Human engineering

Human engineering

1. Human Engineering/ Human F actors/ Ergonomics/ Engineering P sychology

2. History and Scope of Engineering Psychology Prior to 1940, engineers made machines without considering the human factor The worker was adapted to the machine through time-and-motion studies WW II weaponry was complex but did not perform up to expectations, thus giving rise to engineering psychology Example: There was no consistency in design of aircraft controls. “On” position for some controls was up, for others, down – difficult to remember in a dog fight. Many pilots died as a result

3. History and Scope of Engineering Psychology Poor design resulted in many accidents Three Mile Island in 1979 - poor design of controls Human factors research resulted in safer automobiles, including redesigns of headlights, brake lights, and tinted windows Other areas of effort include license plate visibility, signage, cell phone use while driving, driver aggression, and mailbag design Ergonomics has net gains of 1 to 12% over the costs of human factors interventions

4. Engineering Psychology is a Hybrid Members of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society includes: Psychologists Engineers Medicine Sociology Anthropology Computer sciences Other behavioral and physical sciences

5. Time and Motion Study An early attempt to redesign work tools and to reshape the way workers performed routine, repetitive jobs F.W . Taylor (1898) performed first empirical demonstration of the relationship between work tools and worker efficiency

6. Guidelines for Increasing Efficiency of Manual Jobs Minimize reaching distance from worker Symmetrical movements of both hands Hands should never be idle Hands never do tasks that can be performed by other parts of body Workbench height adjusted to prevent fatigue

7. Principles for Workspace Design All materials should be placed in order in which they will be used so paths of movements will be continuous Tools should be pre-positioned for use All parts and tools should be within comfortable reach

8. Ergonomics : WHAT DOES IT MEAN…..? Ergonomics is the science and the art of fitting the job and the workplace to workers’ needs. It is the study of work It is a way to make jobs/tasks fit the employees better It is a way to make work easier

9. Other Design Considerations Heights of all working surfaces should be adjustable Hand tools should be designed for use without bending wrists Hammers with angled handles work better Properly designed tools affect productivity, satisfaction, and physical health

10. Human Anthropometry A branch of engineering psychology concerned with measurements of the physical structure of the body, including Height – standing and sitting Shoulder breadth Back height Chest depth Foot and hand length Knee angle These measurements are applied to design of work areas to determine normal and maximum reaching distances, tool and desk height and arrangement, etc.

11. Human Factors in Everyday Life Human factors no longer confined to tanks, airplanes and work areas Telematics deals with wireless information technology such as GPS, Satellite radio, and built-in wireless phone for cars Ergonomics also includes examining cell phone use while driving (to prevent accidents) Use of auditory signals to alert drivers which are too close to another car

12. Types of ergonomics Physical ergonomics is the human body’s responses to physical and physiological work loads. Repetitive strain injuries from repetition, vibration, force, and posture fall into this category. Cognitive ergonomics deals with the mental processes and capacities of humans when at work. Mental strain from workload, decision making, human error, and training fall into this category. Organizational ergonomics deals with the organizational structures, policies and processes in the work environment, shift work, scheduling, job satisfaction, motivation, supervision, teamwork, telecommuting, and ethics .

13. ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS Awkward Posture Repetition Force Static Loading Contact Stress Vibration Risk of injury increases with: Prolonged exposure to any of these ergonomic risk factors Presence of multiple risk factors within a single job task

14. WHAT TO DO…..? Prevent, prevent, prevent Warm up & stretch before activities that are repetitive, static or prolonged Take frequent breaks from ANY sustained posture every 20-30 minutes Respect pain- positions or stop painful activity Recognize early signs of inflammatory process, & tx early Be aware of workstation environment.

15. Maintain Neutral Posture Maintain erect position of back & neck w/ shoulders relaxed Position equipment & work directly in front of and close to your major tasks Keep upper arms close to the body, elbows 90-100 degrees Keep feet flat on floor, upper body weight resting on “sits bones” Wrists as neutral as possible; safe zone for wrist movement is 15 degrees in all directions

16. MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) Hardhat Ergonomics-PowerPoint Presentation 1.2 (November 2000) A study done by the University of Iowa has shown that construction workers hurt ! 70% report pain in their lower back 46% report pain in their knees 43% report pain in their wrists and hands 42% report pain in their shoulders and necks (The University of Iowa Construction Survey, 1996)

17. Avoid bending neck forward for prolonged periods of time (*remember quadruple the force); use a copy holder Avoid static positions for prolonged time; muscles fatigue---MOVE to circulation!

18. Alternate activities frequently; rotate heavy &/or repetitive tasks w/ lighter less repetitive ones. If sx become worse REASSESS task setup & look for alternative methods Avoid repetitive or prolonged grip activities Avoid pinching w/ wrist in flexion or wrist deviation (bending to side) Take frequent breaks to stretch & rest hands Modify Tasks :

19. ERGO REMINDERS

20. Correct & Incorrect Techniques

21. Practice Wellness at Work and Home ! Exercise Nutrition Relaxation Body Mind Spirit

22. MOVE BRE AT HE STRETCH

23. ADVANTAGES A successful ergonomics program utilizes the skills of many disciplines, including engineering, psychology, medical, safety, management and the employees or associates Applications range from the design of work areas (including office furniture, automobile interiors, and aircraft cockpits) to the disposition of switches and gauges on the control panels of machinery to determining the size, shape, and layout of keys on computer terminals and character height, color, and clarity on video displays.

24. ADVANTAGES The  benefits  of applying ergonomic principles: -  Maximize productivity, efficiency and quality; - Reduce MSD risk by eliminating or minimizing   ergonomic risk factors; - Improve employee morale; and - Cost savings associated with injury-related   absenteeism, treatment, new hire training and    WCB claims. It can help you do work safely It can make you more comfortable It can prevent injuries

25. Summary Minimize ergonomic risk factors in your area Stretch throughout the shift especially before and after activities that require awkward positions or lifting Pay attention to your body and know your physical limitations Report ergonomics issues through appropriate channels. Ergonomic injuries are preventable, and you own your own safety

26. An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure ! THANK YOU