HTM 119 ERGONOMICS

INTRODUCTION
TO HUMAN
FACTORS AND
ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics
“The scientific discipline concerned with understanding of
interactions among humans and other elements of a
system, and the profession that applies theory, principles,
methods and data to design in order to optimize human
well-being and overall system performance”
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ergonomics as “the
study of the problems of people in adjusting to their
environment; especially the science that seeks to adapt
work or working conditions to suit the individual worker”.

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The International Ergonomics Association (2000) provides
the following definition:
“Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline
concerned with the understanding of interactions among
humans 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.”
“Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of
tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to
make them compatible with the needs, abilities and
limitations of people.”
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The word “ergonomics” is from Greek:
ergo means work
nomics means laws pertaining to, or measure
“fitting the job to the worker,” including:
Work stations, Tools and Equipment

It was used for the first time by Wojciech

Jastrzebowski in a Polish newspaper in 1857

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Ergonomics means literally the study or measurement
of work.
Ergonomics is a way of designing workstations, work
practices, and work flow to accommodate the
capabilities of workers. Ergonomic design reduces
risk factors known to contribute to occupational
ergonomic injuries and illnesses, such as sprains and
strains and cumulative trauma disorders. (CTDs)

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Ergonomic risk factors
interact in three areas:
Risk factors inherent in the worker
Physical, psychological and non-work related activities may present unique risk
factors.
Risk factors inherent in the job
Work procedures, equipment, workstation design may introduce risk factors.

Risk factors inherent in the environment

Physical and psychosocial climate may introduce risk factors.
 Principle:
Strategy: Goal:
“
• Since everything
Ergonomics considers is designed for
• Reduce work-
the physical and mental human use or
related
capabilities and limits of consumption,
musculoskeletal human
the worker as he or she disorders (MSDs)
characteristics
interacts with tools, by adapting the should be
equipment, work work to fit the considered at
methods, task and the person, instead of
the beginning of
working environment. forcing the person the design
to adapt the work. process..

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Common Work-Related MSDs
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
• Illnesses and injuries that affect one or more parts of the
Musculoskeletal system.
• Affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and
tendons such as: SYMPTOMPS of WMSDs
−Sprains − Pain, numbness, and tingling;
−Strains − Reduced worker productivity;
−Degeneration − Lost time from work;
−Tears − Temporary or permanent disability
−Pinched Nerves or blood − Inability to perform job tasks; and
vessels − An increase in workers
−Bone splintering & stress compensation cost
fractures 9
Risk Factors Associated with MSDs

Risk factors of MSD injuries:

Dependent upon:
Work positions and postures
How often task is performed
Level of required effort and duration of task

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Who is at risk?
They are workers who…
1. Repeat the same motion throughout their workday
2. Do their work in an awkward position
3. Use a great deal of force to perform their jobs
4. Repeatedly lift heavy objects
5. Face a combination of these risk factors.

The level of risk depends on how long a worker is exposed to

these conditions, how often they are exposed, and the level of
exposure.
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 Factors Contributing to MSDs Contributing
factors are aspects Of work tasks that can lead to
fatigue, MSD symptoms and injuries, or other
types Of problems. These factors may be present
in one or more Of the tasks employees must
perform to accomplish their jobs. The
contributing factors you and your employees
should be aware Of include:

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▸ 1. Awkward and static postures - assuming positions
that place stress on the body, such as prolonged or
repetitive reaching above shoulder height, kneeling,
squatting, leaning over a counter, using a knife with
wrists bent, or twisting the torso while lifting.
▸ 2. Repetitive motions - performing the same motion or
series Of motions continually or frequently for an
extended period of time;

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▸ 3. Forceful exertions - the amount of physical effort required to
perform a task (such as heavy lifting, pushing or pulling), handle
merchandise, or maintain control of equipment or tools.
▸ 4. Pressure points and Contact stress - pressing the body or part of
the body (such as the hand) against hard or sharp edges or using the
hand as a hammer.
▸ Vibration - segmental affecting the hands and arms, and whole-body
vibration from standing or sitting in vibrating environments.

