UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
ERGONOMICS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
What is Ergonomics ?
The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words:
ERGO: meaning work
NOMOS: meaning laws
Therefore, Ergonomics is the law of work.
Ergonomics is a science focused on the study of human fit, and
decreased fatigue and discomfort through product design.
Meaning of Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science
B
of designing the job to fit F
A
the worker, rather than
physically forcing the
worker’s body to fit the W2
job. W1
What do you say about the
fitness of this person and
his work?
W1 > W2
Understanding Ergonomics
Dimension of chair << worker’s body dimensions.
Ergonomics puts people first, taking into
account their capabilities and limitations.
Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks,
equipment, information and the
environment suit each worker.
At work, school, home, when job fit the
user, the result can be more comfort,
higher productivity, and less stress.
Ergonomics is defined as the design of:
Workplace,
Equipment,
Machine/Tool,
Product,
Environment, and
System, considering human’s capabilities and optimizing
effectiveness and productivity of work systems while assuring
safety, health, and wellbeing of workers.
- Safety Work systems: -
- Health Effectiveness and
- Wellbeing of Productivity
workers Assuring
Optimizing
Ergonomics
Is
Design of:
- workplace Human’s
- Equipment capabilities like:
- Machine/ tool - Physical
- Product - Physiological
Considering - Biomechanical
- Environment and
- System - Psychological
Historical Background of Ergonomics
Ergonomics starts in the context of the culture of ancient Greece.
In 1700s, Ramazzini describes relationship between physical labor
and stress invoked in human body.
In 1800s, Taylor develops methods & tools to reduce work fatigue.
In 1920s and 1930s, Frank and Gilbreth provide the foundation
for the science of Ergonomics.
In 1949, discipline of ergonomics emerged in Great Britain.
In 1960s and 1970s, ergonomics became familiar study in IE.
In late 1970s, it was recognized as a multidisciplinary field at
Michigan University.
Ergonomics Approaches
According to IEA, ergonomics broadly divide into three domains:
1. Physical ergonomics: is concerned with human anatomical,
anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics
as they relate to physical activity.
2. 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.
3. Organizational ergonomics: is concerned with the optimization of
socio-technical systems, including their organizational structures,
policies, and processes.
Ergonomics system Dimensions
People
Tasks
Tools/Equipment
Workplace Design
Work Environment
Work culture
Work Organizations
Work culture
People consider points about physical capacities, psychological
drivers, expectations and individual differences.
Task Analysis considers points about performance measures,
quality requirements & what, how, when details.
Tools & Equipment considers points about design of tools to suit
(Persons and Tasks).
Workplace design consider points about layout of workplace,
workstation design, adjustability / adaptability and storage /
transport of items.
Cont’d…
Work Environment considers points about physical,
psychological, chemical and biological.
Work Organization consider points about job design, team
based requirements, working hours / shift work, rest breaks and
task specialization.
Workplace culture consider points about management
commitment / leadership, communication / consultation processes
and feedback / performance management.
Noise
Vibration
Physical Illumination
Climate
Ventilation
Toxic gases
Chemical Toxic liquids
Odors
Working Chemical compounds
Environment Fungus
Bacteria
Biological
Viruses
Insects
Team work
Command structure
Pay and welfare
Psychological
Shift work
Risk & Stress
Socio-psychological aspects
Goal of Ergonomics
Reduced error Increased productivity
Fewer injuries or illness Higher quality
Fewer health problems
Effects of poor Ergonomics
Accidents and injuries Annoyance
Fatigue Discomfort
Errors Productivity down
Illness
End of Chapter 1
