Operational Research Ergonomics

Science of better Human Engineering

Operational Research is study of different
operations for finding optimal solution to a
complex problem.
Objective
To model real life situations in order to find
optimal solution.
Ergonomics is the science which deals with
the relationship between man and his
working environments.
Objective
To optimise the use of man and machine in
order to increase productivity and accuracy
also decreasing physical and mental strain.

Common = Optimization

Application of Ergonomics in Operational Research

Ergonomics variables can be optimised by using operational research for optimal conditions
of a process. If the factor of ergonomics like atmosphere, work load, mental and physical
strain of worker and safety measures of a process which are important to monthly/weekly
productivity of a product or band are determined. They can be optimized by operational
research to achieve higher productivity lower costs and better product quality.

Improvement in Operational Research by Ergonomics

Since main goal of operational research is to optimize real world problems. By integrating
ergonomics in operational research, we can improve the factors that contribute toward the
efficiency of worker. We can find the conditions in which in a worker best interact with an
equipment or process.

For examples consider a process that can be done in two ways such as

A= By standing at appropriate position of machine the worker produces 50 parts/hour while

maximum time he can stand is 2 hours.

B= By sitting at appropriate position of machine the worker produces 27 parts/hour while

maximum time he can it is 3.5 hours.

By applying operational research techniques we can determine how much time a worker
should sit and stand for producing maximum parts.
So the ergonomics can help to improve a process by understanding the constraints and
variables related to worker that can be optimized by using operational research. In this way
ergonomics can introduce a new dimension for optimization in operational research

Mechanism for Implementation and Measurement:-

If we cannot measure a process then we cannot improve it. We can measure various factors
that are related to worker efficiency by anthropometry which involves measurement of
dimension and physical characteristic of body. We can measue various aspects related to
measurement of human body like weight , height , bmi etc.

Two types of measurement can be taken for different types of jobs

 Static measurement for jobs which involve less or no motion of the worker
 Dynamic measurement for jobs which involve motion of works i.e carrying an
equipment

Now by using operational Research we can optimize these measurement such as how much
height should be for a particular job.