Ergonomics and Human Factors
Chapters: 22. Introduction to Ergonomics and Human Factors 23. Physical Ergonomics: Work Physiology and Anthropometry 24. Cognitive Ergonomics: The Human Sensory System and Information Processing 25. The Physical Work Environment 26. Occupational Safety and Health
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Part V
Introduction to Ergonomics and Human Factors
Chapter 22
Sections: 1. Overview of Ergonomics 2. Human-Machine Systems 3. Topic Areas in Ergonomics
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Human Factors
Human factors is synonymous with ergonomics Ergonomics emphasizes work physiology and anthropometry Europe industrial work systems Human factors emphasizes experimental psychology and systems engineering U.S. military work systems
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Physical and Cognitive Demands
Most work activities require a combination of physical and cognitive exertions
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
MENTAL DEMANDS
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
What is Ergonomics?
ERGONOMICS
Ergo (WORK)
Nomos (LAW)
Study of Human at work
worker
Fitting the task to the worker
(Chaffin and Andersson, 1984)
workplace
Job design
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Objectives in Ergonomics
Greater ease of interaction between user and machine Avoid errors and mistakes Greater comfort and satisfaction in use of the equipment Reduce stress and fatigue Greater efficiency and productivity Safer operation Avoid accidents and injuries
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
SAMPLE ILLUSTRATION
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Methods Engineering vs. Ergonomics
Emphasis in Methods Engineering Efficiency Cost reduction Labor reduction Workplace layout Facility layout Elimination of waste One best way Emphasis in Ergonomics and Human Factors Safety Comfort Interaction between human and equipment Workplace environment Fitting the work to the individual Reduction of human errors Accident avoidance
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Ergonomics Application Areas
Work system design Objectives: safety, accident avoidance, improved functional performance Also includes environment such as lighting Product design Objectives: safety, comfort, user-friendly, mistake proof, avoidance of liability lawsuits
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
LIGHTING
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Ergonomists What They Do
Research on human capabilities and limitations Discover the characteristics of human performance, e.g., how much can an average worker lift? Design and engineering applications Use the research findings to design better tools and work methods
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Fitting the Person to the Job
Considers workers physical and mental aptitudes in employment decisions For example, using worker size and strength as criteria for physical work Common philosophy prior to ergonomics FPJ is still important For example, educational requirements for technical positions
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
LIFTING REQUIREMENTS
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Fitting the Job to the Person
Opposite of FPJ Philosophy: design the job so that any member of the work force can perform it Why the FJP philosophy has evolved: Changes in worker skill requirements Demographic changes (e.g. more women in the workforce) Social and political changes (e.g., equal opportunity laws)
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Human-Machine Systems
Basic model in ergonomics Defined as a combination of humans and equipment interacting to achieve some desired result Types of human-machine systems: 1. Manual systems 2. Mechanical systems 3. Automated systems
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Human-Machine Interactions
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
System Components The human The equipment The environment
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Human Components
Human senses - to sense the operation Vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell Human brain - for information processing Thinking, planning, calculating, making decisions, solving problems Human effectors - to take action Fingers, hands, feet, and voice
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Machine Components
The process function or operation performed by human-machine system Displays - to observe the process Direct observation for simple processes Artificial displays for complex processes Controls - to actuate and regulate the process Steering wheel, computer keyboard
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Environmental Components
Physical environment Location and surrounding lighting, noise, temperature, and humidity Social environment Co-workers and colleagues at work Immediate supervisors Organizational culture Pace of work
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Topic Areas in Ergonomics
Physical ergonomics Cognitive ergonomics The physical work environment Occupational safety and health
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Physical Ergonomics
How the human body functions during physical exertion Physiology vital processes carried out by living organisms and how their constituent tissues and cells function How physical dimensions of the body affect capabilities of worker Anthropometry physical dimensions of the human body
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Cognitive Ergonomics
Concerned with the capabilities of the human brain and sensory system while performing information processing activities Human cognitive processes include: Sensing and perception Use of memory Response selection and execution
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Physical Work Environment
Visual environment Lighting levels and workplace design Auditory environment Intensity and duration of noise Climate Air temperature, humidity, air movement, and radiation
