ERGONOMICS ERGONOMICS AT WORKAT WORK

By By

Anne Bader Anne Bader & Olivier Horseau& Olivier Horseau

Saimaa University of Applied Sciences

Human Resources Management

February 2009

TopicsTopics

Introduction and definitionIntroduction and definition

The different types of ergonomicsThe different types of ergonomics Job safetyJob safety Monetary, physical, mental, social aspectsMonetary, physical, mental, social aspects

A concrete exampleA concrete example

Conclusion and questionsConclusion and questions

How you should How you should understand ”ergonomics”understand ”ergonomics”

DefinitionDefinition

The science which links work and

health…

Prevent accidents and improve

employees comfort…

Concept developmentConcept development

Developed in the middle of XX

century

Takes care of workers/employees needs and not only profitability

Associations: International Ergonomics

Association

Different ergonomicsDifferent ergonomics

I) Job safety:

Ensure all employees have safe working conditions

nature and place of work require various regulations Be aware of special machine, the wet floor… layout of office equipment

Legal protection from governmental regulations

Different ergonomicsDifferent ergonomics

II) Monetary aspects:

Implement safety regulations represents a investment not a cost

Employee would have to pay premium wages to compensate the lack of protection

Compensation of sick leave

Avoid futur money waste by preventing accidents

Different ergonomicsDifferent ergonomics

III) Physical aspect:

One of the biggest ergonomics fight

health problems caused by improper postures

2 dimensions: Poorly Adjusted Equipment

Manual Handling

Different ergonomicsDifferent ergonomics

IV) Mental aspect:

”A satisfied employee is a more productive one”

worker’s mental ability, knowledge, experience ensure the work is done by the right person

Causes: excessive demand, permanent under stimulation inadequate training time pressure

Improving the working conditions fights against stress, absenteeism, rivarly...

Different ergonomicsDifferent ergonomics

V) Social aspect:

Closely related to mental aspect

Less stress, less rivarly, respectful atmosphere leads to better production…

But in reality what does that mean ?But in reality what does that mean ?A concrete exampleA concrete example

The cashier example Before:

Cashier had to move to take

the product,

Had to find the bar code,

Had got stress due to noise,

inconfortable position, rate…

But in reality what does that mean ?But in reality what does that mean ?A concrete exampleA concrete example

What the company has to think about: (1)

How the product comes, is it easy for the cashier to take it

Does the chair is comfortable and easy to move

Does the cashier need to push the product or is it automatic and efficient

Does the place under the office is enought to stretch the legs

But in reality what does that mean ?But in reality what does that mean ?A concrete exampleA concrete example

What the company has to think about: (2)

The optic player should be modern (360° => it’s easier and faster for the cashier)

Is there any fresh current ? (thermic aspect)

Does the noise is not too loud? Important because the cashier has to hear the ”Bip” (sound aspect)

The working place should be well lighted but not too much (light aspect)

To conclude…To conclude…

Ergonomics is not only a way to improve employees comfort, it’s also an idea to put them in a good position.

Consequently they are more productive, more satisfied,

It represents an advantage for the company to develop ergonomy.

Thank you for your attention !