Human Factors Ch 1-5

Why should one be concerned with ergonomics?

One should be concerned with ergonomics in order to ensure proper health, safety, and physical and mental satisfaction and well being of workers.

What is the other term for ergonomics that is commonly used in the United States?

Human factors

Define ergonomics.

The study of the interaction between human beings and the objects they use and the environments in which they function.

The term ergonomics was coined by two scientists. Who are they?

Wojciech Jastrzebowski and K.F.H. Murrell

What is the central theme of ergonomics?

fitting the task to the person, by keeping in mind what humans can and will do while designing the machine to be used by the person.

Ergonomics has several objectives. List and discuss.

The three objectives of ergonomics include comfort, well-being, and efficiency.

What is the fundamental assumption of ergonomics?

The fundamental assumption of ergonomics is that equipment, objects, and environmental characteristics influence human performance and thus total human-object system performance.

List and discuss five major costs of ignoring ergonomics.

Five major costs of ignoring ergonomics include: less production output, increased lost time, higher medical costs, higher material costs, and increased absenteeism.

What significance did the industrial revolution play in the emergence of concern for people?

Many new machines were invented during this time period, specifically in the textiles industry. This brought the factory and power age into being and production became optimized without considering human interface. Thus many worker injuries and deaths followed.

What is IEA?

International Ergonomics Association

What is the general expectation from all designers of equipment and systems for human use?

The general expectation is for the designers of equipment and systems of human use to have some ergonomics background.

List and briefly discuss three types of ergonomics problems.

1. Anthropometric- these relate to the dimensional conflict between functional space geometry and the human body; linear body measurements in relationship to workspace

2. Cognitive- cognitive problems arise when there is either information overload or underload under information-processing requirements. Both short term and long term memory may be strained.

3. Musculoskeletal- problems that strain the muscular and skeletal system; they can induce single-incident or cumulative effect trauma.

Discuss HIX

• HIX: a term used to symbolize attention to the human being from start to finish in the design cycle. H= human, I= integrated, X= interchangeable (either design, manufacturing, test, etc)

Is there any accident/injury related justification for ergonomics projects?

Yes, there is clear accident and injury-related justification for ergonomics projects. High Ergonomics-related conditions account for 5 of the top 10 leading work-related diseases and injuries in the U.S. Also, workplace injuries result in over $100 billion annually in direct and indirect costs, including lost wages, reduced productivity, administrative fees, and medical care.

What are the three major layers of a business organization?

Management, administrative and technical functions, and operating functions

What is the primary function of management

To set business objectives consistent with company policy and market conditions; to develop macro plans to obtain these objectives with time reference. With these two objectives, management provides leadership for both technical and administrative and operating functions. Management provides the manufacturing resources to meet the business objectives by selective funding of strategic projects and hiring/layoff decisions.

What role do unions play in the application of ergonomics projects in an organization

The union represents employee concerns at all levels of the organization including management. Effective cooperation between union and management may bring about the implementation of many ergonomic projects that help the organization as a whole.

On which bases could ergonomics projects be justified

1. Productivity increase- linked to cost reduction or increase in output with a constant cost structure

2. Social responsibility- could span a range from appeals to the social consciousness of the firm to the legal responsibilities

1. What types of work does an ergonomist or ergonomics group get engaged in

Types of work include: 

1. corrective work- develop and implement corrective processes or work areas.

2. preventive work- routine review of existing or planned designs that may reveal modification requirements.

List and discuss the kinds of help available in carrying out ergonomics projects

1. Available literature- university and company libraries may be good sources

2. Advisors/ company professionals who have previous experience- they could be contracted or specialized for work

3. Available equipment- equipment meant for data gathering and data analysis; could include audiometers, tape measures, photometers, etc

What are some of the steps suggested for focusing attention on ergonomics

Develop a background, maintain value return on investment, establish customer satisfaction, and assume a design reviewer role.

List and discuss seven indicators for ergonomics attention

1. An unacceptably large number of rejects

2. High material waste

3. Employees frequently complain about job requirements

4. Product quality is low

5. Employees are frequently away from the workplace

6. Employees cannot meet production standards