1. Cognitive Ergonomics Prepared By: - Satyam Garg (0722913041)
Nikhil Chaudhary( )
Vibhu Agarwal( )

2. Cognitive Ergonomics

3. Cognitive ergonomics studies cognition in work settings, in order to optimize human well-being and system performance. It is a subset of the larger field of human factors and ergonomics.
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

4. The definition of the field
Ergonomics = human engineering = human factors
Ergonomics = the science of fitting the job to the worker
A multidisciplinary science that seeks to conform the workplace and all of its physiological aspects to the worker
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

5. Domains of ergonomics International Ergonomics Association:
Physical ergonomics
human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity
(working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.)
Cognitive ergonomics: mental processes
such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system
(mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system design.)
Organizational ergonomics: the optimization of sociotechnical systems
including their organizational structures, policies, and processes
(communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.)
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

6. The “role” of ergonomics in OSH
Prevention of injuries and diseases
The “role” of ergonomics in OSH
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

7. The “traditional” application
Workplace design and work organisation
The “traditional” application
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

8. Muscular-skeletal disorders (MSDs)
Work related heath problems by diagnosis group (EU-15, 1999)
Muscular-skeletal disorders (MSDs)
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

9. The situation in Europe
Economic costs of MSDs
Although precise figures do not exist, estimates from Member States of the economic costs of all work related ill-health range from 2,6 to 3,8% of GDP.
A high proportion - maybe up to 40-50% - of the costs will be for musculoskeletal disorders.
Available cost estimates of MSD put the cost at between 0,5% and 2% of GDP.
More than 600 million working days are lost due to work related ill-health each year in Europe.
The costs to European business include: lost production; staff sickness, compensation and insurance costs; losing experienced staff and costs of recruiting and training new ones; effect of discomfort or ill health on the quality of work of employees.
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

10. What is MSD? An “umbrella term”
Dealing with MSDs 1/10
Work-related MSDs are impairments of bodily structures (muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and the localised blood circulation system), which are caused or aggravated primarily by work and by effects of work environment.
Most MSDs are cumulative disorders, resulting from repeated exposure to high or low intensity loads over a long period of time. However, MSDs can also be acute traumas, such as fractures, which occur during an accident.
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

11. Factors contributing to the development of MSDs (1/3)
Dealing with MSDs 2/10
Physical factors:
Force application, e.g. lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, use of tools
Repetition of movements
Awkward and static postures, e.g. with hands above shoulder level, or prolonged standing and sitting
Local compression of tools and surfaces
Vibration
Cold or excessive heat
Poor lighting, e.g. can cause an accident
High noise levels, e.g. causing the body to tense
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

12. Factors contributing to the development of MSDs (2/3)
Dealing with MSDs 3/10
Organisational and psychosocial factors:
Demanding work, lack of control over the tasks performed, and low levels of autonomy
Low levels of job satisfaction
Repetitive, monotonous work, at a high pace
Lack of support from colleagues, supervisors and managers
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

13. Factors contributing to the development of MSDs (3/3)
Dealing with MSDs 4/10
Individual factors:
Prior medical history
Physical capacity
Age
Obesity
Smoking
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

14. European prevention approach
Dealing with MSDs 5/10
Avoid MSD risks & evaluate MSD risks which can not be avoided
Combat the MSD risks at source
Adapt the work to the individual, especially the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous work and work at a predetermined work-rate and to reduce their effect on health
Adapt to technical progress
Replace the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous
Develop a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence of factors related to the working environment
Give collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures
Give appropriate instructions to workers
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

15. Example 1: solutions to manual handling risks
Dealing with MSDs 6/10
Lifting cast parts before and after the introduction of lifting/tipping containers
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

16. Dealing with MSDs 7/10 Example 2: work at a pharmaceutical plant
Before and after adjustments were made to a workstation
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

17. Example 3: operator at assembly line for transformers
Dealing with MSDs 8/10
Before - working with raised arm and elevated shoulder
After - automated conveyor of adjustable height
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

18. Example 4: awkward work posture in construction
Dealing with MSDs 9/10
A special device introduced to protect knees. The device also functions as a stool
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

19. Example 5: manoeuvring trolley
Dealing with MSDs 10/10
Altering the handle height on this trolley improves posture and reduces effort required to push it
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

20. The “role” of ergonomics in OSH
Prevention of accidents
The “role” of ergonomics in OSH
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

21. Control room ergonomics 1/3
The origin of the problem
Control room ergonomics 1/3
The control room at Västerås old power plant (around 1920)
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

22. Control room ergonomics 2/3
Increasing amount of information
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

23. Control room ergonomics 3/3
Concentrating the operator’s information
Control room ergonomics 3/3
Cube display wall
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH

24. To end of part eleven
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH