Ergonomics:
A work place realities in Pakistan
Asim Zaheer1, Dr. Rameez Khalid
Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering,
NED University of Engineering & Technology,
Karachi, Pakistan
1corresponding
author: asimzaheer@neduet.edu.pk
2
Topics To be Discussed
I.
INTRODUCTION
II. CONTEXT
III. PROBLEM STATEMENT
IV. RESULTS
V. ERGONOMICS AWARENESS PROGRAM
VI. CONCLUSIONS
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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I. INTRODUCTION
 What is Ergonomics?
• Ergonomics, is derived from the Greek word
‘ergon’ which means work and ‘nomos’
means law [1-3]
• The Science of Work or the Study of Work
• Designing the job to fit the worker
• Improve the human well-being
• Optimize overall system’s performance
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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I. INTRODUCTION(Cont..)
• Focus on worker
• Physical and psychological
capabilities
• Keep an eye on human
limitations
• Harmonious relationship
• Enhancement of productivity
and efficiency [2]
This guy needs more
than a new chair!!!!
5
II. CONTEXT
 In Pakistan, knowledge of ergonomics is in its infancy
• Ignorance among employer & employee
 Ergonomics include different scientific disciplines: [6, 7]
Physiology
Biomechanics
Psychology
Anthropometry
Industrial hygiene Kinesiology
 Physical stresses and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
 MSDs are also referred interchangeably as CTDs: [10, 11]
• Repeated trauma, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) and
• Occupational overexertion syndrome
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 According to Cohen [8], MSDs result in:
• Delays, Absenteeism, Injuries, Illnesses
 Risk factors associated with MSDs are: [11, 12]
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Repetitive motion
Force-full exertion
Vibration
Mechanical compression
Awkward body postures
High noise
Low lighting
Extreme temperatures
 Ergonomics reduce MSDs by more than 50% [9]
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 MSDs affect [4]
•
•
•
 Symptoms of MSDs:[11]
Upper limb
Neck
Back
 Work place common
MSDs are CTS and
back injury [10]
 Prolong working hours
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
pain
numbness
Tingling
stiff joints
difficulty in moving
muscle loss
paralysis
Disorders
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 Two law enforcing agencies:
• NIOSH (National Institute of
Occupational Safety and
Health)
• OSHA (Occupational Safety
and Health Administration)
 Human body is divided into
three planes: [6,7,13]
• Sagittal plane,
• Coronal plane and
• Transverse plane
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 Wrist movement classified as:
•
•
•
•
Flexion
Extension
Radial
Ulnar
 Hand movements are
classified as:[13]
•
•
•
•
Abduction
Adduction
Supination
Pronation
10
Industrial Examples
11
II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 Job analysis tools:
•
•
•
•
Strain Index (SI),
Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)
Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)
Ovako Work Assessment System (OWAS)
12
II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 Strain Index (SI):[14]
•
•
•
Number (score)
Upper extremity disorders.
Tool to evaluate the job, not the worker
SI = (Intensity of Exertion Multiplier)
× (Duration of Exertion Multiplier)
× (Efforts per Minute Multiplier)
× (Posture Multiplier)
× (Speed of Work Multiplier)
× (Duration per Day Multiplier)
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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II. CONTEXT(Cont..)
 Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) [6, 17]
• Number (score)
• Upper limb disorders
 Wrist
 Forearms
 Elbows
 Shoulders
 Neck
 Trunk
 Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) [18]
• Number (score)
• Entire body assessment
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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III. PROBLEM STATEMENT
 Manufacturing Industry of two wheelers
 OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vendor
for famous companies of auto-bikes in Pakistan
 Products include:
15
Selected Postures
16
III. PROBLEM STATEMENT(Cont..)
 Analysis Tools and Procedures:
• Strain Index (SI)
• Exclusively focused on wrist and hand
• Recorded videos
• Critical analysis of working postures
• Gathered relevant data
• Taken snaps
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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IV. RESULTS
 SI for Posture 1
• Rating Criteria Table
• Multiplier Table[14]
• SI Calculation
 Ergointelligence
 Other Postures
S.NO.
SI Parameters
Rating
Multiplier
1
Intensity of effort
2
3
2
Percentage
duration
3
1.5
3
Effort per minute
2
1.0
4
Wrist Posture
3
1.5
5
Speed of work
4
1
6
Duration / day
3
0.75
SI = 5.1
18
IV. RESULTS (Cont..)
SI FOR POSTURES
SI
Risk Type
Action
Needed
Mean Incidence
Rate [14]
5.1
Some Risk
Caution
required
77 injuries per 100
worker per year
6
Some Risk
Caution
required
77 injuries per 100
worker per year
3
Wrist extension
Abduction
Force
Hard grip
27
Hazardous
Immediate
action
77 injuries per 100
worker per year
4
Wrist flexion
Abduction
Force
Neck flexion
Trunk flexion
20.25
Hazardous
Immediate
action
77 injuries per 100
worker per year
Posture
1
2
Problems
Wrist Flexion
Abduction
Force
Neck flexion
Hard grip
Wrist Flexion
Abduction
Grip force
Neck flexion
Trunk flexion
19
IV. RESULTS (Cont..)
SI FOR POSTURES
Mean
Incidence Rate
[14]
2 injuries per
100 worker per
year
2 injuries per
100 worker per
year
Posture
Problems
SI
Risk Type
Action
Needed
5
Wrist flexion
Excessive reaching
2.6
Safe situation
No action
6
Extreme bending
Wrist flexion
4.5
Uncertain
Caution
required
Some Risk
Caution
required
77 injuries per
100 worker per
year
Uncertain
Caution
required
2 injuries per
100 worker per
year
Some Risk
Caution
required
77 injuries per
100 worker per
year
7
8
9
Wrist extension
Force
Hard grip
Neck flexion
Wrist flexion
Neck flexion
Trunk flexion
Wrist
flexion/extension
Upper arm
abducted
Force
Neck flexion
6
3
6
20
V. ERGONOMICS
AWARENESS PROGRAM
 Proposed Ergonomics Awareness program:
• Phase 01: Analysis of work place
• Phase 02: Prevention and control of Hazards
• Phase 03: Personnel training and education
• Phase 04: Medical Management
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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V. ERGONOMICS
AWARENESS
PROGRAM
(Cont..)
22
V. ERGONOMICS
AWARENESS
PROGRAM
(Cont..)
23
VI. CONCLUSIONS
 Findings
•
•
•
•
Realities in Pakistani Industry
Strain Index (SI)
Worker is at risk; Awkward postures
Poor environment; Injury prone jobs
 Perspectives
• Awareness program
• RULA
• REBA
Ergonomics: A work place realities
in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer
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Acknowledgment
THANK YOU for your attention
Questions
 Contact: asimzaheer@neduet.edu.pk; +92 (0)321 2700850