1. 1 Ergonomics: Design Principles or Axioms n General Guiding Principles or Thought Processes n Simple But Powerful Concepts n All Detailed Design Goals and Objectives Derive From Basic Design Axioms n Basic Design Axioms are More Important to Remember Than More Specific Solutions

2. 2 Ergonomics: Design Principles for Workstations n Do Not Lower That Which Must Be Lifted n Do Not Lift That Which Must Be Lowered n Use Gravity - Do Not Oppose It

3. 3 Design Principles and Rules of Thumb n Provide Adequate Space to Turn the Whole Body n Do Not Reach Behind n Avoid Extremes of Joint Movement n Avoid Postural Extremes

4. 4 Design Principles n Allow Natural, But Changing Postures n Avoid Static Loading of Muscles n Preserve the Natural Curves of the Spine

5. 5 Design Principles n Apply Force Dynamically, Conserve Momentum n The Lower the Reach Target, The Better the Shoulder Posture n Work Should Be 2 - 4 Inches Below Elbow Height, In General n Do Not Lift the Elbow n If Workers Must Reach Up and Out, Keep the Reach Below Heart Level n Pivot Movement About the Elbow n Keep Arm Motions Within the “Normal” Working Area

6. 6 Design Principles n Give Support To the Body n Avoid Contact Stresses n Reduce Repetition (enlarge jobs, rotate, mechanize) n Reduce Force n Power With Motors - Not With Muscles n Avoid Vibration - Especially Resonate Frequency Ranges

7. 7 Design Principles n Provide Adjustability n Fit a Range - Not the Average n Accommodate As Wide A Range as Possible

8. 8 Design Principles n Match the Tool to the Task n Handles Should be Smooth, Non-Conductive, and Compressive n Design For the Person With the Least Strength n Match the Grip to the Worker Population n Spread Contact Over Several Fingers - Not Just One

9. 9 General Approaches to Solving Ergonomics Problems n Eliminate the Need for the Task n Convert the Task to a Less Stressful Task n Mechanize the Task n Automate the Task - Assign the Task to a Machine

10. 10 Solving Ergonomics Problems: Lifting n Convert the Lift/Lower to a Push/Pull n Convert the Lift and Carry to a Push/Pull n Mechanize the Lift/Lower (Operator Guided, Machine Lifted) n Automate the Handling Task