Introduction to Ergonomics

HLTH 212
Chapter 7

Definition
Based on Greek words ergos meaning
work and nomos meaning the study of
Discipline that examines capabilities and
limitations of people
Compilation of information about human
characteristics and their connection with
workplace tools, materials, and facilities

Operator-Machine Systems
Interaction of People-MachinesEnvironment
People

Machine

Environment

 People

Interaction Factors

Psychological capabilities and limitations

Physiological dimensions,capabilities, and limitations
Psychosocial factors

Machine
Workplace layout and design
Distance and position of tools, controls

Environmental
Temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, lighting

People Factor
Psychology--science of human behavior
stresses include boredom, fatigue, memory,
attention, job satisfaction, stress
Mental health affects safety, quality, and
productivity

Physiology is study of function and process

of the human body
workplace demands versus human capability

People Factor
Psychosocial--study of individuals behavior
in group environment
includes attitude formation, leadership styles,
power and influence, employee motivation

All three may occur in isolation or in

combination with one another

Machine Factor
Includes elements such as position of controls
and displays, distance of part storage bins
from worker, table height, furniture design,
tool characteristics
Operator stations used to be designed for
Average worker, but actually fit only 1%
New designs fit range of 90% of workers
5th to 95th percentile

Environmental Factor
Hot temperatures and high humidity
contribute to psychological and
physiological problems
Reduces mental capability to perform work
due to fatigue
Light and workplace illumination
glare, eye strain, too dark, too bright

Anthropometrics

Measurement and collection of the physical

dimensions of the body
Structural or static anthropometry
subjects in fixed standardized positions
stature sitting height, body depth, body breadth, eye height,
knuckle height, elbow height, elbow to fist length, arm reach

Functional or dynamic anthropometry

measurements during activities
crawling height, overhead reach, bent torso height, ROM for
upper body extremities

Biomechanics
Study of the mechanical operation of the human
body
science of motion and force in living organisms

Function of body components is monitored and job

requirements modified to lower internal and external
stresses
Dynamics--study of moving bodies
Statics--study of bodies at rest (equilibrium of
forces)

Classification of Body Movement

Physiological vs. operational categories
Physiological categories
Abduction/adduction, circumduction
Flexion/extension
Neutral plane deviation
ulnar deviation--hand bend toward little finger
radial deviation--hand bend toward thumb

Rotation--turning of head or arm

Supination (palm up) /pronation (palm down)

Operational Categories
Positioning--moving an object and corresponding

extremity from one position to another

Continuous movement--single movement involving muscle to
adjust or guide machine
Manipulative movement--handling or assembling of parts
Repetitive movements--same movements occur over and over
Sequential movements--series of movements in order
Static movements--maintaining position of body member to
hold something in place