Key Concepts Name (from the Greek) Terminology erg nomos Ergonomics : the study and optimization of the interaction between people and their physical environment by considering their physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics. Occupational ergonomics concerns the application of ergonomics principles specifically to the workplace and related tasks. ergonomics vs human factors Erg = “work” Nomos = “laws” together – “the science of work” Ergonomics vs hf  in the US, ergo tends to refer to physical aspects only, while HF is the “umbrella” term for all aspects of interaction between humans and machines. In europe (and other parts of the world), these definitions are reversed! ISE 311 - 1

Your Turn … Why is it important that engineers concern themselves with ergonomics? Consider in your response: productivity effectiveness safety ethics others? ISE 311 - 1

History Wojciech Jastrzebowski (1857) Frederick Taylor (1911) Frank & Lillian Gilbreth (1911) Ralph Barnes (1933) Wojciech Jastrzebowski created the word ergonomics in 1857 1911 – Frederick Taylor published “Scientific Management”, advocating the “one best way” to do a job. At Bethlehem Steel, improved productivity and worker wages by matching the shovel with the type of material being moved In 1911 Frank Gilbreth, an engineer and his wife, Lillian, a psychologist, published the book, "Motion Study" improved bricklaying from 120 to 350 bricks per hour by improving methods “therbligs” are the units of motion used in micromotion analysis Ralph Barnes – first PhD IE in the US in 1933, wrote “Motion & Time Studies” (landmark text in the field) in 1937 ISE 311 - 1

Productivity Definition: Examples: Personal productivity 1 : the quality or state of being productive [yielding results, benefits, or profits]; 2 : rate of production (Merriam-Webster Online, http://www.m-w.com/) general : ratio of output to input Examples: Personal productivity Examples: manufacturing/service productivity ISE 311 - 1

Benefits of Productivity Personal Benefits (pp. 8-9 of your textbook) Organizational Benefits increased volume decreased cost improved services ISE 311 - 1

Components of Productivity Improve productivity by: land better seed, fertilizer, insecticides, agricultural methods materials better materials, insulation, design machines scheduling, logistics, design labor work methods, selection, training, incentives technology tools, equipment, knowledge ISE 311 - 1

Working Smart vs Working Hard working hard vs smarter vs vs … ? ISE 311 - 1

Working Smart and Working Hard Reduce work content Improve product design Standardize Appropriate quality standards Reduce waste Energy efficiency Improve work methods Improve tools and equipment Proper management More product Attention to quality Additional products/markets Continuous improvement ISE 311 - 1

Role of Ergonomics & Work Measurement Ergonomics & work design improve safety, health, and wellbeing increase efficiency and productivity reduce cost Work measurement (time study) measure effectiveness control cost manufacturing plants with no time standards average 60% performance manufacturing plants with time standards average 85% performance manufacturing plants with incentive systems average 120% performance ISE 311 - 1