CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTON

The term ergonomics originally comes from the Greek word’s ergon (work
or labor) and nomos (natural laws). The fact that the word ergonomics was
coined by a Polish scholar, Wojciech Jastrzębowski, in 1857 became widely
known when his book in Polish was reprinted with English translation in
1997.

The year 1857 falls in the fourth year of the Ansei period in Japan, which
was the time just after the arrival of Perry and his black ships.

Association between “labor” and “health”, in other words, the kinds of

“health problems” caused by “working” was often reported even in the age
of ancient Egypt and the Greek and Roman period. It is in “De morbis
artificum diatriba,” a classic by Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714), an
Italian physician, that the relationship between working conditions and
pathology was first systematized from an occupational health perspective.
In this book, not only respiratory disorders such as asthma and tuberculosis
caused by fine particles but effects of awkward working postures on
workers’ bodies were referred to as diseases observed among metal mining
workers. It can be said that the age of industrialization, promoted by the
Industrial Revolution that started in the 18th century, demanded
clarification of the relationship between labor and health.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Title: Reliability of a new risk assessment method for visual ergonomics.

Author: Camilla Zetterberg, Marina Heidena, Per Lindberga, Per Nylenb,

Hillevi Hemphalac
a Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health
Science and Psychology, University of Gävle, Sweden
b Swedish Work Environment Authority, Sweden
c Division of Ergonomics & Aerosol Technology, Design Sciences, Lund
University, Sweden.

Description: The Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method VERAM is

a newly developed and validated method to assess visual ergonomics at
workplaces. VERAM consists of a questionnaire and an objective
evaluation. The trained evaluators recruited participants to the study mainly
from their regular customers in the OHS sector. They were instructed to
recruit participants with diverse characteristics to ensure high variability
within the data, e.g. variability in work tasks, age, sex, and level of eye- and
musculoskeletal symptoms. The participants are hereafter referred to as
workers.

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Title: Influence of Workstation and Work Posture Ergonomics on Job
Satisfaction of Librarians in the Federal and State University Libraries in
Southern Nigeria.
Author: Ikonne, Chinyere N. Department of Information Resources
Management Babcock University.
Description: This study investigated the influence of workstation and work
posture ergonomics on the job satisfaction of librarians in the Federal and
State University libraries in Southern Nigeria. The study adopted the survey
research design. The total enumeration technique was used to include the
500 librarians from the 37 Federal and State University libraries in Southern
Nigeria. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The
findings revealed that there was a positive relationship between ergonomics
and job satisfaction. It was, therefore, recommended that ergonomic
measures that would involve the set-up of adequate and healthy workstation
equipment designs, which would allow the users to adopt optimal working
postures suitable for a greater job satisfaction, be implemented in the
Nigerian University libraries.

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Title: Physical Workload Assessment of Furniture Industry Workers by
Using Owas Method.
Author: Kadir Özkaya1, Olcay Polat2, and Velittin Kalinkara1
1Department of Materials and Materials Processing Technology,
2Department of Industrial Engineering Pamukkale University, 20160,
Denizli, Turkey.
Description: One of the most important reasons for occupational accidents
and injuries in production systems is poorly designed working environment.
Inadequate and incomplete working environment that ignores ergonomic
factors at the planning stage, creates persistent psychical disorders,
increases mistakes and accident rates and decreases work productivity.
Improving productivity is the main goal of continuous improvement
according to business managers. Enhancement of compliance between the
worker and work is one of the efficient methods for the improvement of
productivity.

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Title: Office Chair Design: A Systematic Approach of Ergonomic Design
Based on the Anthropometric Measurement.

Author: L. Noshin, H. Sen Gupta, Md.G. Kibria, Department of Industrial

Engineering and Management, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna
University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh.

Description: The world of ergonomic evaluation considerate the

human biomechanics and anthropometric measurement an integral
part of product design and development work. In this paper, we have
given an attempt to design an ergonomically fitted office chair
suitable for Bangladeshi people. In this paper, the anthropometric
data analysis has been done in order to determine the necessary
dimensions suitable for the office chair. Lastly, an ergonomically
fitted office chair is designed based on this anthropometric data
analysis. The concept of the paper is to focus on the dimensional
changes that the Bangladeshi people need for their comfort in the
ergonomic office chair.

