Ergonomics and Sensory Functions Review

These flashcards cover the definitions of ergonomics, historical figures, sensory functions, lighting and noise measurement terminology, and specialized ergonomic equipment based on the lecture material.

Ergonomics

The study of working comfortably and efficiently; the science of designing the workplace, tools, equipment, and tasks to fit the worker rather than fitting the person to the job.

Ergon

A Greek word meaning work.

Nomos

A Greek word meaning natural laws.

Frederick Taylor

Often referred to as the Father of modern ergonomics and the Father of Scientific Management; known for methods to improve industrial efficiency.

Taylorism

Another name for Scientific Management, a method developed by Frederick Taylor to improve industrial efficiency.

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth

Two of the first individuals to work on ergonomic activity in the workplace; they published Fatigue Study in 1916 and Applied Motion Study in 1917.

Lillian Gilbreth's ergonomic focus

Emphasized the need for better lighting to reduce eye strain, better fitting chairs to reduce pain, and the implementation of coffee breaks.

Cognitive ergonomics

The major area of ergonomics focusing on mental processes.

Organizational ergonomics

The major area of ergonomics focusing on organizational structures and processes.

Physical ergonomics

The major area of ergonomics focusing on physical interaction between people and their environment.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

Injuries occurring from repeated movement resulting in trauma to muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves.

20-20-20 rule

An ergonomic practice to reduce eye strain: every $20$ minutes, look approximately $20$ feet away for $20$ seconds.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A common ergonomic injury related to repetitive motion and poor hand or wrist posture.

Tendinitis

An ergonomic injury involving the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often resulting from repetitive strain or overuse.

Epicondylitis

Also known as Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis); described as pain or soreness in the outer part of the elbow, typically affecting the dominant arm.

Stimulus-Response (SR) Theory

A theory from Ivan Pavlov stating that conditioned reflexes are the simple units of behavior built from sensory stimuli and motor responses.

Audition

The sense involving the transduction of sound waves from the ear drum in the outer ear to the cochlea in the inner ear.

Cutaneous

Relating to the skin and its sensory receptors.

Tactation

The sense of touch distributed throughout the body.

Olfaction

The sense of smell.

Gustation

The sense of taste.

Cones

Specialized cells in the eyes that act as receivers tuned to specific wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Photometry

The measurement of visible light from a person's perspective.

Luminous flux ($F$)

The measurement of total perceived power emitted in all directions by a light source, measured in lumens ($lm$).

Luminous intensity

The amount of light emitted by a source in a particular direction.

Illuminance ($E$)

The amount of light incident on a surface, measured in lumens per unit area (lux, $lx$) or foot-candles.

Luminance

The total light emitted or reflected from a surface in a given direction, indicating perceived brightness; measured in candela per square meter ($cd/m^2$).

Coefficient of Utilization ($CU$ or $UF$)

The percentage of a lamp's emitted light that reaches the working plane, ranging from $0$ to $1$.

Maintenance Factor ($MF$)

A factor that accounts for the reduction in lighting performance over time due to aging and environment, ranging from $0$ to $1$.

Pure tone audiometry

A test that measures the softest, or least audible, sound that a person can hear, measured in decibels ($dB$).

Normal hearing frequency range

Defined as reaching between $250-8,000\,Hz$ at $25\,dB$ or lower.

Tympanometry test

A test used to detect middle ear problems such as fluid buildup, perforated eardrums, or ossicle bone damage.

Dosimeter

A portable sound measuring device used for employees who are mobile or changing locations.

Low frequency vibration

Vibration in the range of $1-2\,Hz$; causes discomfort and irritability but the least comparable damage.

Middle frequency vibration

Vibration in the range of $2-15\,Hz$; causes more cumulative trauma to the human body.

High frequency vibration

Vibration greater than $20\,Hz$; causes severe effects to the human body.

Anthropometer

An instrument used to measure widths and lengths of human body bones.

Hand Grip Dynamometer

A device used to assess the force generated by muscles, measuring strength, endurance, power, and range of motion.

Purdue Pegboard

A tool that measures gross movements of hands, fingers, and arms, as well as fingertip dexterity; the score is the number of pins placed in $30$ seconds.

Altimeter

A device that measures altitude, which is the distance of a point above sea level.

Lux Meter

A light meter or illuminance meter used by professionals to measure the amount of light in a space.