Origins and Development

Ergonomics is the scientific study and body of knowledge of

human abilities, limitations and characteristics for the
appropriate design of the living and work environments.
It is concerned with ensuring that the work system is
conducive to good performance and work effectiveness,
and consequently that the work environment is
compatible with the health, safety and comfort of
individual. (BCPE, 1993)

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

Anatomy Anthropometry Industrial engineering

Orthopedics Biomechanics Bioengineering

Physiology Work Physiology Systems engineering

Medicine Industrial hygiene Safety engineering

Psychology Management Military engineering

Sociology Labor relations Computer-aided design

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Generate OPTIMAL conditions

Generate ACCEPTABLE conditions

Generate TOLERABLE conditions

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

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Human-centered
Multi-disciplinary
Application-oriented

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Ergonomics has existed as a profession for over

50 years, helping people to succeed in their
jobs and daily living by means such as:
• Reducing human error in system performance
• Reducing hazards to individuals in the work
environment
• Improving system efficiency
• Designing systems with a user focus

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

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Injuries to the musculoskeletal and nervous

systems caused by excessively repetitive
motions, high force and awkward body
postures
Also referred to as Repetitive Motion
Disorders (RMDs) or Repetitive Strain
Injuries (RSIs)

+ , -

Texting

Hands-free

Voice Calls

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

Kitchen Ergonomics Bathroom Ergonomics

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Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

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Proper
posture while
using a
computer

01

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

Make sure you are

at least 20-40
inches from the
display screen
The bottom of your
viewing screen
should be no lower
than a 60 degree
radius from the top
horizontal level
02

Position your VDT

(Monitor) so that the
top of your display
screen is a little below
your horizontal line of
sight while you are
seated Position your computer
monitor directly in front
of you
Monitors should not be
farther than 35 degrees
03 to the left or right

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

Too far Keyboards

should not be
placed too high
or too low
Too near

04

Make adjustments to your chair

so that you can maintain the
proper working posture
Make sure that the back rest
supports the natural S-curve
position
Use footrests

05

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

A good ergonomic
backpack should be
no larger than the
child's back. To
simplify matters you
can take two
measurements off of
a child's back and
use those for the
maximum height and
width of the
backpack.

Road Safety
Street Sign Labels
Pedestrian/Bicycle Lanes
Accessibility for the Differently Abled and the
Elderly
Clothing Design and Goodness of Fit
Garments
Footwear, Eyewear
Head Gears, etc.

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
 Origins and Development

Thank you for your attention!

Aura C. Matias, Ph.D.

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City