Human Factors Engineering/

Ergonomics
Dr Aamir Amanat
Department of Environmental Sciences
The University of Lahore
Contact Email; [email protected]
 Ergonomics

‘Ergonomics’ is derived from two Greek words

 Ergon meaning work
 and
 Nomos meaning principles or laws

Ergonomics = The Science of Work

Ergonomics is not a new science, although the term has become more common lately.
The phrase was first coined in 1857 by Prof. Wojciech Jastrzebowski in Poland.
 Ergonomics: Foundations in the Industry
Occupations and musculoskeletal injuries was
documented centuries ago.
Bernardino Ramazinni (1633-1714) wrote work-
related complaints (that he saw in his medical
practice) in the 1713 supplement to his 1700
publication, “De Morbis Artificum (Diseases of
Workers).”
Encouraged eventual passage of factory safety and
workmen’s compensation laws.
In 1700 he wrote De morbis artificum diatriba
(Diseases of Workers) in Latin describing the health
hazards of repetitive motions and postures, irritating
chemicals, dust, metals, and other abrasive agents for
workers in 52 occupations.
 Bernardino Ramazzini: The Father of Occupational Medicine

 Recommended the starch makers to carryout their

activities in the open spaces and to limit dust
exposure…
 “I always advise these workmen to carryout this
sort of work in a sunny and spacious place, not in
a confined quarter.”
 To wash and dry corns to limit the possibility of
inhaling dust …
 “… so that even when corn (wheat and barley) is
in good condition, I consider it is worth the
trouble to wash and dry it thoroughly, before
taking it to the mill”
 Frank and Lillian Gilbreth
(early 20th century)
Founders of modern motion study
techniques
Study of body motions used in
performing tasks
Aimed at:
Simplifying motions
Establishing most favorable
motion sequences
As he was in brick-laying trade,
Increased performance from 120
bricks/hr to 350
Cheaper by the Dozen
 Cheaper by the Dozen
By Gilbreth and Gilbreth, 1948 (children of Frank and Lilian)
Lilian and Frank Gilbreth had 12 children
They viewed home as “efficiency lab”
“What will work at home will work in the factory”
Gilbreth shaved with 2 razors (one in each hand)
Filmed all their children getting their tonsils removed.
 Ergonomics
“Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker. The better the
fit the higher the level of safety and worker efficiency.” Fitting the Task to the
Human ~ Grandjean 1990
Definition was adopted by the International Ergonomics Association in August
2000:
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of
interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession
that applies theory, principles, data, and other methods to design in order to
optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
 Human Factors or Ergonomics
 Europeans – Ergonomics
 Americans – Human Factors Engineering
Other Terms
Engineering psychology
Human engineering
Biomechanics
Work physiology

Consequences of poor workplace design

were first documented in the 17th century.
 Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
 Part of a broad category of injuries and disorders called
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
 MSDs are not usually caused by acute trauma, but occur slowly
over time due to repetitive injuries to the soft tissues (muscles,
tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage) and nervous system.
 MSDs are commonly a resultant of repeated mechanical
stresses on the body.
 MSDs could result in losses of mobility and strength of the
body.
Construction Worker Ergonomics Issues
 Common MSDs Symptoms

 Tingling or numbness in hands

 Pain: sharp, dull or burning sensation
 Stiffness, reduced range of motion in
arms, wrists
 Clumsiness, loss of grip strength or
coordination
 Visual fatigue, watery eyes, dryness.
 Soreness in evenings or after extended
activity periods
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 Common Musculoskeletal Disorders
Necks
Backs
Arm and hand
Knee and foot
There are several commonly
known musculoskeletal injuries
that can be avoided with use of
ergonomics. These are also known
as cumulative trauma disorders
and repetitive strain disorders
 Common Musculoskeletal Disorders, Hand/ Arm/ Wrist
The hand/arm/wrist are subjected to
several different stresses.
Therefore, there are quite a few
CTDs associated with the
hand/arm/wrist. These include:
 Tendinitis
 Tenosynovitis
Trigger Finger
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
(CTS)
 Ganglion Cysts
 Epicondylitis
 Ergonomics Goals
 Provide a safe and healthful work environment engineered to
the capabilities of the human body Improved Work Methods
Increased Efficiency
 Decrease worker fatigue and discomfort through the Better Tools

elimination or minimization of excess effort

 Increase efficiency and productivity

Less Fatigue
 Improve production by providing designs that reduce the Fewer Errors
Less Rework
potential for human error