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The impact of MSDs on Work
▸ Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most prevalent medical problems in the
U.S. They accounted for more than 31% of all injury and illness cases in 2015.
Often MSDs can be prevented by simple and inexpensive changes in the
workplace:

- Adjusting the height of working surfaces, varying tasks for workers, and
encouraging short rest breaks can reduce risks.
- Reducing the size of items workers must lift or providing lifting equipment also
may aid workers.
- Specially designed equipment, such as curved knives for poultry processors, may
help.
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Ergonomic aspects
Anthropometrics Kinetics

Applied Physiology Applied psychology

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1. Anthropometrics
This involves measurement of average human dimensions for specified groups
(e.g. nurses, car drivers or the adult population as a whole). Dimensions
available are virtually unlimited and include heights, arm lengths, eye levels
and finger lengths. Such information is used by many sectors, including
furniture manufacturers, industrial workplace designers and architects. The
information allows the architect to specify dimensions of doors, windows,
work surfaces, steps and any other building element to achieve functional,
comfortable, convenient, efficient and economic design

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2. Kinetics
This is a study of the muscles of the human body and their use. Architects
need to consider how the user’s body will be positioned and which muscles
will be used when undertaking any activity for which the building is being
designed. For example, if a user is moving a heavy object (e.g. lifting a
suitcase onto a stand in a guestroom), there needs to be enough space to
allow larger muscles in the arms and legs to be used in preference to smaller
back muscles.

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3. Applied physiology
Human physiological data also needs to be applied to building design. The
architect needs an understanding of people’s physical requirements in terms of
fresh air, temperature, humidity and lighting. The architect should also take
into account the effect of noise, odour, mechanical vibration, visual effects
(including colour, pattern, shape and light intensities), the need for sustenance
and sanitary facilities, and the effects of air movements and tactile qualities.

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4. Applied psychology
This is concerned with the human mental state and needs dependent on the
activities carried out and on the specific user groups. Aspects to consider
here include how much mental stimulation to create in an area or,
conversely, how to achieve a restful and relaxing environment, and how to
create an impression of informality, efficiency, opulence, tradition, intimacy
or discipline. The mood created may need to be flexible in response to
perceived needs. Different groups have different psychological needs and
abilities and they vary in their motivation, concentration, learning patterns
and interactive behaviour.

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TIPS for work at home
• To avoid neck pain, keep your screen a​t eye level whether you use a
laptop or monitor. Help your posture by putting books underneath
your monitor to raise it or use a stand, if necessary.
• Shoulders should be dropped and relaxed, with elbows hanging
down, centered at the seam line of your shirt. Don’t use the
keyboard with your elbows reaching forward. This could cause
isometric spasm in your neck and/or shoulders and arms, leading to
pain and inflammation.
• Keep your sternum or breastbone lifted. This keeps your torso, head
and shoulders erect. Letting the sternum collapse down will pull the
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• Avoid forward head position. Keep your head erect, in line with
your torso. Keep your screen at eye level. For every inch your head
is forward it increases the weight on your upper back and neck by
10 pounds! If you use a cell phone, rest your elbows on your chest
and hold the phone at eye level.
• Use a telephone headset so you don’t have to crunch your neck
when using the phone.
• Remember to take several exercise breaks throughout the day, even
if only to empty the dishwasher, put in a load of laundry, climb the
stairs a few times, do yoga, get in some planks and squats, dance,
or take a short walk.
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Ergonomic Control Methods

Methods of protecting against MSDs:

▸ Establish ergonomics program
▹ Training
▹ Feedback from all levels
▸ Conduct job hazard analysis (JHAs)
▸ Early recognition and reporting of
potential MSDs
Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Examples of engineering controls
▹ Work station design and setup
▹ Ergonomically designed tools
▹ Ergonomically designed equipment
▹ Load weight reduction

Source: OSHA (International Labor Organization)

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Examples of proper work practices:
▹ Proper lifting techniques (NIOSH)
▹ Team lift heavy/bulky/awkward loads
▹ Stretch
▹ Work rotation
▹ Task variety
▹ Increase rest breaks

Source of graphics:
OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods

▸ Examples of PPE:
▹ Gripping gloves
▹ Knee pads
▹ Vibration gloves
▹ Thermal gloves
▹ Lifting straps
▹ Shoulder harness
▹ Lifting braces

Source of graphics:
OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods
Physical ergonomic hazards and solutions:
▸ Reaching above the head/shoulders - hazards
▹ Working with the hands above head for more than
2 hours per day

Source of graphics:
OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods

▹ Working with the elbows above

shoulders for more than 2 hours per day

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Reaching above the head/shoulders - solutions
▹ Keep items within close reach
▹ Elevate work areas

Source: NIOSH Source: NIOSH Source: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Reaching above the head/shoulders - solutions
▹ Remove obstacles
▹ Utilize equipment to raise and
lower items or move items
closer to worker

Source: OSHA Source: OSHA Source: NIOSH

Ergonomic Control Methods
▹ Squatting for more than 2 hours per day

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Awkward body postures - solutions
▹ Raise and/or tilt the work for better access
▹ Use a stool for ground-level work

