Introduction to ErgonomicsIntroduction to Ergonomics

ENM426Mümtaz S. ERDEM 2004

Industrial EngineeringIndustrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering is concerned with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of PEOPLE, materials, information, equipment and energy. It draws upon specialized knowledge and skill in the mathematical, physical, and social sciences together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict, and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems.

ErgonomicsErgonomics

Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary activity that assembles information on people’s capacities and applies that information in designing jobs, products, workplaces, and equipment.

ErgonomicsErgonomics

“Ergo” ~ Greek word meaning “work”

“Nomos” ~ . . . “laws”

Introduced into literature in the 1840’s by Polish educator and scientist Jastrzebowski Wojciech.

Philosophy of ErgonomicsPhilosophy of Ergonomics

“Fit The Task To The Person”

Ergonomics ActivitiesErgonomics Activities

Worker / Workplace Accommodation

Physiological Stress PreventionEnvironmental Stress PreventionEquipment designError Minimization

Factors Influencing Factors Influencing ErgonomicsErgonomicsOccupational Safety & Health

LegislationEqual Employment OpportunityProduct Liability LitigationQuality of Life ExpectationsResponsible & Concerned

Management

Current Emphasis in Current Emphasis in ErgonomicsErgonomicsWorkplace DesignMusculoskeletal Cumulative

Trauma Disorders (CTD) Prevention

Manual Materials Handling (MMH)Noise ControlLegislation & Regulations

Citing Ergonomics Citing Ergonomics ViolationsViolationsGeneral Duty Clause: Each

employer has the “general duty” to furnish each of his employees employment and places of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Types of ErgonomicsTypes of Ergonomics

Physical- Concerned with physical interfaces including workplace and tool design

Informational-Concerned with information interfaces and transfer

Organizational-Concerned with the design of organizations, jobs and activities (aka as “macroergonomics” where large organizations or entities are concerned

How do you How do you applyapply Ergonomics?Ergonomics?Primarily, by changes in the design of

workplace or work area.Education & TrainingProactively: Ensure that any new

equipment, tool, or products brought into the workplace are designed with adjustability in mind.

Same thought for product design changes, workstation modification, and methods.

Examples of Ergonomic Examples of Ergonomic DesignsDesignsAngled soldering ironBent-handle pliersPaint brush with pistol-grip handleMeat-cutting knife with pistol-grip

handleAdjustable chairAdjustable computer workstationWriting instruments

Examples of Ergonomic Examples of Ergonomic DesignsDesignsAssembly line that flips automobile

onto its sideMoon-cut workstationAutomobile control panelAdjustable-height conveyor beltAdjustable computer keyboardMany, many others!

Secret of ErgonomicsSecret of Ergonomics

“Adjustability”

Primary Techniques of Primary Techniques of ErgonomicsErgonomicsMethods Analysis / DesignWorkplace DesignEquipment DesignTool DesignOperator AssignmentsNote: Basic understanding of industrial

engineering, biomechanics, psychology, and physiology, underlying these techniques.

Current Focus in Current Focus in Occupational Ergonomics Occupational Ergonomics Musculoskeletal CTDs

- Of lower back- Of upper extremities such as

* Neck* Shoulders* Arms* Hands

Benefits of ErgonomicsBenefits of Ergonomics

Improved safety and healthIncreased productivityIncreased operator acceptanceImproved attitude toward changeLower worker’s compensation

premiums

What’s Stopping What’s Stopping Ergonomics?Ergonomics?Negative attitudes“Ownership” conflictsOmission from engineers’ training“Quick-fix” focusCosts too much!!!

Biggest Problem of All --- !Biggest Problem of All --- !

Designing for the

“Average Person”

--- Whoever they may be !!!

Ownership ConflictsOwnership Conflicts

Safety Vs.. Human ResourcesHuman Resources Vs.. MedicalMedical Vs.. SafetyEngineering Vs.. All of the Above

Training of EngineersTraining of Engineers

Engineers are not taught ergonomics at universities

Fixation is on “things,” not on people

Often times, engineers are assigned ergonomics responsibilities, simply because they have a technical background

Quick-Fix FocusQuick-Fix Focus

Ergonomics Costs too Ergonomics Costs too Much!Much!

Fixing Existing ProblemsFixing Existing Problems

Typical Return on Savings Associated with Ergonomic Improvements is $4 for every $1 Invested

Eliminating Potential ProblemsEliminating Potential Problems

Addressing Ergonomic concerns in the design & acquisition stage can return as much as $10 of savings for every $1 invested

SummarySummary

Ergonomics isn’t new Fit task or work area to people Ergonomics is accomplished by design

changes Ergonomics is stopped by several factors Contributions come from many fields Quantifiable benefits associated with it Ergonomic projects pay for themselves

rapidly

Questions & CommentsQuestions & Comments

HUMAN FACTORS HUMAN FACTORS ENG.ERGONOMY ENM426ENG.ERGONOMY ENM426 2 DÖNEM ÖDEVİ(%15 ve % 10)= %25 İkişer kişilik gruplar ve uygulama yeri seçimi(son tarih:5 .10.2012 Bir iş ortamı (fab. Hast. Vbg.) ergonomik etüdü.(Fiziksel Risk

Etmenleri) Aynı işyerinde kullanılan bir makinanın gözlemlenen veya anket yoluyla işgörenden alınan bilgilerle tespit edilen Ergonomik eksikleri ve düzeltici önlem tasarım raporu. Tarih 25.12.2012

2002 ve üzeri yılı baz alınarak taranacak 10 ve üstü makaleden seçilecek en iyi örneğin anlatıldığı bir uygulama.

Onay alındıktan sonra yorumlanacak… (anladığınız şekilde yorumlanacak) Tarih 13 .11.2012

1 Ara sınav: % 30 Laboratuar:% 5 Dönem sonu Sınavı; % 40