Title: A Survey to Assess the Knowledge of Working Characteristics

and Ergonomics Among Dental Students and Its Practice in Their

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Clinical Postings.

Author: Dr. chathan hedge Head of Dept, Dept of Prosthodontics,

A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences
Dr. Nandita manoharan P.G Student, A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute
of Dental Sciences

DESCRIPTION: Ergonomics is the science which proposes the provision

of working conditions that promote workers welfare and facilitates the
performance and productivity of labour. It is important to investigate
reasons for the difficulties encountered during learning process and identify
the health hazards committed during clinical practice. It is of crucial value
to promote occupational health training and prevention programs regarding
ergonomic postures. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of
ergonomics among dental students and its practice during clinical postings
and prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD)
amongst dental students.

Chapter 3

Introduction:

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Ergonomics is a multi disciplinary science that applies principles based on
the physical and psychological capabilities of people to the design or
modification of jobs, equipment, products, and workplaces. The goals of
ergonomics are to decrease risk of injuries and illnesses (especially those
related to the musculoskeletal system), to improve worker performance, to
decrease worker discomfort and to improve the quality of work life The
benefits of well-designed jobs, equipment, products, work methods and
workplaces include: enhanced safety and health performance; reductions in
cases of musculoskeletal disorders; improved quality and productivity;
reductions in errors; heightened employee morale; reduced compensation
and operating costs; and accommodation of diverse populations, including
those with disabilities. Although ergonomics is an evolving field, proper
application of its principles can achieve benefits that are significant and
immediate.

Ergonomic Tips for Computer Users.

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 Employees who use a desktop computer, whether at work or home, can
improve their own personal ergonomics — and avoid injury — by
incorporating a few basic principles. Go here to learn more about making
computer use safer and more comfortable.

Fundamentals for the Flexible Workplace Variability and compatibility

with desk components, that flex from individual work activities to team
settings. Workstations provide supportive ergonomics for task-intensive
environments.

OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! OKAY!

1. Float the hands with arms at sides and keyboard set low over your lap
2. Pivot the forearms on chair armrest and float the hands
3. Pivot the forearms on the desktop or on a forearm board and float the
hands
4. Planting the wrists while keying
Good keying/mousing technique can reduce stresses on the wrists, arms and
elbows. It can also minimize static loads on the shoulders to ensure good
blood flow to the extremities.

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 Float your hands and arms while keying or pivot the mid-forearms on
armrest or work surface
Avoid planting your palms/wrists or bearing weight on elbows while
keying and mousing
Keep your wrists straight…minimize bending the wrists up/down or
inward/outward
Keep an open elbow angle at 120 degrees or more…avoid tighter
than 90 degrees
Take 5minute breaks from your computer at least once per hour…
stretch or walk

Forward Sitting good for combination of computer work and active

reaching tasks, i.e., paper work, writing, and phone Upright Sitting good for
combination of computer and reading/ referencing of hardcopy Reclined
Sitting good for dedicated computer work that doesn’t involve reaching,
writing or paperwork

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A poorly set-up workstation (pictured, left) will force the user to twist in her
seat and risk repetitive stress injury to the neck, back and shoulders. Here
the monitor is misaligned with the keyboard and document surface, and the
desktop is cluttered with the CPU, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Use of a
flat panel display supported by a monitor arm and a properly aligned,
negative tilt keyboard tray will maximize the likelihood that the user
maintains neutral postures throughout the day (pictured, right). The neck,
back and shoulders align, and the workspace is clear of clutter with the CPU
mounted under the desk and the monitor, keyboard and mouse off the work
surface.

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People require approximately 5 times more light to read standard
documents than to view a monitor. That’s why single source overhead
lighting is not an effective lighting solution, because different parts of the
workstation require different amounts of light. Task lighting, an essential
component of an ergonomic workstation, allows users the ability to direct
light where they need it (e.g., on documents) for maximum visual comfort
and minimal glare.

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 What is Ergonomics?

