INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Main Campus, Cebu City
IE-PC 3111
ERGONOMICS I (PHYSICAL ERGONOMICS)
LABORATORY MANUAL/WORKBOOK
Name Geilla A. Mugar
Group No. 3
Section 3-8
Class Schedule Tuesday and Thursday 7:30pm-9:30pm
Instructor Engr. Raul Guinitaran
Objectives:
After completing this activity, the student must be able to:
a) Apply the Work Hierarchy principles;
b) Construct a Work Hierarchy diagram using present personal data.
OVERVIEW/DISCUSSION
WORKSHOP #3
WORK HIERARCHY
In the context of ergonomics, a work hierarchy refers to a structured approach for
organizing and prioritizing ergonomic interventions and improvements within a
workplace. It helps identify and address ergonomic issues systematically based on
their potential impact on worker health, safety, and overall well-being. This
hierarchy guides employers, managers, and ergonomic professionals in allocating
resources effectively to create a safer and more comfortable work environment.
There are several common approaches to work hierarchy in ergonomics:
1. Elimination: The highest priority is given to eliminating ergonomic hazards
or tasks that pose a high risk to workers. This might involve redesigning
processes, automating tasks, or eliminating tasks that are unnecessary.
2. Substitution: If complete elimination is not possible, the next step is to
consider substituting hazardous tasks or equipment with safer alternatives.
This might involve replacing heavy tools with lighter ones or using
ergonomic equipment.
3. Engineering Controls: This step involves modifying the work environment or
equipment to reduce ergonomic risks. Examples include adjusting
workstation heights, improving lighting, and using lifting aids.
4. Administrative Controls: These are changes in work procedures or policies
that help minimize ergonomic risks. This could involve job rotation, providing
adequate breaks, or implementing ergonomic training.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If ergonomic risks cannot be
eliminated or controlled through other means, providing appropriate PPE,
such as gloves or back support belts, can offer some level of protection.
It's important to note that this hierarchy isn't always a strict linear progression;
different situations might call for different approaches. Additionally, an effective
ergonomic strategy often involves a combination of these approaches to address
various factors that contribute to ergonomic challenges.
The key principles behind using a work hierarchy in ergonomics include:
• Proactive Approach: The hierarchy encourages employers to take a
proactive approach to ergonomics by addressing potential issues before
they lead to injuries or discomfort.
• Risk Reduction: By prioritizing high-risk tasks or hazards, the hierarchy
focuses resources where they are most needed to achieve the greatest
reduction in ergonomic risks.
• Long-Term Benefits: Addressing ergonomic issues systematically can lead to
long-term benefits in terms of reduced absenteeism, improved
productivity, and better worker morale.
• Continuous Improvement: The hierarchy supports an ongoing process of
identifying, addressing, and continuously improving ergonomic conditions
within the workplace.
• Worker Involvement: Involving workers in the process of identifying
ergonomic challenges and suggesting solutions is crucial to the success of
the hierarchy.
Implementing a work hierarchy in ergonomics requires collaboration between
employers, managers, ergonomic professionals, and workers. Regular evaluations
of the effectiveness of implemented interventions are essential to ensure that
ergonomic improvements lead to a healthier and safer work environment.
Example
1. Choose any household chore you are familiar with, break down and
derive its complete work hierarchy (identify the Job, Duty, Task, Sub-
task, and Activity).
2. Using your present academic level as reference (BSIE Third Year-1 st
Semester), identify and construct the corresponding work hierarchy
components per level. Give a brief analysis of your derived diagram.