 Enhance customer service through improved worker morale

 Elevate job satisfaction

 Reduce injuries/illnesses Increased Productivity

 Reduce Costs
Ergonomic Risk Factors

 Awkward Postures
 Forceful Exertions
 Repetitive Movements
 Mechanical Stress
 Vibration
 Temperature Extremes
 Awkward Postures = Postures outside of neutral

Neutral is the optimal position of

each joint that provides the
most strength
and control

Ergonomic Improvement:
Awkward or unsupported Before: Technician tilts his Technician easily views the
neck forward to view the
postures that stretch physical screen into a non-neutral
screen from a neutral
posture. The workstation
limits, can compress nerves posture. He also bends over adjusts to accommodate
resting on his forearms to different working heights
and irritate tendons write on the documents. and users. When standing,
work should be about elbow
height.
 Repetition = Performing the same motion
or group of motions excessively.

Examples of Repetition
 Repeating the same motion every few seconds or
repeating a cycle of motions involving the same body
parts more than twice per minute for more than 2
consecutive hours in a row

 Using a tool or an input device, such as a keyboard

in a steady manner for more than 4 hours total in a
work day Excessive repetition of
movements can irritate tendons
and increase pressure on nerves
 Force = A strong physical exertion

Before: Three
 Exertion = the tension produced by employees
climb on
muscles and transmitted through garbage bin to
dump cart full of
tendons waste. They risk
back strain and
lacerations
while tipping
cart over to
empty it.

Ergonomic
 Excessive muscle tension can Improvement:
contract muscles to their maximum One worker
easily dumps
capability which can lead to fatigue waste in half the
time.
and possible damage to the muscles
and other tissues.
 Ergonomics Control Strategies

Engineering
 The design and layout of the workplace, systems to
be assembled, and the selection of
equipment/accessories.
Work Methods
 How the task is being completed.
Administrative
 Scheduling of work, work habits, case management,
& training.
 Administrative Controls
 Early Symptom Reporting
 Gradual Break – In
 Job Rotation
 Breaks/Stretching
 Training on Job Tasks
 Case Management of Injuries
 Task Breaks and Stretches
 Task breaks are VERY effective in reducing the risk of MSDs
 Short recovery periods are beneficial every 30 minutes
 Use specific movements to optimize recovery

Take a deep
breath! Exhale!
How to Sit at Computer Correctly
Workstation/ Computer Setup: Neutral Posture
1. Use a good chair and sit back
2. Top of monitor 2-3" (5-8 cm) above
eyes
3. No glare on screen
4. Sit at arms length
5. Feet on floor or footrest
6. Use a document holder
7. Wrists flat and straight
8. Arms and elbows close to body
9. Center monitor and keyboard in front
of you
10. Use a negative tilt keyboard tray
11. Use a stable work surface
12. Take frequent micro-breaks
Workstation Setup: Neutral Posture

Other Office Items

 Telephones
 Staplers
 Staple removers
 Letter openers
 Hole punches
 Pens for writing
tasks
Work within your normal
range of motion
Sitting Risk Factors

Neutral
Posture

Slumped
Posture
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 Reaching/Range of Motion Factors

Elbow
Arm/Wrist
Shoulder
Back

 Elbows in
 Face the object you
are reaching for.
Watch the Hand Movements

DON'T rest
your wrists on
the desktop

DO let your
wrists float
Watch the Hand Movements

SAFER
Contact Pressure

Soft tissue compression

(muscles, nerves & blood vessels)
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 Document Holders

Place hardcopy beside or in front of monitor to

reduce neck twisting.

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 Notebooks, Laptops, Etc.
 Laptops can cause:
 Awkward arm position
 Neck flexion to view the screen
 Neck pain from carrying/transporting laptops
 Fixes:
 Use docking station and external input devices.
 Acquire portable devices and accessories.