Simply put, Ergonomics is fitting the task to the person. Too often
employees perform job tasks that expose them to potential injuries and
illnesses due to the poor design of a workstation or tool they are using.
Ergonomics involves the assessment of job tasks to identify ergonomic risk
factors and appropriate engineering or work practice controls to reduce or
eliminate the identified risk factors. Generally, ergonomic changes are
made to improve the fit between the demands of the job tasks and the
capabilities of the employees.

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 What Can the Employer Do?

Much like overall health and safety programs, effective ergonomic

programs utilize a systems approach involving the following:

Management Commitment and Employee Involvement – Successful

ergonomic programs are those that have everyone moving in the
same direction working towards a common set of goals. The full
backing of management is necessary which includes allocating
resources and time resolving identified issues. Employees perform
the job tasks and often are best prepared to assist with solving the
problem.
Worksite Hazard Assessments – Establish an ergonomic committee
comprised of management and employees to devote time to
ergonomic issues. Conduct assessments of job tasks to identify risk
factors, and identify jobs that are showing early signs of, or are
actuallycausing WMSDs.
Hazard Prevention and Control – Pursue equipment purchases,
workstation design, modified work practices, and other tools that are
designed to reduce or eliminate ergonomic risk factors.
Education and Training – Provide ergonomic training for appropriate
employees and management staff on how to recognize the primary
ergonomic risk factors of Force, Repetition, and Posture. Educate
personnel on the early symptoms of WMSDs and the proper
procedures for reporting and/or recording them. Encourage early
reporting of symptoms.
Medical Management – Implement a medical management program
that includes establishment of one occupational physician or group

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 that is familiar with your work operation. Refer all employees who
have suspected workplace WMSDs to this physician or group for
appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

How Do I Control Ergonomic Hazards?

There are simple things that employers can implement, and workers can do
to reduce ergonomic stress, such as:

Use a buddy system or the proper lifting device to carry heavy loads. To
the extent feasible, use your legs to push up and lift the load, not the
upper body or back. Do not twist the body during a lift - step to one side
or the other to turn.
Design work activities so employees do not have to work on their
knees. If the job requires it, use knee pads.
Avoid repeatedly twisting the hands and wrists. Provide proper hand
tools that are designed to keep the hand and wrist in a comfortable,
neutral position.
Avoid stretching or unnecessary stress to do overhead work where
possible. For example, adjust scaffolds to the appropriate working
height and use a lifting device to hold drywall or other material in place
for overhead work.
Use vibrating tools such as a jack hammer or abrasive wheel saw that
are equipped with built-in vibration dampers. Wear gloves to help
absorb energy.
Use the appropriate tools such as hammers that are designed to absorb
shock and tools with handles that aid in maintaining a neutral wrist
position when used.
Rotate job tasks to reduce repetitiveness.

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 Chapter 4

CASE STUDY

Case Study 1: Medical Call Centre (Office)

One medical company needed ergonomics so much that its employees had
begun to refer to its offices as “the dungeon.” Reports from the site
demonstrate how conditions had become almost unworkable: loud noise,
cramped workspaces, dust, mold, and repetitive work tasks led to extreme
discomfort among employees, who suffered a staggering 15 percent
ergonomic injury rate. The worst of the conditions appeared in the
company’s call center, where irregular updates and renovations made
without a long-term employee wellness strategy, created major problems for
workers. An open office layout led to extremely tight workstations, which
contributed to neck and shoulder injuries while preventing janitorial and IT
staff from doing their jobs effectively. Worse still, the call center employees
suffered allergies and other illnesses, leading to a major uptick in
absenteeism.

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After an ergonomic assessment, the company instituted several changes
to improve the ergonomic quality of the work environment. Shoulder and
neck injuries vanished after height-adjustable desks were installed, and a
new floor plan created greater privacy and added much-needed storage
space for the workers, improving morale and productivity. Finally, the
company introduced sustainable woods to eliminate volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) in the air, which helped to address the high rate of
employee illness.

Case study 2:

The corporate headquarters of a large medical company requested an

analysis for one of its call center divisions. Nicknamed, “the dungeon,”
workers complained of noise, lack of space, dust, mold, physical
discomfort, injuries, and general dissatisfaction.

Without initial consideration for functional design, this phone center

underwent numerous modifications over two years. Cramped workstations
led to shoulder and neck injuries and the poor panel layout of the “open”
office created challenges for janitorial and IT personnel.

