EXERCISES & STRETCHES

These are exercises or stretches that can be

performed at your workstation, home, just about
anywhere.
EYE

• Eye comfort exercises

• Blinking
• Yawning
• Focus change
EYE Palming

• While seated, brace elbows on the edge of the desk

• Let weight fall forward
• Cup hands over eyes and close eyes
• Inhale slowly through nose & hold for 4 seconds
• Continue deep breathing for 15-30 seconds
EYE Movements

• Close eyes and slowly & gently move eyes up to the ceiling,
then slowly down to the floor
• Repeat 3 times
• Close eyes and slowly & gently move eyes to the left, then
slowly to the right
• Repeat 3 times
NECK STRETCH
• Tilt ear towards shoulder
• Reach up and touch top of head with palm to hold in tilted
position
• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times (come out of stretch
slowly)
• Reverse side and repeat
Pec Corner Stretch
• Stand at a corner about a foot away from the wall
with forearms on opposite sides of the corner. One
foot should be forward.
• Elbows should be at slightly below shoulder height
• Keep abdominals tight to avoid arching back
• Lean gently towards corner by bending the front
knee until a stretch is felt in front of the chest.
• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times
Overhead Reach
• Take a deep breathe and reach up over head with both arms.
• Hold 5-10 seconds
• Exhale and lower slowly
• Repeat 2-3 times
Shoulder Pinch
• Place arms behind head being careful not to press hand into
head
• Relax shoulders, and squeeze shoulder blades together while
keeping shoulders back and down
• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times
Shoulder Shrug
• Sitting up straight, slowly bring shoulders up toward your
ears.
• Hold positions 5-10 seconds
• Then bring the shoulders down and hold
• Repeat 2-3 times
Chair Rotation Stretch
• Sit in chair and place feet flat on floor
• Reach across your body and grab the back of the chair
• Pull gently to increase stretch in mid back
• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 5 times
• Repeat on other side
Arms Behind Back Stretch

• Hold hands behind back and grasp hands together

• Pull shoulder blades back and down
• Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times
Thoracic Spine Extension Stretch

• Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees. Place a

firmly rolled towel under your shoulder blades across your
upper back
• Raise arms up as you inhale
• Lower arms as you exhale, and hold a couple of seconds
• Do this 5 times
Prop Ups or Press Ups

• Lie on stomach and either prop up on forearms or if

wrists are not compromised, press up through
hands.
• Let stomach sag, and allow back to arch without
using back muscles.
• If propped on elbows, hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 5
times
• If on hands, press up and down slowly 10 times
Foot Rotations
• While sitting upright, slowly rotate each foot from the ankles
3 times in one direction
• Then rotate 3 in the opposite direction
Wrist Flexed & Extended
• Hold arm straight at waist height
• With fingers of other hand, gently press down
above the knuckles, bending wrist down. (DO NOT
hold at the fingers to push down.)
• Hold 5-10 seconds and repeat 2-3 times
• For extending, hold onto palm of hand and stretch
wrist back. (DO NOT pull on fingers.)
• Hold 5-10 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
Finger Massage
• VERY gently, massage the fingers of each hand individually.
• Move toward the nail gently.
• Massage the space between your fingers to widen and relax
Finger Squeeze
• Squeeze a foam block OR the edge of your desk firmly with
all fingers
• Hold for 3 seconds
• Relax your grip
 ERGONOMICS QUESTIONS

What three types of controls can we implement as solutions for

ergonomic problems?

What three types of controls can we implement as solutions for

ergonomic problems?

List three (3) examples of environmental conditions that affect

employees.

What three types of controls can we implement as solutions for

ergonomic problems?
List three (3) examples of environmental conditions that affect
employees.

Posture is not important in regards to ergonomics. T or F

What three types of controls can we implement as solutions for

ergonomic problems?

List three (3) examples of environmental conditions that affect

employees.

Posture is not important in regards to ergonomics. T or F

What does MSD stand for?

What three types of controls can we implement as solutions for
ergonomic problems?

List three (3) examples of environmental conditions that affect

employees.

Posture is not important in regards to ergonomics. T or F

Two examples of MSDs are, Tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome. T or F