Understanding ergonomics at work pdf

Good ergonomics foster work environments that are safe, facilitate effective performance and are easy to use. An understanding of ergonomic principles, including body mechanics, posture, and work flow, will increase your chances of avoiding a repetitive stress injury rsi. Physiology is the combination of mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms. Since each of us has different needs, ergonomic design of tools, equipment, and workspaces must be adjustable to accommodate a varied range of body types. Understanding economics at work pdf international labour orangization. Fmm institute lot 88, sungai petani the fundamental purpose of industries is creating products with the least cost so as to compete in the market place. As part of the ergonomics program, the company has conducted a series of job hazard analyses on all jobs, operations and work activities where ergonomic risk factors are present in order to pinpoint specific problems. Ergonomics input does not necessarily involve high costs, and can save money in the long term by reducing injuries and absence from work.

All employees who use computers are encouraged to take the 2 12 hour office ergonomics course pdf 485kb. Lo3 demonstrate an understanding of ergonomic principles and ergonomically. Handbook of human factors and ergonomics wiley online books. Rather it is the application and scope of understanding of ergonomics by members registered with a specific professional body. Understanding ergonomics at work frankston pain management. If you sit behind a desk for hours at a time, youre not doomed to a career of neck and back pain or sore wrists and fingers. Easy ergonomics for desktop computer users was developed and prepared for publication by. Ergonomics is designing a job to fit the worker so the work is safer and more efficient. In a workplace setting there are seldom a large number of tasks that exceed the capabilities of most of the work force. Ergonomics is a science concerned with the fit between people and their work. High work demands may have a direct impact on forces applied and postures e. Ergonomic guide to computer based workstations page 3 of 19 pn 134 version 1 last updated august 2012 about this guide this guide explains how to set up computer workstations to suit individual needs and the type of work performed at the workstation. The demands on the worker activities, workload, work. The fourth edition of the handbook of human factors and ergonomics has been completely revised and updated.

Physiology has traditionally been divided between plant physiology and animal and all living things physiology. Safety and health topics ergonomics identify problems. Introduction to ergonomics jessica schroeder risk management consultant session description ergonomics is the scientific study of people at work the goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. It is possible to eliminate aches, pains, and stresses at work and improve job. A systematic process for identifying, analyzing, and controlling workplace risk factors, often for reducing musculoskeletal disorders together, employers, workers, and other parties with an understanding of ergonomics can design effective programs to prevent and minimize wmsds. Youve probably heard about injuries that can occur if youre not practicing good. Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment fit each worker. It can involve making changes to the physical requirements, the. A comfortable work space can help you feel your best.

Controlling ergonomic hazards begins with identifying the jobs that have risk factors associated with them. The general ergonomics principles that should be applied to the workplace include aiming for dynamic versus static work, optimizing work. Strengthening our bodies through proper diet and regular exercise can help them handle the work we put them through. The goal of this selfassessment is to help you set up your workstation for optimal comfort and performance. It was distributed under the provisions of the library distribution act and government code section 11096. Understanding ergonomics in the workplace updated on.

This research has included fundamental development of new ideas, theory, tools and knowledge, and applied research to improve rail work systems e. The demands on the worker activities, workload, work pacing, shiftwork and fatigue. These problems may result in mistakes and poor productivity, stress, eye strain, headaches and other aches or pains. Give your sitting work area a makeover with this visual guide to office ergonomics. Lo1 understand the importance of professional hygiene. Designing jobs, equipment, and work tasks to fit human physical characteristics and energy limitations.

Originally,it was conceived of as pressure from the environment, then as strain within the person. Ergonomics in the workplace health and safety authority. An understanding of ergonomics in your workplace can improve your daily work routine. Students are introduced to ergonomic risk factors by watching a dvd. Understanding ergonomics at work university of leicester. It puts people first, taking account of their capabilities and limitations.

It is the process of making the job fit the person that is doing it instead of trying to make the person fit into the job. 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. Pat was a founder member of the ergonomics society. What students need to know knowledge requirements the meaning of the terms human factors and ergonomics the terms human factors and ergonomics as it is sometimes called are used to describe interactions between three interrelated aspects. Proper office ergonomics including correct chair height, adequate equipment.

Also, try the exercises in the booklet to give your muscles and bones a break. Ergonomics or human factors is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the. Workstation ergonomics self assessment computer workstation ergonomics. It is possible to eliminate aches, pains, and stresses at work and improve job satisfaction. That is a pretty broad statement, so understanding it scientifically may make a little bit more sense. High work stress may reduce an individuals ability to unwind which may reduce muscle relaxation. Repetitive stress injuries are caused by frequently making the same motions and using the same nerves, and muscles. National institutes of health, office of research services, division of occupational health and. Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker. This personalisation of ergonomics, to the profession that applies theory, does not align to the accepted application of definitions used in law, including the ohsa or any other regulation under the ohsa. Understanding ergonomics at work soas university of london. Health and work life balance across types of work schedules.

Human factorsergonomics introduction to human factors. The three primary ergonomic risk factors that cause msds are awkward posture, high force, and high or long frequency. High work stress may increase muscle activity and load on the musculoskeletal system. Understanding how chemical and heat exposures and physical exertions at work affect functional ability, injury, and longterm health april 2016 human factors the journal of. To assess the fit between a person and their work, you have to consider a range of factors, including. Human factors refer to environmental, organisational and job factors, and human and individual characteristics, which influence behaviour at work in a way which can affect health and safety this definition includes three interrelated aspects that must be. Derived from the greek words ergon meaning work and nomos meaning laws.

It considers body dimensions, mobility, and the bodys stress behavior. Ergonomics is the study of fitting the work job to the individual. Most people have heard of ergonomics and think it is something to do with seating or with the design of car controls and instruments and it. Download the understanding the publishing process pdf. The most downloaded articles from applied ergonomics in the last 90 days. The goal of ergonomics is to provide maximum productivity with minimal cost. Combinations of postures, forces, and frequencies increase the chance of developing an msd. According to another definition, job design is the functions of arranging task, duties and. Ergonomics matches the design of tools, controls, and equipment to fit the safety needs of the operator. Thus, ergonomics can be simply defined as the how workplace and equipment can be best used and designed for comfort, safety, efficiency and productivity. Assess how the environment impacts choosing healthy places to live, work. Ergonomics means fitting the job to the worker, including. Because the majority of office work is performed from a seated position, understanding.

Most downloaded applied ergonomics articles elsevier. Unit 7 introduction to workplace ergonomics 3 unit 7 overview this unit introduces your students to basic ergonomics information and concepts that are relevant to workers of all ages and to all types of work places. As individual risk factors, posture, force, and frequency are all significant. Your chair, keyboard, mouse, and monitor are all pieces of office equipment. She is author of over 150 papers and chapters in books, and is editor of the book ergonomics in developing regions. Setting up your office environment so its comfortable and efficient for you is important for preventing musculoskeletal injuries msis such as sprains and strains. An effective ergonomic improvement process seeks to identify and eliminate any deterrent to maximum work capacity, and limit worker fatigue and discomfort while improving process efficiency and productivity. Understand how environmental factors affect ones health air, water, noise, chemicals. Not all of these are caused by non ergonomic facilities. Understanding ergonomics in the workplace cbs news. It is important that all furniture chairs, desks and other accessories are adjustable in order to meet individual workers needs, for no two people are alike. In this section practical examples of systems ergonomics are taken from work on a large number of projects in rail ergonomics human factors.