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational safety concerned with the avoidance of industrial accidents One-time events that cause injury or fatality Occupational Health concerned with avoiding diseases and disorders caused by exposure to hazardous materials or conditions Develop after prolonged periods of exposure May take years before symptoms reveal the onset of the malady
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Ergonomic related injuries
May be called: CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders) RSIs (repetitive stress injuries) RMIs (repetitive motion injuries) Which are all considered: MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders) MSDs can affect muscles, tendons, nerves, joints and spinal disks.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Common types of MSDs
Tendonitis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tennis Elbow Neck and Back injuries Strains/Sprains Bursitis Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Trigger finger
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Risk factors and causes of MSDs
Task Physical Characteristics Repetition Force Posture Contact trauma Velocity/acceleration Duration Segmental Vibration Recovery Time Heavy Dynamic exertion
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Risk factors and causes of MSDs
Environmental Characteristics Heat Stress Cold Stress Whole Body Vibration Lighting Noise
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Identifying Risk Factors
Conditions or circumstances that increase the chances of developing a MSD. The likelihood of developing an injury is dependent on the frequency and duration of exposure to risk factors. Both occupational and personal risk factors can affect an individuals well being at home or work.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Repetition
Occurs when the same or similar movements are performed frequently. Repetition can also occur when different tasks are performed if those tasks have the same movements. Injury may result from repetition when the tissues do not have adequate time to recover.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Force
Force is the amount of physical effort required by a person to do a task or maintain control of tools or equipment. A pinch grip produces 3-5 times more force on the tendons in the wrist than a grip with the whole hand. With excessive force the muscles are contracting much harder than normal, this can lead to stress on the muscles, tendons and joints.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Awkward Posture
Is a deviation from the neutral body position. A neutral body position is safest and most efficient position in which to work. Awkward posture puts stress on muscles, tendons and joints. Wrist, shoulder, neck and low back
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Static Posture
Static posture occurs when one position is held for a prolonged period of time. The muscles will become fatigued from a lack of blood flow during a static posture. This fatigue can lead to discomfort and even injury.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Contact Trauma
Local mechanical stress generated from sustained contact between the body and an external object Local mechanical stress generated from shock impact
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Velocity/Acceleration
Angular velocity/angular acceleration is the speed of body part motion and the rate of change of speed of body part motion, respectively Mean wrist flexion/extension of 490 deg/sec in low risk jobs and 820 deg/sec in high risk jobs (Marras and
Schoenmarklin, 1991, 1993)
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Duration
Time quantification of exposure to a risk factor, minutes or hours per day or as the years of exposure to a risk factor or a job
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Segmental Vibration
Cause vascular insufficiency of the hands/fingers Raynauds disease or vibration white finger Interfere with sensory receptor feedback Strong association between CTS & segmental vibration
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Recovery Time
Time quantification of rest, performance of low stress activity, or performance of an activity that allows a strained body area to rest. Short work pauses have reduced perceived discomfort (Hagberg and Sundelin, 1986) Rest periods between exertions have reduced perfromance decrement (Caldwell, 1970)
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Heavy Dynamic Exertion
Muscle demand for metabolites can not be met (metabolic energy expenditure rate exceeds the bodys energy) Localized fatigue tired/sore muscles Whole body fatigue (from long-term heavy carrying/lifting/climbing stairs)
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
What you can do to prevent injury.
Develop an Ergonomics program. Take proper breaks. Health and Fitness. Be aware of your hobbies away from work.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Adjusting the Workstation
Adjust the Chair. Adjust reach requirements. Adjust focal requirements.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Correct the Environment
Check lighting, noise and temperature. Check work pace and stress levels. Check work processes.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Improve Posture and Habits
Modify wrist/hand motions Improve neck and back postures Consider personal preferences
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE acts as a barrier between a person and a hazard. PPE is only appropriate in situations when engineering or administrative controls cannot be implemented. Back belts and other braces are not considered PPE. These devices should not be used in place of incorrect work techniques.
Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Mikell P. Groover, ISBN 0-13-140650-7. 2007 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