On top of a 15 percent ergonomic injury rate, high dispersion of dust and

mold had the group of 30 workers complaining of allergies and colds.
Supervisors spent much of their days having to address the complaints, and
employee absenteeism spiked.

New height-adjustable desks eliminated shoulder and low back complaints.

Each requires only ten minutes to adjust, reducing facilities costs for set up
and re-design time.

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A redesigned floor plan utilizes panels and tall filing cabinets to create
privacy and act as a sound barrier during phone calls. Workstations cost less
and provide more storage. To address air quality and environmental
concerns, we incorporated materials such as sustainable woods with no
VOC out gassing and waterbased glues.

The result: a clean and functional environment for employees. Complaints

dropped from over four per day to zero. The department is happier, more
efficient, and more productive.

Case study 3:

In a high-rise office building, a division of employees complained about

lack of privacy and excessive noise that interfered with their ability to
complete their work. An increase in lost workdays and a rise in Workers’
Compensation cases concerned the HR department.

Kare Products identified the need for a single overall design to

accommodate both group interactions as well as individual workstations.

A paneling system allows easy interface with co-workers for group projects
in an isolated space, reducing noise. Sit stand desk configurations with dual
height adjustable monitor arms address ergonomic injuries. Modular design
allows the company to reconfigure, expand, or move easily.

Green furniture with waterbased glues, recycled laminates and non-toxic

paints create a healthier workplace. When asked, employees appreciated

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 how uniquely each workstation fit their needs, as well as the aesthetic
appeal

Chapter 5

Control measure:

ADMINISTRATIVE VS. ENGINEERING CONTROLS

Engineering controls limit risk by reducing or eliminating risk through

physical means. Examples of Engineering controls for Ergonomic Hazards
include:

 Breaking down tasks and weight loads to reduce the exertion

necessary by employees
 Limiting employee exertion by using equipment for heavy lifting
 Redesigning workspaces to accommodate individuals in order to
reduce strain and improve posture
 Ensuring that all workspaces provide employees the full range of
motion required to complete a task
 Repositioning objects and surfaces such as tables in the workplace to
reduce the need for reaching
Administrative controls reduce risk by changing work processes and
activities in order to make them moresafe. Some examples of administrative
controls for Ergonomic Hazards are:

 Provide employees with break periods that help to reduce short-term

strain
 Adjusting the pace of work to reduce exertion

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 Rotate employees working in repetitive or strenuous tasks, to reduce
exposure
 Store objects and tools where employees can retrieve them while
maintaining neutral position
 Label any heavy loads with a weight
 Place requirements on weight loads by introducing group lifting
policies

Chapter 6

Conclusion

Ergonomics is the systematic study of people at work with the objective of

improving the work situation, the working conditions and the tasks
performed. The emphasis is on acquiring relevant and reliable evidence on
which to base recommendation for changes in specific situations and on
developing more general theories, concepts, guidelines and procedures
which will contribute to the continually developing expertise available from
ergonomics.

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 Chapter 7

References

 Camilla Zetterberg, Marina Heidena, Per Lindberga, Per Nylenb,

Hillevi Hemphalac Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department
of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, University of Gävle,
Sweden.

 Swedish Work Environment Authority, Sweden.

 Division of Ergonomics & Aerosol Technology, Design Sciences,

Lund University, Sweden.

 Ikonne, Chinyere N. Department of Information Resources

Management Babcock University.

 Kadir Özkaya1, Olcay Polat2, and Velittin Kalinkara1, 1Department

of Materials and Materials Processing Technology, 2Department of
Industrial Engineering Pamukkale University, 20160, Denizli,
Turkey.

 L. Noshin, H. Sen Gupta, Md.G. Kibria, Department of Industrial

Engineering and Management, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna,
Bangladesh.

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 Dr. chathan hedge Head of Dept, Dept of Prosthodontics, A.B Shetty
Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences.

 Dr. Nandita manoharan P.G Student, A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute

of Dental Sciences.

 Indian society of ergonomics, department of physiology, university of

Calcutta.

 International journal of humanizing work and environment.

 Japan human factors and ergonomics society.

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