Ergonomics

Question 1

Ergonomics

Answer 1

-Application of human factors to design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs and environments for safe, comfortable and effective human use

Question 2

Further definition

Answer 2

• Relationship between ppl/work/and the environment
• Concerned with the design of working systems in which human beings
interact with machine
• Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things that people use so that people will interact with the environment most effectively and safely.
• An effective match is one that optimizes:
• Working efficiency: performance/productivity etc.
• Health and safety
• Comfort and easy of use

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

• Use the knowledge of human characteristics to adapt the man-made environment to the people involved.
• To ‘arrange the environment to fit the person’.

• Design an environment and products according to physical, cognitive
and psychological characteristics…e.g Khanya lecture room….

Question 4

Ergonomics team

Answer 4

• Ergonomists, human factors engineers, industrial designers, Ots, physios, psychologists
• Education, physiology, anatomy, business administration, computer science,industrial hygiene

Question 5

Role of physiotherapy

Answer 5

Preventative (all levels) -Work site consultation-
directed at work
Promotive-directed at work
• Curative-site analysis
• Rehabilitative-Hazard prevention and control
• Consultative-Medical management
• Research-Training and Education (individual and groups

Question 6

Ergonomics Ax

Answer 6

• Ergonomics Ax form part of a risk assessment at the workplace
• It is a careful examination of what could cause harm (HAZARDS) to people in the workplace.

Identify the significant risks in their workplace, and prevent Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from developing

Ergonomic & risk assessments in the workplace must be done to ensure a healthy work environment

Question 7

Ax scope

Answer 7

1. Worker: assess the worker(patient), desk height/keyboard height/working
   includes the environment temp/light/noise/clutter /stressful jobs/ interpersonal factors/safety etc.
2. Work routine/processes-task/work, job practices)/frequency/work load/work routine (HOW /WHEN /HOW OFTEN…YOU CAN ASK AND OBSERVE)

Question 8

Intervention

Answer 8

L.

• Plan intervention
• May be therapeutic as well as ergonomic
1. Worker:?
2. Workstation:?
3. Work routine:?
NB: May be therapeutic as well as ergonomic
• Work station design- indv needs
 • Match station to worker