.Ergonomics.

By : Kris Azavache
Ross Demasi

4/12/2009
[1]
Agenda
1. Definition: What is Ergonomic?
2. History
3. Standards and Applications
4. Examples
5. Conclusion
6. Questions

1. What is Ergonomics? [2]
Ergonomics is about how people, based on their physical
capabilities, can best organize and conduct their activities.

Ergonomics, which is also known as human factors, is a
systematic order which is in the process of understanding and
improving human communications with types of products,
equipment, environments and systems.

Ergonomics is aimed at developing and applying knowledge
and techniques to enhance system performance. It also focuses
on the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals involved.
The concentration of ergonomics is further taken across work,
leisure and other aspects of our daily lives.

2. History of Ergonomics[3]
Ancient Greek's obsession with the appearance and
development of the human body showed an appreciation of how
the human body functions and interacts with objects that are
surrounding it.
The word ergonomics was founded in 1857 by Wojciech
Jastrzebowski and really means the natural laws of work. The
word ergonomic was formed by the Greek words ergon which
means work, and nomos which means natural laws.
Ergonomics increased its role in our culture as the Industrial
Revolution progressed with ideas of how to increase the
production of workers by studying the work that is being done. As
a result of these observations, which at the time was called
Scientific Management, improvements were being made by
auditing a job which was being performed and the type of
material and tools used to complete it, as well as a certain fit'
which could be made that would further improve worker
productivity and development.

Ergonomics is the science of human engineering,
which involves designing a workplace that fits a
person physical dimensions, with the intent of
preventing work-related injuries and illnesses and
increase comfort and productivity [5]

[4]
3. Ergonomic Standards
[6,7,8]

The ergonomics standards are the guidelines, rules,
criteria, etc., that are followed to have uniformity.

In order that this standards are worldwide
recognized, three important organization must
approve them:
1. ISO: International Organization for Standardization
2. IEC: International Electro-technical Commission
3. ITU: International Telecommunications Union

Before Standardization, there were terrible
accidents, for example; during the WWII
aircrafts pilots died because the control panel
was completely different in each plane.
[2]
Ergonomic Standards Continuation
[6,7,8]

Standards are designed to ensure safety and
comfort of working people.

The big problem has been convince companies
and people the importance avoid these
guidelines. In some places is already mandatory.

The are standards for almost anything you can
this at a work place.
Examples of Standards:
[6,7,8]


1. At office:
Principles in the design of work systems
Principles related to mental workload
Guidelines for working posture
Guidelines for workplace environment

2. Ergonomics in Medicine: it is focused to the
patient safety and avoid medical errors. How
doctors, nurse, technician proceed individually
and as team. How must be a health facility
developed to achieve the best results.


Some Applications[6,7,8]
Ergonomics in Motor Vehicle transportation
Military Ergonomic Standards
Ergonomics Guidelines for the design, installation and use
of machine tools
Quality Management standards
Health Planning and organization standards
Noise Level standards
Eye, head, hearing protection, air quality, safety signs etc.


4. Examples
Application of Ergonomics to the office:
The idea is to maintain a safe and comfortable environment
Avoid carpal tunnel
problems!

[9,10]

[11]
[12]
Ergonomic Breakdown: Comfort Factors [13]

iPhone
Courtesy of Apple
The iPhone really doesn't have many comfort factors. It's not that it is
uncomfortable, it's just that cell phones don't have much comfort.
Conclusions
1) It is important to apply the ergonomics standards
to keep a healthy live. Well expend a lot of time at
work, studying, etc.
2) While Ergonomics is a relative new field of study, it
is acquiring relevance worldwide. More companies are
applying ergonomics policies. Probably some day will
be mandatory
3) We need to think about how are we working, about
our postures and habits. It is always a good time to
learn and improve.

Questions?
REFERENCES
[1] http://www2.uiah.fi/projekti/metodi/xmobeli.gif

[2] Karwowski, W.(2005)'Ergonomics and human factors: the paradigms for science, engineering,
design, technology and management of human compatible systems',Ergonomics,48:5,436 463. Article
retrieved October 14, 2009, from Ryerson University Database.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140130400029167

[3] http://hubpages.com/hub/The-History-of-Ergonomics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics

[4] http://www.freemindworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ergonomics.jpg

[5] Chasen, Graig. (2009). Safety manager[s guide to office ergonomics.John Wiley & Sons Publication.
New Jersey. Pp11-26
[6] Salvendy, G., (2006) Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics. Third Edition. Published by John
Wiley & Sons, Inc. New Jersey.



Continuation
[7] ISO (2004), International Standardization Organization Website, http:..www.iso.org

[8] CEN (2004), European Standardization Committed Web site, http://www.cenorm.be

[9] http://www.amaltas.org/media/img/ergonomics-for-power-computer-users/ergonomics1.jpg
[10] Amaltas (2008, April 26) Ergonomics for power computer users . Message Posted to
http://www.amaltas.org/show/ergonomics-power-computer-users.html

[11] http://www.raindesigninc.com/pic/ilap_ergonomics1.gif
http://ergonomics.about.com/od/buyingguide/fr/iphone_2.htm

[12] http://learning.richmond.edu/twiki/pub/OLT/ComputerErgonomics/WorkstationGraphic.gif

[13] http://ergonomics.about.com/od/buyingguide/fr/iphone_2.htm

Other Reference of interest:
Drury, C. G.(2008)'The future of ergonomics/the future of work: 45 years after Bartlett
(1962)',Ergonomics,51:1,14 20
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0014013070180089