.Ergonomics..Ergonomics.

By : Kris AzavacheRoss Demasi

4/12/2009

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Agenda

1. Definition: What is Ergonomic?2. History3. Standards and Applications4. Examples5. Conclusion6. Questions

1. What is Ergonomics? [2]1. What is Ergonomics? [2] Ergonomics is about how people, based on their physical

capabilities, can best organize and conduct their activities.

Ergonomics, which is also known as human factors, is a systematic order which is in the process of understanding and improving human communications with types of products, equipment, environments and systems.

  Ergonomics is aimed at developing and applying knowledge

and techniques to enhance system performance. It also focuses on the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals involved. The concentration of ergonomics is further taken across work, leisure and other aspects of our daily lives.

2. History of Ergonomics…[3]2. History of Ergonomics…[3] Ancient Greek's obsession with the appearance and

development of the human body showed an appreciation of how the human body functions and interacts with objects that are surrounding it.

The word ‘ergonomics’ was founded in 1857 by Wojciech Jastrzebowski and really means ‘the natural laws of work. The word ‘ergonomic’ was formed by the Greek words ‘ergon’ which means work, and ‘nomos’ which means natural laws.

Ergonomics increased its role in our culture as the ‘Industrial Revolution’ progressed with ideas of how to increase the production of workers by studying the work that is being done. As a result of these observations, which at the time was called ‘Scientific Management’, improvements were being made by auditing a job which was being performed and the type of material and tools used to complete it, as well as a certain ‘fit' which could be made that would further improve worker productivity and development.

“Ergonomics is the science of human engineering, which involves designing a workplace that fits a person physical dimensions, with the intent of preventing work-related injuries and illnesses and increase comfort and productivity” [5]

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3. Ergonomic Standards 3. Ergonomic Standards [6,7,8][6,7,8]

The ergonomics standards are the guidelines, rules, criteria, etc., that are followed to have uniformity.

In order that this standards are worldwide recognized, three important organization must approve them:

1. ISO: International Organization for Standardization2. IEC: International Electro-technical Commission3. ITU: International Telecommunications Union

Before Standardization, there were terrible accidents, for example; during the WWII aircraft’s pilots died because the control panel was completely different in each plane.

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Ergonomic Standards Continuation… Ergonomic Standards Continuation… [6,7,8][6,7,8]

Standards are designed to ensure safety and comfort of working people.

The big problem has been convince companies and people the importance avoid these guidelines. In some places is already mandatory.

The are standards for almost anything you can this at a work place.

Examples of Standards: [6,7,8][6,7,8]

1. At office:Principles in the design of work systemsPrinciples related to mental workloadGuidelines for working postureGuidelines for workplace environment

2. Ergonomics in Medicine: it is focused to the patient safety and avoid medical errors. How doctors, nurse, technician proceed individually and as team. How must be a health facility developed to achieve the best results.

Some Applications…Some Applications…[6,7,8][6,7,8]

Ergonomics in Motor Vehicle transportation Military Ergonomic Standards Ergonomics Guidelines for the design, installation and use

of machine tools Quality Management standards Health Planning and organization standards Noise Level standards Eye, head, hearing protection, air quality, safety signs etc.

4.4. ExamplesExamples Application of Ergonomics to the office: The idea is to maintain a safe and comfortable environment

Avoid carpal tunnel problems!

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Ergonomic Breakdown: Comfort Factors [13]                                                               

iPhoneCourtesy of Apple

The iPhone really doesn't have many comfort factors. It's not that it is uncomfortable, it's just that cell phones don't have

much comfort.

Conclusions…Conclusions…1) It is important to apply the ergonomics

standards to keep a healthy live. We’ll expend a lot of time at work, studying, etc.

2) While Ergonomics is a relative new field of study, it is acquiring relevance worldwide. More companies are applying ergonomics policies. Probably some day will be mandatory

3) We need to think about how are we working, about our postures and habits. It is always a good time to learn and improve.

Questions?

REFERENCES…

[1] http://www2.uiah.fi/projekti/metodi/xmobeli.gif

[2] Karwowski, W.(2005)'Ergonomics and human factors: the paradigms for science, engineering, design, technology and management of human compatible systems',Ergonomics,48:5,436 — 463. Article retrieved October 14, 2009, from Ryerson University Database.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140130400029167

[3] http://hubpages.com/hub/The-History-of-Ergonomicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics

[4] http://www.freemindworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ergonomics.jpg

[5] Chasen, Graig. (2009). Safety manager[s guide to office ergonomics.John Wiley & Sons Publication. New Jersey. Pp11-26[6] Salvendy, G., (2006) Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics. Third Edition. Published by John

Wiley & Sons, Inc. New Jersey.

Continuation [7] ISO (2004), International Standardization Organization Website, http:..www.iso.org

[8] CEN (2004), European Standardization Committed Web site, http://www.cenorm.be

[9] http://www.amaltas.org/media/img/ergonomics-for-power-computer-users/ergonomics1.jpg [10] Amaltas (2008, April 26) Ergonomics for power computer users . Message Posted to

http://www.amaltas.org/show/ergonomics-power-computer-users.html [11] http://www.raindesigninc.com/pic/ilap_ergonomics1.gif http://ergonomics.about.com/od/buyingguide/fr/iphone_2.htm

[12] http://learning.richmond.edu/twiki/pub/OLT/ComputerErgonomics/WorkstationGraphic.gif

[13] http://ergonomics.about.com/od/buyingguide/fr/iphone_2.htm

Other Reference of interest: Drury, C. G.(2008)'The future of ergonomics/the future of work: 45 years after Bartlett

(1962)',Ergonomics,51:1,14 —20 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0014013070180089