HU 151 Lecture 8
Fall 2012/13
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Outline
• Definition and Domains
– Physical
– Cognitive
– Organizational
• Benefits
• Ergonomic Risk Factors
• Ergonomic Controls
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Ergonomics?
It is . . . fitting the work
to the worker
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Ergon = Greek for “work”
Nomos = Greek for “laws of”
The Study of Work
Applies both on and off the job
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Definition
Ergonomics is the science of designing the
job, equipment, and workplace to fit the
worker.
Proper ergonomic design is necessary to
prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can
develop over time and can lead to long-term
disability
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Domains of Ergonomics
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The International Ergonomics Association
(IEA) divides ergonomics broadly into
three domains:
1. Physical
2. Cognitive
3. Organizational
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Physical ergonomics:
focus
• is concerned with human anatomical, and some of
the anthropometric, physiological and
biomechanical characteristics as they relate to
physical activity.
• Relevant topics include:
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working postures,
materials handling,
repetitive movements,
lifting,
work related musculoskeletal disorders,
workplace layout.
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Cognitive ergonomics:
• is concerned with mental processes, such as
perception, memory, reasoning, and motor
response, as they affect interactions among
humans and other elements of a system.
• Relevant topics include mental workload,
decision-making, skilled performance, humancomputer interaction, human reliability, work
stress and training as these may relate to humansystem and Human-Computer Interaction design.
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Resources
• International Ergonomics Association
http://www.iea.cc/
• UCLA Ergonomics
http://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/
• Manual Tasks Risk Assessment Tool
http://ergonomics.uq.edu.au/download/mantra2.pdf
• Cornell University Ergonomics Web
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/
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Organizational ergonomics:
• is concerned with the optimization of socio
technical systems, including their organizational
structures, policies, and processes.
• Relevant topics include communication, crew
resource management, work design, design of
working times, teamwork, participatory design,
community ergonomics, cooperative work, new
work programs, virtual organizations, telework,
and quality management.
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Benefits of Ergonomics
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Decreased injury risk
Increased productivity
Decreased mistakes/rework
Increased efficiency
Decreased lost work days
Decreased turnover
Improved morale
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Ergonomic Risk Factors
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Repetition
Awkward posture
Forceful exertion
Static posture
Mechanical contact
Stress
Temperature
Vibration
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Ergonomic Controls
• Engineering
– Modify the tool or work area design
• Administrative
– Don’t do one thing too long
• Work Practices
– Use the right tool
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12 tips for an Ergonomic 1.
Computer Workstation 2.
(Cornell University)
Use a good chair with a dynamic chair
back and sit back in this
Top of monitor casing 2-3" (5-8 cm)
above eye level
3. No glare on screen, use an optical glass
anti-glare filter where needed
4. Sit at arms length from monitor
5. Feet on floor or stable footrest
6. Use a document holder, preferably
in-line with the computer screen
7. Wrists flat and straight in relation to
forearms to use keyboard/mouse/input
device
8. Arms and elbows relaxed close to body
9. Center monitor and keyboard in front of
you
10. Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with
an upper mouse platform or downward
tilt able platform adjacent to keyboard
11. Use a stable work surface and stable
(no bounce) keyboard tray
12. Take frequent short breaks
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(microbreaks)
Tilt the work surface
instead of the wrist.
Stand with weight evenly distributed
between feet. When standing for long
periods of time, rest one foot on a
sturdy object above floor height and
switch legs periodically
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Keep elbows close to the body.
Reduce the need for
outstretched arms. Use
a higher work surface.
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Avoid bending over your
work.
Avoid overhead work.
Use a ladder.
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Bend the tool, not the wrist.
Use tools that distribute
pressure evenly across
the palm.
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Moderate to High Hand Arm Vibration
Better . .
Use low vibration tools
if available
Maintain tools
Use anti-vibration gloves
or tool wraps
Take frequent pauses
Stretch your hands and arms
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Lifting
• Size up the load
• If too heavy for one
person, get help!
• Lift together or use
mechanical assistance
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