1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design
Incorrect

15. Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design
Correct

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

17. Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design
Examples –Good work stations

18. Ergonomics Guidelines for Sitting Work

19. Ergonomics Guidelines for Sitting Work
Bad Design
Good Design
Good Design

20. Standing Workstation
Stool for use when desired

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

22. 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…… Employment………….
2. Routine works………….

26. Thank You…