CHAPTER-I
INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics can be defined simply as the study of work. The Greek form of the word is broken
into Ergo (Work) and Nomo (Law of), and basically means "the laws of work. “More
specifically, ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker, rather than
physically foreing the worker’s body to fit the job. Adapting tasks, work stations, tools, and
equipment to fit the worker can help reduce physical stress on a worker’s body and eliminate
many potentially serious, disabling work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Ergonomics
draws on a number of scientific disciplines, including physiology, biomechanics, psychology,
anthropometry, industrial hygiene, and it can be applied to any place u want either the place
Is college or the place Is school, either it Is hotel or it Is hospital.
Ergonomics, as a science, draws on many oilier disciplines as its base. Ergonomists draw on
sciences like physiology, and biomechanics. In order to understand how to fit the job to the
worker. student or anyone who doing any type of work, an understanding of how the human body
works Is important.
Once there is an undemanding of body mechanics, ergonomists focus on engineering. Equipment
that is "ergonomically engineered” assists in protecting workers from one or more ergonomic risk
factors so why don't we start with student life whenever when studying in schools and college.
➢ Who needs to read Ergonomics: -?
Everyone need to know about ergonomics if you are an employer or an employee in the
manufacturing, construction, maritime, and agricultural industries and you or your employees’.
Either you are a student or you work at any places. The work activities and job conditions
include:
• Repealing the same motion throughout your workday.
• Working in awkward or stationary positions.
• Lifting heavy awkward items.
• Using excessive force to perform tasks, and
• Being exposed to excessive vibration or
• Extreme temperatures.
➢ MSD’s (Musculoskeletal disorders): -
MSDs. or musculoskeletal disorders, are injuries and disorders of the soft tissues (muscles,
tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) and nervous system. They can affect nearly all tissues,
including the nerves and tendon sheaths, and most frequently involve the arms and back.
Occupational safety and health professionals have called these disorders a variety of names,
including cumulative trauma disorders, repealed trauma, repetitive stress injuries, and
occupational overexertion syndrome.
These painful and often disabling injuries generally develop gradually over weeks, months, and years. MSDs usually