Ergonomics Prepared by Mr Ajith Edirisinghe Institute of Industrial-Techno Management (Pvt) Ltd, Certificate Course in Occupational Health & Safety 2008 Modified & Presented by Sugath Vimalasundara

What is Ergonomics ? Simply stated, ergonomics involves fitting the task(job) to the worker. Eargonomics is the study of work in relation to the environment in which it is performed (the work place) and those who perform it (workers). It is used to determine how the workplace can be designed or adapted to the worker in order to prevent a variety of health problems and to increase efficiency; in other words, to make the job fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to conform to the job.

What is Ergonomics? One Simple example is raising the height of a work table so that the worker does not have to bend down unnecessarily to reach his or her work.

Ergonomics- Points to Remember Many workers suffer from injuries and diseases that result from manual work and the increased mechanization of work. Ergonomics looks at ways the job fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to fit the job. Ergonomics can be used to improve poor working conditions. It can also be used to prevent bad design from being built into a job if applied when a job, tools or work or workstations are being set up. Don’t force workers to adapt themselves to poor working conditions without the application of ergonomics principles.

Ergonomics- Points to Remember about common injuries/diseases Forcing a worker to adapt to poorly designed work conditions can lead to serious injury to the hands, writs, joints, back or other parts of the body. Vibration, repetitive work, twisting, awkward work positions, excessive force or pressure, lifting or pushing can all cause injuries and diseases to develop. Injuries and diseases caused by poorly designed or unsuitable tools and workstations often develop over time. Workers should be provided with information on ergonomics-related injuries and diseases, including what the common symptoms are and what work-related conditions are known to cause them. Applying ergonomics principles in the workplace benefits both workers and employers.

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implimented, can result in significant improvements are, For assembly jobs, material, should be placed in a position such that the worker’s strongest muscles do most of the work. Examples of employee- modified work stations – ” Footrests”( i.e. Boxes) help relieve back strain and pressure on the back of the knees Seated work Standing work

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are, A task should not require workers to stay in awkward positions, such as reaching, bending, or hunching over for long periods of time. Height –adjustable computer monitor stand under the microscope allows comfortable upright work posture for shorter and taller employees Microscope workstation-Leads to uncomfortable work posture with bending

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are, A task should not require workers to stay in awkward positions, such as reaching, bending, or hunching over for periods of time. Larger, more comfortable adjustable seat with improved back support Seat too small with poor back support-Leads to poor back and neck posture

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are, A task should not require workers to stay in awkward positions, such as reaching, bending or hunching over for long periods of time. A physically demanding task in an awkward posture with a heavy tool A pull chain makes opening the valve easier

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are, Workers need to trained in proper lifting techniques. A well designed job should minimize how far and often workers have to lift. Maintaining an upright posture by avoiding bending or twisting at the waist.- If you must bend, bend the hips and knees, not the waist Keep the load close to the body (not more than a few inches away when lifting or carrying) and within the “lifting safety zone” (between the knuckles and midchest)

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are, Workers and equipment should be positioned so that workers can perform their jobs easily. Good task lighting reduces eye strain and makes tasks easier. Padding reduces pressure points on the forearm and knees

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design Edge of Bench Occassional work area Swivel chair Usual Work Area 50cm 80-100cm 25cm

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design Maximum working area (Shoulder movements) Left hand maximum working area Normal working area Normal working area Right hand maximum working area

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design Incorrect

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design Correct

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design The Operator/ Machine Interface Displays Machine Controls

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design Examples –Good work stations

Ergonomics Guidelines for Sitting Work

Ergonomics Guidelines for Sitting Work Bad Design Good Design Good Design

Standing Workstation Stool for use when desired

Standing Workstation The job should be designed to allow the worker to keep the arms low and the elbows close to the body.

Morale of the presentation Yourself and instruct your subordinate staff always to adopt correct posture when working, by using correct tools/Furniture….. Always try to correct your loved ones… Spouse, Children, Parents ,relatives ……by providing correct tools/instructions ….. to avoid prolong health hazards due……. 1. Employment…………. 2. Routine works………….

Thank You…