10. Ergonomics

Question 1

What is Ergonomics?

Answer 1

The science that addresses human performance and well-being in relation to the job, equipment, tools and environment

Fitting the job, equipment, tools and environment to the person NOT the person to the job, equipment, tools and environment

Question 2

Ergonomics Meaning In NA and Europe

Answer 2

North America:
“Ergonomics” = physical factors
“Human Factors” = cognitive issues

Europe:
“Ergonomics” = both physical and cognitive

Question 3

Ergonomics: Philosophy

Answer 3

• A systems approach is taken.
• Design from the inside out.
• Design around human needs and capabilities and then make design decisions about the equipment, task and environment based on those needs and capabilities

Question 4

How does “PHYSIOLOGY” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 4

shift work, fatigue, work schedules

Question 5

How does “PSYCHOLOGY” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 5

mental workload, training, motivation

Question 6

How does “BIOMECHANICS” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 6

lifting, posture, manipulation, strength

Question 7

How does “ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 7

vibration, lighting, heat, cold

Question 8

How does “ANTHROPOMETRY” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 8

workspace, clothing, product design

Question 9

How does “SOCIOLOGY” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 9

Social groups, e.g., teams, groups, etc.

Question 10

How does “BUSINESS” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 10

Industrial and organizational design

Question 11

How does “ENGINEERING” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 11

Mechanical, artificial intelligence, etc

Question 12

How does “DESIGN” contribute to Ergonomics?

Answer 12

Graphic design, industrial design

Question 13

Ergonomics: Increased Injuries

Answer 13

• Workplace injuries are on the rise, particularly musculoskeletal injuries
• 20% workers report back pain
• 17% workers report hand pain

Question 14

Ergonomics: Reducing Injuries

Answer 14

Increased Occupational Health and Safety
- Reducing musculoskeletal disorders through the design of equipment, tools, workstations and jobs

Enhanced rehabilitation programs
- Task analysis techniques allow Ergonomists to determine jobs, or parts of jobs which can be performed by injured workers to allow them to return to work more quickly

Question 15

Ergonomics: Changing workforce and work

Answer 15

• A more diverse workforce means that workplace design and job demands must reflect a wider range of worker capabilities and limitations (age, size, strength, and abilities).
• Work is changing as well - increased shift work, work from home/vehicle, more repetitive tasks.

Fair and effective worker placement

• Analysing the requirements of essential job duties can establish placement requirements while respecting human rights

More effective training programs

• Ergonomists accurately identify skills and knowledge required for workers to perform their jobs safely and can use this information to develop effective training programs

Question 16

How can we address psychosocial
issues in the workplace? (6)

Answer 16

• Management Styles
• Organizational Design
• Job Design
• Motivation
• Teamwork
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Question 17

Ergonomics: Quality / Productivity Goals

Answer 17

• Increased pressure for productivity and quality: total quality and continuous improvement programs
• More comfortable workers are able to work more efficiently.
• Engineering controls often reduce unnecessary production steps and allow for improved quality.

Question 18

Ergonomics: Regulation/Legislation

Answer 18

• Regulatory activity has increased.
• Companies are searching for programs to help with compliance

Question 19

List all 7 Needs For Ergonomics:

Answer 19

1. Increased Injuries
2. Reducing Injuries
3. Changing workforce and work
4. Quality/Productivity Goals
5. Regulation/Legislation
6. Increasingly Complex Technologies & Systems
7. Designing Products That Work