BPK 180W - 8 Office Ergonomics 1 - Task Analysis

Introduction to Ergonomics

  • Course Title: BPK180W

  • Subject Focus: Office Ergonomics

  • Instructor: Anne-Kristina Arnold

General Overview of Office Ergonomics

  • Systems Approach:

    • The office is viewed as a system.

    • Application of the PPE model (Personal Protective Equipment).

    • A structured 7-step approach is crucial.

    • Involvement of users throughout the process is vital.

Preparation and Tools Required

  • Necessary Tools:

    • Camera (a cell phone camera is sufficient).

    • Tape measure for accurate dimensions.

    • Data Sheets to record information concerning users, tasks, and environment, alongside conduct of a few visits to gather data.

Planning Stage (1.0)

  • Assessment Goals:

    • Establish objectives and concerns prior to the assessment.

    • Identify needs and budget constraints.

  • Decision Makers:

    • Find out if key decision makers are involved.

    • Identify other individuals participating in the assessment.

  • Ethical Considerations:

    • Informed consent is essential, especially in student projects.

User Profile and Analysis Sheet (Page 5)

  • User Data Includes:

    • Hand and eye dominance.

    • Age and years in the position.

    • Stature metrics (sitting and standing elbow height, eye height).

    • Health metrics (BMI, use of glasses, braces).

Needs Assessment and Benchmarking (2.0)

  • Measurement Areas:

    • Incidence of injuries.

    • Levels of discomfort reported by users.

    • Employee production metrics.

    • Overall employee morale.

Common Health Symptoms in Office Settings (Page 7)

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders:

    • Neck tension, back pain, shoulder tendinitis, elbow conditions, wrist disorders (tendinitis, carpal tunnel).

  • Visual Disorders:

    • Eye fatigue and headaches.

  • Stress Symptoms:

    • General fatigue correlated with job satisfaction.

    • Potential for reduced mental health.

Gathering Information (3.0)

  • Understanding Job Requirements:

    • Clearly define job roles and related tasks.

    • Identify and prioritize critical tasks through analysis.

Prose Description of Tasks (Page 12)

  • Task Definitions:

    • Include who is involved, what tasks are performed, where and how tasks are executed.

    • Use prose to create a sequential description serving as a fundamental step for task analysis.

Task Description Details (Pages 13-14)

  • Identifying Critical Duties:

    • Document hours worked, rest breaks, and daily duties.

    • Mark critical duties and tasks through visual indicators.

Link Analysis

  • Activity Relationship Charts:

    • Graphical representations described communications and interactions within tasks or between humans and machines.

Risk Identification (4.0)

  • Evaluating Risks:

    • Utilize checklists and worksheets to uncover potential ergonomic risks.

    • The aim is to identify rather than assess the severity of risks.

Computer Workstation Checklist (Page 20)

  • Posture Assessment:

    • Review proper ergonomics including sitting posture, wrist alignment, and chair support.

    • Ensure feet are fully supported and thighs are positioned properly.

  • Adjustment Checks:

    • Review ability to adjust chair and footrests for comfort and proper ergonomics.

Environmental Assessments (Page 21)

  • Factors to Consider:

    • Lighting quality and type, noise levels, and general climate concerns.

    • Assess other software quality and potential ergonomic issues.