Theme 1

Question 1

What is the definition of Ergonomics?

Answer 1

Ergonomics is the applied scientific discipline that is concerned how humans interact with the tools and equipment they use while performing tasks and other activities

Question 2

What is the difference between Ergonomics and Human Factors?

Answer 2

The historical difference between the two is that ergonomics emphasised work physiology and anthropology while human factors emphasised experimental psychology and systems engineering

Question 3

What are the fundamental goals of the Human-Machine-Environment (HME) System? (3)

Answer 3

1. Safety
2. Productivity
3. Satisfaction

Question 4

What is the ultimate goal of organisations?

Answer 4

Sustainability

Question 5

Better performance of HME means? (7)

Answer 5

1. Greater ease of interaction between user and equipment
2. Avoidance of errors
3. Greater comfort
4. Reduced stress
5. Greater efficiency
6. Safer operation of equipment
7. Avoidance of accidents

Question 6

Explain the historical development of Ergonomics

Answer 6

1850 - Industrial Revolution & Mechanisation
1875 - Scientific Management / Taylorism
1900 - Industrial Psychology, Work Study (FMJ), WWI
1923 - Hawthorne Studies (Human Relations)
1940 - WWII
1949 - Ergonomics
2000 + - Rapid & radical technology changes

Question 7

Why is Ergonomics concerned to be multi-disciplinary? (3)

Answer 7

Because it consists of the following discipline domains =

1. Medicine e.g., cardiology, neuroscience, physical medicine.
2. Psychology e.g., organisational -, forensic -, health -.
3. Human Factors e.g., physical ergonomics, macro-ergonomics, human-systems integration.

Question 8

What is the definition of a Human-machine system?

Answer 8

A system of people and equipment working together in a specific environment.

Question 9

Name the human and machine components of the system

Answer 9

HUMAN:

1. Senses
2. Brain
3. Effectors

MACHINE:

1. Process / operation.
2. Displays
3. Controls