TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics 6. Introduction to Ergonomics

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Definition Branch of science that applies what is known about human behavior, mental processes, and anatomy and physiology to the design, development, and evaluation of work methods, environments, technologies, and systems Discipline that studies human capabilities and performance capacities and applies this information in designing consumer products, tools, and equipment

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Common Definitions “Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker. The better the fit, the higher the level of safety and worker efficiency.” Fitting the Task to the Human ~ Grandjean 1990 “ Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity and human performance by fitting products, tasks, and environments to people.” ErgoWeb.com

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Ergonomics Greek words:  “Ergon” : work  “Nomos” : principle or laws Ergonomics = The Science of Work Ergonomics = The Science of Work In the literature:  in 1840s by Wojciech Jastrzebowski (a Polish educator and scientist)  In 1949 by K.F.H. Murrel (a British scientist) Other terms:  Human Factors, Human Engineering, Engineering Psychology

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Origins, developments, and applications Kroemer et al. (2001) p.7 Anatomy Orthopedics Physiology Medicine Psychology Sociology Anthropometri Biomechanics Work Physiology Industrial Hygiene Management Labor relations Industrial engineering Bioengineering System engineering Safety engineering Military engineering Computer-aided design ERGONOMICS HUMAN FACTORS

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics The Ergonomics Process 1.Identify potential problems (mismatches) 2.Evaluate and prioritize problems 3.Improve (redesign) jobs and tasks

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Comprehensive Ergonomics Strategy Train engineers on ergonomic practices and principals Perform ergonomic evaluations of work tasks and work environments Implement ergonomic interventions Educate employees on ergonomics Establish medical control-treat/prevent injuries and illnesses early

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Rationale for Ergonomics Realization that not all problems are the result of human error. Fit the task to the person Recognize the need to design to accommodate a large number of users Ergonomics is not just applying checklists or guidelines. It’s a design process. Ergonomics is more than just common sense.  Who can tell me how high the letters on a sign need to be for a person driving 75 mph to see them at a distance of 200 yards?  Who can tell me the amount of muscle exertion is required to trim a fish fillet?

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Ergonomics in Design of Systems Human Task HFE Environment

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Goal of Ergonomics Minimize the mis-match between human capabilities and task requirements  What is the optimal scenario?Blue = human capabilities gray = job demands Objectives of HF  Improve human performance  Improve Safety  Reduce the need for training  Improve user satisfaction

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Components of Ergonomics Ergonomics IE Work Methods Plant Layout Work Flow Psychology Anthropometry Biomechanics Physiology Methods Analysis Techniques Workplace Design Techniques Machine and Equipment Design Tool Design Techniques Operator Assignments and Job Design

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics

Division of the Discipline Physical Ergonomics (work place layout and design) Cognitive Ergonomics (cognitive and psychological issues)

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics History Can be traced back to the late 1800s/early 1900s and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth—motion and time studies, investigated performance, fatigue, workstation design, tool design Formal birth in WWII: significant number of pilot accidents due to human error 1950s— regulations began to be developed in USA 1957—first professional society was created (HFES) Number of tragedies in semi-recent years: 3-mile Island, Chernobyl, dramatic increase in the number of reported occupational injuries illnesses, and deaths OSHA is developed Computer age

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Why Ergonomics? Increased Productivity  improved work methods  increased efficiency  better tools  less stress and fatigue  fewer errors Quality of Work Life  fewer injuries  less fatigue and stress  improved employee morale Money  decreased medical costs  increased productivity  decreased workman’s compensation costs  fewer lost work day cases (light duty days)

TI 2111 Work System Design and Ergonomics Current Topics Occupational Injuries and Illnesses  CTDs, slips/trips/falls, deaths, … Sources of Operator Discomfort/Fatigue Design for Special Populations HCI Individual Differences User-centered Design Production Ergonomics Human Error Others