UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

ERGONOMICS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

 Chapter One
Introduction
What is Ergonomics ?

 The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words:

 ERGO: meaning work
 NOMOS: meaning laws
Therefore, Ergonomics is the law of work.
 Ergonomics is a science focused on the study of
human fit, and decreased fatigue and discomfort
through product design.
 Meaning of Ergonomics

 Ergonomics is the science of

designing the job to fit the B
F
worker, rather than A

physically forcing the

worker’s body to fit the job.
W2

 What do you say about the W1

fitness of this person and his
work?

W1 > W2
 Understanding Ergonomics
Dimension of chair << worker’s body dimensions.
 Ergonomics puts people first, taking into

account their capabilities and limitations.

 Ergonomics aims to make sure that

tasks, equipment, information and the

environment suit each worker.

 At work, school, home, when job fit

the user, the result can be more comfort,

higher productivity, and less stress.

 Ergonomics is defined as the design of the workplace, equipment, machine, tool, product,
environment, and system, considering human’s capabilities and optimizing effectiveness
and productivity of work systems while assuring safety, health, and wellbeing of workers.

- Safety Work systems:

- Health - Effectiveness
- Wellbeing of and
workers Assuring - Productivity

Ergonomics
Optimizing
Is

Design of: - workplace Human’s capabilities

- Equipment
- Machine/ tool
Considering Like:
- Product
- Physical
- Environment &
- Physiological
- Biomechanical
- Psychological
- System
 Ergonomics Approaches

According to IEA, ergonomics broadly divide into three domains:

1. Physical ergonomics: is concerned with human anatomical,
anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical
characteristics as they relate to physical activity.
2. Cognitive ergonomics: is concerned with mental processes, such
as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they
affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.
3. Organizational ergonomics: is concerned with the optimization
of socio-technical systems, including their organizational
structures, policies, and processes.
Ergonomics system Dimensions

People

Tasks

Tools/Equipment

Workplace Design

Work Environment

Work culture
Work Organizations

Work culture
 People consider points about physical capacities,
psychological drivers, expectations and individual differences.
 Task Analysis considers points about performance measures,
quality requirements & what, how, when details.
 Tools & Equipment considers points about design of tools to
suit (Persons and Tasks).
 Workplace design consider points about layout of workplace,
workstation design, adjustability / adaptability and storage /
transport of items.
 Work Environment considers points about physical,
psychological, chemical and biological.
 Work Organization consider points about job design,
team based requirements, working hours / shift work,
rest breaks and task specialization.
 Workplace culture consider points about management
commitment / leadership, communication / consultation
processes and feedback / performance management.
 Noise
Vibration
Physical Illumination
Climate
Ventilation

Toxic gases
Chemical Toxic liquids
Odors
Chemical compounds
Working
Environment Fungus
Bacteria
Biological
Viruses
Insects

Team work
Command structure
Pay and welfare
Psychological Shift work
Risk & Stress
Socio-psychological aspects
Goal of Ergonomics
 Reduced error
 Fewer injuries or illness
 Fewer health problems
 Increased productivity
 Higher quality

Effects of poor Ergonomics

 Discomfort
 Accidents and injuries
 Fatigue
 Errors
 Illness
 Annoyance
 Productivity down