ERGONOMICS:

An Introduction

Bonn Kleiford D. Seranilla

ERGONOMIC SPOON

Designed to reduce tension.

NIKE Ergonomic Carry Bag

A tool bag and a touring duffel. An ergonomic

arsenal outfitted fro treks through high grass
and hungry sand. Featuring anatomic contours
that snug the bag close to your body to
lighten the load.

Ultimate Ergonomic Push-Rake

Do you dread having to rake the yard because

it hurts your back? Here's the ergonomically
correct solution! Instead of leaning over to
rake with a long handle, you can push the
rake in front of you. It's quick and easy, and
the adjustable handle fits anyone's height.

Ergonomic Self-Stirring Mug

Ergonomic
Ergonomic Keyboard
Keyboard

Ergonomic Products

Ergonomic pen?
Ergonomic glasses?
Ergonomic laser pointer?
Ergonomic clock?
Ergonomic stapler?
Ergonomic Gatorade Bottle Ergonomically
Designed Gatorade Experience
Ergonomic wheels?
Ergonomic corn chips?

ERGONOMIC DESIGN?

What makes a product or system an

"ergonomic" design?

If ergonomics is merely common sense, why

is it so rare?

ERGONOMICS

ERGON --> WORK

NOMOS --> LAW

The Laws to be Observed at Work

ERGONOMICS
"Ergonomics (or human factors) is the
scientific discipline concerned with the
understanding of the interactions among
human and other elements of a system, and
the profession that applies theory, principles,
data and methods to design in order to
optimize human well-being and overall system
performance.
The science of designing things, in order for
(IEA Executive Council 2000)
the thing and the user to interact effectively
and efficiently.
(Merriam Dictionary)

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

Ergonomics is not an inherent attribute of

products
Ergonomics is more than common sense
To be Ergonomic a design must:

Fit the user

Be easy to use
Improve comfort
Improve performance (speed, accuracy, reliability)
Improve health and safety

Ergonomics Considers
Human Operators Variability

An automobile design has to consider

Range of physical size and strengths of

users
Seats are comfortable
Controls readily identifiable and within
easy reach
Clear visibility front and rear
Easily read internal instruments
Ease of entry and egress

AIMS OF ERGONOMICS
Ensures that human needs for safe and
efficient working are met in the design of
work system
To design

Appliances
Technical Systems
Tasks

In such a way to improve

Human Safety
Health
Comfort and
Performance

AIMS OF ERGONOMICS
Efficiency

in purposeful activity
To achieve desired result without
Waste
Error
Damage to persons
Working situation in harmony with
the activities of the worker

ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Physical factors

Biological factors

mental workload, information processing, training,

motivation

Work factors

body dimensions, body capabilities, physiological

processes

Psychological factors

ambient conditions; objects (tools, furniture, etc.)

job demands (time, rate, etc.), job design

Organizational factors

organization type/climate, management regimes

QUESTIONS ERGONIMICS ANSWER

How

can human body dimensions be applied to car

seat design?
What is the proper height for kitchen counters?
How can traffic lights be programmed for optimal
urban traffic flow throughout the day?
How can stereo receiver displays and controls be
coded to effectively define their respective functions?
How can the material and design of swim suits for
competition be improved for minimal water
resistance?
How should computer software and screens work and
look best to fit human cognitive capabilities?

ERGONOMIC NEEDS IN A WORKPLACE

Physical work environment

Chemical environment

Thermal comfort
Noise and vibration control
Adequate and proper lighting
Control of pollution
General and exhaust ventilation

Work physiology

Control excessive physical load

Avoid physical and muscular fatigue
Adequate rest pauses
Arrangement of static and dynamic work

ERGONOMIC NEEDS IN A WORKPLACE

Anthropometry (Body sizes)

Designs to fit body sizes of users

Appropriate working levels
Adequate work space
Avoid overcrowding of machines and workers

Occupational Biomechanics

Appropriate work postures (sitting, standing)

Safe load lifting and carrying techniques
Adopt proper techniques in manual materials
handling

ERGONOMIC NEEDS IN A WORKPLACE

Psychological aspects

Avoid perceptual and mental loads and fatigue

Appropriate design of displays and control
Appropriate conditions for Vigilance tasks
Avoid human error and stress
Job motivation and satisfaction

Social psychology

Practice good relationship among employees

and between employer and employee

ERGONOMIC NEEDS IN A WORKPLACE

Safety and Ergonomics

Good housekeeping
Performance feedback

Systems ergonomics

Systems groups in problem solving and

development work
Participative ergonomics
User centered designs

ERGONOMIC NEEDS IN A WORKPLACE

Macro-ergonomics

Suitable working hours , intervals, holidays, leave

Appropriate shift schedules
Welfare facilities
Job rotation and incentives schemes
Fair salary structure, Good administrative
structure
Good work organization schemes
Fringe benefits (housing, transport, sports)
Labor union facilities
Training and education
Promotional prospects

BENEFITS OF ERGONOMICS
Productivity
Product

quality

Safety
Health
Reliability
Job

satisfaction
Personal development