ERGONOMICS

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSAyça ERTENAyça ERTEN

Industrial Engineering DepartmentIndustrial Engineering DepartmentDokuz Eylül University,TurkeyDokuz Eylül University,Turkey

What is Ergonomics?What is Ergonomics? ErgoErgo - Work - Work NomosNomos – Laws – Laws

Study of the Laws of Work

ErgonomicsErgonomics is the study of designing is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities.cognitive abilities.

The main objective is

especially fitting with the

need to design, develop,

implement and evaluate

human-machine and

environment systems that

are productive,

comfortable, safe and

satisfying to use .

What is Ergonomics?

• It is a fact that people have become more knowledgeable through the centuries and they have been able to use this to help make life easier and less stressful, while accomplishing more than ever.

The History of The History of ErgonomicsErgonomics

The foundations of the science of The foundations of the science of ergonomics appear to have been laid ergonomics appear to have been laid within the context of the culture of within the context of the culture of Ancient Greece.A good deal of Ancient Greece.A good deal of evidence indicates that Hellenic evidence indicates that Hellenic civilization in the 5th century BC civilization in the 5th century BC used ergonomic principles in the used ergonomic principles in the design of their tools, jobs, and design of their tools, jobs, and workplaces.workplaces.

•Reduce the risk of injury,

fatigue, & error

• Improve productivity & quality

•Improve quality of worker

environment

• Increase profit

• Being proactive, rather than

reactive

“The Main Goals”Minimize injuriesImprove productivity & quality

Goals of Ergonomics

Benefits of Ergonomics

What do Ergonomists do?

• Communication Share ideas with everyone involved

( manager, employee, ergonomist )

• Recognize Potential Risks Identify possible risks such as forces,awkward postures & repetition

• Assess the job Quantitatively & qualitatively

• Recommend & Justify Changes Administrative & engineering changes

• Follow-Up Evaluate the changes made (success in both short & long term)

Some Areas of Application for Ergonomics

1) Accidents, Health and Safety at Work

2) Office Ergonomics and Design

3) Design and Layout of Displays and Controls

4) Product Design and Consumer Ergonomics

5) Human Reliability

6) Industrial Design Applications

7) Ergonomics Training for Management and Staff

8)Work-related Musculoskeletal Problems

Industrial Ergonomics

Biomechanics

AnthropometryPsychology

Physiology

Industrial Engineering•Work Methods•Facility Layout

•Work Flow

MethodsAnalysis

WorkplaceDesign

Machine &Equipment

Design

ToolDesign

OperatorAssignments& Job Design

Two approaches to ergonomics are reactive ergonomics and proactive ergonomics.

Reactive ergonomics is acting in

response to an issue that has already

became a problem while, proactive ergonomics is to discover potential

problems before they take place.

•Proactive Ergonomics

saves on work injuries,

increases productivity, and

individual organization.

•Proactive Ergonomics

is the best approach but

often the most forgotten.

Ergonomists are usually contacted Ergonomists are usually contacted AFTERAFTER a work-related injury is reported,rather a work-related injury is reported,rather than than BEFORE.BEFORE.

Practicing proactive ergonomics will Practicing proactive ergonomics will increase the probability that the benefits increase the probability that the benefits exceed the cost in the short and long exceed the cost in the short and long term.term.

Why Proactive Ergonomics?“ STOP THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT STARTS”

Ergonomics in theErgonomics in the Workplace:Workplace:

Ergonomics Ergonomics can help reduce can help reduce costs by costs by improving improving safety. This safety. This would decrease would decrease the money paid the money paid out in workers’ out in workers’ compensation.compensation.

Workplaces may either take the reactive or Workplaces may either take the reactive or

proactive approach when applying ergonomics proactive approach when applying ergonomics

practices. Reactive ergonomics is when something practices. Reactive ergonomics is when something

needs to be fixed, and corrective action is taken. needs to be fixed, and corrective action is taken.

Proactive ergonomics is the process of seeking Proactive ergonomics is the process of seeking

areas that could be improved and fixing the issues areas that could be improved and fixing the issues

before they become a large problem.before they become a large problem.

Why is Ergonomics Important?

Ergonomics is the study

of the workplace design.

It is important because it

studies and finds ways

to make workers more

comfortable and

satisfied with proper

use, absences are

decreased and

productivity is increased.

Bench topdevices

likethis

adjustableheight standor this

turntable allow

completeaccess to

thework whileseated orstanding.

.

.

Office workers often complaint of aches, pain and strains from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSD are syndromes characterised by discomfort, impairment, disability, or persistent pains in joints, muscles, tendons or other soft tissues .The way the workstation is designed affects the posture that one adopts while working. Therefore, the workstation should be designed to place the person in the best position to enable him/her to perform the work in comfort.

Some of the encouraging comments about Ergonomics:

“Ergonomics was able to help solve our productivity problems for us.”

- BONAR PACKAGING

"They exceeded our expectations with their expertise and consultation."

- IMPERIAL TOBACCO

"Ergonomics continues to develop new solutions for us."

- DOFASCO