Source: OSHA

Source: NIOSH

Source: OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Awkward body postures - solutions
▹ Use tools with longer handles
▹ Alternate between bending, kneeling, sitting,
and squatting

Source: OSHA Source: NIOSH Source: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Awkward grips - hazards
▹ Gripping 10 or more pounds or
force for 2 or more hours per day

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Awkward grips - hazards
▹ Pinching 2 or more pounds of weight or 4 or more
pounds of force for 2 or more hours per day

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Awkward grips - solutions
▹ Design work layout to reduce hand-carrying
▹ Reduce amount of items carried at one time
▹ Use non-pinch grip postures
▹ Use ergonomically designed tools/aids
▹ Use job/task rotation

“C” shaped posture

Source of graphics: OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Repetitive motions - hazards
▹ Repeating same motion for more than two hours
per day with hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, or
neck

Source: OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Repetitive motions - hazards
▹ Intense keying for more than 4 hours per day

Source: OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Repetitive motions - solutions
▹ Arrange work to avoid unnecessary motions
▹ Let power tools and machinery do the work
▹ Spread repetitive work out during the day
▹ Take stretch pauses
▹ Rotate task with co-workers if possible
▹ Change hands or motions frequently

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Localized pressure on body part - hazards
▹ Pressing the body/part of the body against
hard or sharp edges
▹ Standing/kneeling for prolonged periods on hard
surfaces
▹ Using tools with hard handle surfaces or
short handles

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Localized pressure on body part - hazards
▹ Using hands/knees as a hammer more than 10 times in 1
hour or more than 2 times per day (long-term)

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Localized pressure on body part - solutions
▹ Use tools with longer handles
▹ Use tools with padded grips
▹ Alternate between bending, kneeling, sitting,
and squatting; use sit/stand stools or tables

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Localized pressure on body part - solutions
▹ Pad table edges or use tables/desktops with
rounded edges
▹ Use wrist rests, anti-fatigue mats,
knee pads, shoe inserts or other
items that reduce stress on body parts

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Lifting objects - hazards
▹ Lifting more than
▹ 75 lbs. once/day
▹ 55 lbs. ten times/day
▹ 10 lbs. more than twice/minute or
for more than 2 hours/day
▹ 25 lbs. above shoulders, below knees,
or at arms length more than
25 times/day

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods

▸ Lifting objects - hazards

▹ Heavy, frequent, and awkward lifting

Source of graphics: OSHA

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Lifting - solutions
▹ Managing for safer lifting
▹ Plan lifts
▹ Minimize lifting distances
▹ Position materials to power zone
levels
▹ Avoid manually lifting/lowering
loads to/from floor
▹ Identify/reduce unstable or heavy
loads
▹ Reduce frequency of lifting and
duration of lifting tasks Source of graphics: NIOSH

▹ Provide clear access

Ergonomic Control Methods
▸ Lifting - solutions
▹ Employee guidelines for safer lifting
▹ Stretch before lifting
▹ Check for tags on loads
▹ Test load for stability and weight
▹ Plan the lift
▹ Use proper lifting techniques –
grip; two hands; smooth, even motions;
load close to body; legs to push up and
lift load; avoid twisting; alternate with
less physically demanding tasks;
rest breaks
Source of graphics: OSHA

▹ Get assistance when necessary

Ergonomic Control Methods
Vibration – solutions
▸ Use low-vibration tools and devices that may
reduce vibration (tool balancers, extension
handles, vibration isolators, damping
techniques)
▸ Adequate rest periods
▸ Rotate jobs
▸ Maintenance
▸ PPE
Source of graphics:
OSHA
Ergonomic Control Methods
Environmental ergonomic hazards:
▸ Amplify/increase risk of MSDs
▸ Examples
▹ Hot weather
▹ Cold weather – affects worker coordination and
dexterity
▹ High-temperature indoor (steam rooms, attics)
▹ Cold-temperature indoor (walk-in freezers, cold
process rooms)
▹ Low visibility
MacroErgonomics (ME) is an emerging field in which the
overall physical work environment is aligned with the
business objectives of the organization.”16 Workplace
design deals with the effectiveness of the physical work
environment that fosters the corporate team and
entrepreneurial culture. The end product generally would
include some kind of new workplace configuration using
universal planning and workstation design. Flex hours and
telecommuting were also a factor in the workplace
redesign, granting the employees more flexibility in
approaching work.

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FM Classification of Roles and
Responsibilities

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