ErgonomicsPrepared by Mr Ajith EdirisingheInstitute of Industrial-Techno Management (Pvt) Ltd,Certificate Course in Occupational Health & Safety 2008

Modified & Presented by Sugath Vimalasundara

What is Ergonomics ?Simply stated, ergonomics involves fitting the task(job) to the worker.

Eargonomics is the study of work in relation to the environment in which it is performed (the work place) and those who perform it (workers).

It is used to determine how the workplace can be designed or adapted to the worker in order to prevent a variety of health problems and to increase efficiency; in other words, to make the job fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to conform to the job.

What is Ergonomics?One Simple example is raising the height of a

work table so that the worker does not have to bend down unnecessarily to reach his or her work.

Ergonomics- Points to RememberMany workers suffer from injuries and diseases that

result from manual work and the increased mechanization of work.

Ergonomics looks at ways the job fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to fit the job.

Ergonomics can be used to improve poor working conditions. It can also be used to prevent bad design from being built into a job if applied when a job, tools or work or workstations are being set up.

Don’t force workers to adapt themselves to poor working conditions without the application of ergonomics principles.

Ergonomics- Points to Remember about common injuries/diseases

Forcing a worker to adapt to poorly designed work conditions can lead to serious injury to the hands, writs, joints, back or other parts of the body.

Vibration, repetitive work, twisting, awkward work positions, excessive force or pressure, lifting or pushing can all cause injuries and diseases to develop.

Injuries and diseases caused by poorly designed or unsuitable tools and workstations often develop over time.

Workers should be provided with information on ergonomics-related injuries and diseases, including what the common symptoms are and what work-related conditions are known to cause them.

Applying ergonomics principles in the workplace benefits both workers and employers.

Examples of employee- modified work stations – ” Footrests”( i.e. Boxes) help relieve back strain and pressure on the back of the knees

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implimented, can result in significant improvements are,

For assembly jobs, material, should be placed in a position such that the worker’s strongest muscles do most of the work.

Seated work Standing work

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are,

A task should not require workers to stay in awkward positions, such as reaching, bending, or hunching over for long periods of time.

Microscope workstation-Leads to uncomfortable work posture with bending

Height –adjustable computer monitor stand under the microscope allows comfortable upright work posture for shorter and taller employees

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are,A task should not require workers to stay in

awkward positions, such as reaching, bending, or hunching over for periods of time.

Seat too small with poor back support-Leads to poor back and neck posture

Larger, more comfortable adjustable seat with improved back support

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are, A task should not require workers to stay in

awkward positions, such as reaching, bending or hunching over for long periods of time.

A physically demanding task in an awkward posture with a heavy tool

A pull chain makes opening the valve easier

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if implemented, can result in significant improvements are,Workers need to trained in proper lifting

techniques. A well designed job should minimize how far and often workers have to lift.

Maintaining an upright posture by avoiding bending or twisting at the waist.- If you must bend, bend the hips and knees, not the waist

Keep the load close to the body (not more than a few inches away when lifting or carrying) and within the “lifting safety zone” (between the knuckles and midchest)

Few examples of ergonomics changes which, if

implemented, can result in significant improvements are,Workers and equipment should be positioned

so that workers can perform their jobs easily.

Good task lighting reduces eye strain and makes tasks easier.

Padding reduces pressure points on the forearm and knees

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design

Edge of Bench

Occassional work area

Usual Work Area

Swivel chair

50cm 80-100cm

25cm

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design

Right hand maximum working area

Left hand maximum working area

Normal working area

Normal working area

Maximum working area (Shoulder movements)

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design

Incorrect

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design

Correct

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation DesignThe Operator/ Machine

Interface

Displays

Machine

Controls

Basic Ergonomics Principles for Workstation Design

Examples –Good work stations

Ergonomics Guidelines for Sitting Work

Ergonomics Guidelines for Sitting Work

Bad Design Good Design

Good Design

Standing Workstation

Stool for use when desired

Standing WorkstationThe job should be designed to allow the

worker to keep the arms low and the elbows close to the body.

Morale of the presentationYourself and instruct your subordinate staff

always to adopt correct posture when working, by using correct tools/Furniture…..

Always try to correct your loved ones… Spouse, Children, Parents ,relatives ……by providing correct tools/instructions …..

to avoid prolong health hazards due……. 1. Employment………….

2. Routine works………….

Thank You…