Introduction :

Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between people and machines and the factors that
affect the interaction. The main task of ergonomics is to improve the performance of systems by
improving human machine interaction. It ensures not only the safety but also a comfortable work
environment.

In this experiment of designing a workstation using ergonomic principles, all the relevant
principles were taken into consideration. All the measures were taken in such way that it
becomes comfortable for almost everyone.

Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to design a workstation using ergonomic principles.

Data Sheet :

Parameter Body dimension %ile Dimension

(cm)
Lowest range of the table Sitting popliteal height + Female 5th 43.234
Sitting elbow height
Highest range of the Shoulder height of standing Male 95th 143.75
table
Lowest range of chair Sitting popliteal height Female 5th 29.61
Highest range of chair Sitting popliteal height Male 95th 47.831
Table length Elbow span Male 95th 93.867
Table width Forward grip reach Male 95th 75.436
Seat Length Buttock-popliteal depth Average of male 40.6
95th and female 5th
Seat width Hip breadth Male 95th 40.203
Back rest height of chair Sitting shoulder height Male 95th 60.794
Length of armrest Elbow-fingertip length Female 5th 37.088

Discussion :
The main objective of the experiment is to design a workstation by applying ergonomic
principles using the data from the previous experiment. The task of our group was to design an
engineering drawing table which would be comfortable for everyone whoever he/she is a tall one
or short. To do so, various dimensions were used in the process of designing.

Both the table and chair is adjustable, as the height of the person varies. Another reason for
making it adjustable is to allow the user to draw sitting or standing. The lower range of the table
is selected using the summation of the height of sitting popliteal height and sitting elbow height
of 5th%ile of female, because it is the lowest height from the data sheet. The higher range is
selected by taking the shoulder height of standing of 95 th%ile male. In the case of chair, the
lower range is the sitting popliteal height of 5th%ile female and the higher range is sitting
popliteal height of 95th%ile male. It would comfortably cover all the sitting height.

The table length was selected using the elbow span of 95 th%ile male, because it is the most
comfortable range to draw. We could also select the span, but it would just increase the table
length but wouldn’t be comfortable. The width was selected using the forward grip reach of 95 th
%ile male because that is the highest range. There were some factors arose while designing the
length and width of the chair. If we took the lowest length, it might not appropriate for everyone.
Same thing can be said for taking the highest length. So, we took the average of 95 th%ile male
and 5th%ile female lengths of buttock-popliteal depth. The width is selected using the hip breadth
of 95th%ile male.

Foot rest was given in the table. The foot rest was designed according to the length of the table
and the width was selected according to the stand of the table as the foot length are different for
different persons. The back rest height is the sitting shoulder height of 95 th%ile male because it
would cover all the persons. The back rest inclination is 104⁰-108⁰ as it is the standard back rest
inclination angle. The length of the armrest is selected the Elbow-fingertip length of female 5 th. It
is so, because, if the length is more than it, then it would be uncomfortable for the persons who’s
arm length is smaller than others. But, it won’t be uncomfortable for others, because all the parts
of the arm are never put on the armrest.

While designing the several guidelines were followed. The highest height of the table is fixed to
shoulder height to avoid working with elevated hands. No one needs to bend their wrist or lift the
elbow. The design promotes to work with both hands, although it is impossible to draw with both
hands. It just gives the opportunity to draw in one hand and hold the other necessary things in
other side. The chair easily promotes lumber lordosis, minimizes disc pressure as there is back
rest, reduce postural fixity. It is easily adjustable too.

Conclusion:
The main objective of ergonomics is to ensure the reduction of all kinds of stress in the body
during work. So, proper design of workstation and seating arrangement is very essential. Poorly
designed seats and workstations can cause pain and even injury to back muscles aches and pains
in the shoulders and neck and circular problems in the legs.

References:
1. Introduction to Ergonomics , R.S. Bridger (2nd ed.)
2. Human Factors in Engineering and Design (7th edition) , Mark S. Sanders