An Introduction to Ergonomics

Maida A. Dela Cueva Faculty Member IE Department Adamson University

Ergonomics Defined
Ergonomics is the science of work. Ergonomics derives from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural laws. Combined they create a word that means the science of work and a persons relationship to that work.
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Ergonomics Defined
In application, ergonomics is a discipline focused on making products and tasks comfortable and efficient for the user.
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Ergonomics Defined
Ergonomics is sometimes defined as the science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work. However this is more a primary ergonomic principle rather than a definition.
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Ergonomics Defined
Ergonomics is defined as the science related to man and his work, embodying the anatomic, physiologic, and mechanical principles affecting the efficient use of human energy.
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Ergonomics Defined
Examples of ergonomics in the workplace: Safe lifting techniques, proper posture, appropriate seating position, and adaptive equipment
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Ergonomics Defined
Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between human beings and the objects they use and the environment in which they function.
Source: Fundamentals of Industrial Ergonomics , Pulat

Ergonomics Defined
Ergonomics is about design for human use. The emphasis is on the use of human-made objects, equipment, machines, and systems.
Source: Fundamentals of Industrial Ergonomics , Pulat

Ergonomics Defined
The objectives are to increase the effectiveness of the resulting human-machine system while maintaining human-well being. The central approach is the systematic application of the available data on human characteristics (capabilities, limitations) to the design of such systems or procedures. The central theme of Ergonomics is fitting the task to the person.
Source: Fundamentals of Industrial Ergonomics , Pulat

General Systems Theory

Ergonomics taken from the General Systems Theory, for any system to function effectively: The components must have been designed properly, The components must function together cohesively toward a common goal.

Objectives of Ergonomics
Comfort

Ergonomics Efficiency -Physical -Mental -Production

Source: Fundamentals of Industrial Ergonomics

Well-being

Related Article Application of Ergonomics

http://iitrin.academia.edu/FAISALTALIB/Papers/162421/INTEGRATING_TOTAL_QUAL ITY_MANAGEMENT_AND_ERGONOMICS_AN_APPROACH_TO_ENHANCED _ORGANIZATION_PERFORMANCE http://ergonomics-msalary.blogspot.com/2009/11/mechanisms-leadingto-musculoskeletal.html

Types of Ergonomic Problems

Anthropometric Cognitive Musculoskeletal Cardiovascular Psychomotor

Type of Ergonomic Problems

Anthropometric. These relate to the dimensional conflict between functional space geometry and human body. It deals with the measurement of linear body dimensions.

orosha.org

Types of Ergonomic Problems

Cognitive Cognitive problems arise when there is either information overload under information processing requirements.
theagepage.typepad.com

Types of Ergonomic Problems

Musculoskeletal These are problems that strain the muscular and skeletal systems. They can induce singleincident or cumulativeeffect trauma.

Types of Ergonomic Problems

Cardiovascular These problems place stress on the circulatory system, including the heart. The result is the heart pumps more blood to the muscles to meet the elevated oxygen requirements.

Types of Ergonomic Problems

Psychomotor Problems that strain the psychomotor systems can best be dealt with by redefining the job requirements to suit human capabilities and providing job performance aids.

Thank you