OPERATOR-

MACHINE SYSTEMS
OPERATOR-MACHINE SYSTEMS
With safety practices and ergonomically designed systems,
problems such as high absence because of sickness, unnecessary
disruptions, and rejects, can be solved. Tools and workstations must
be designed in such a way (ergonomically) to avoid strain on the
operator.
OPERATOR-MACHINE SYSTEM STRUCTURES

Relationship : Human and Machine contact

OPERATOR-MACHINE SYSTEM STRUCTURES

The interaction between the operator and machine takes place in at

three levels of activities:

Rule-based activities: The activities are carried out by the

operator after he recalls the rules of controlling the machine.
These rules are learned thorough training and by experience.

Skilled-based activities: The activities are carried out

subconsciously and automatically by “natural sensory motor
subroutines” of the operators (very skilful operators).

Knowledge based activities: are based on problem-solving and

planning (no rules). Operators rely on their knowledge about
the goals to be achieved by the machine or mfg system.
ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the study of interaction between the worker and the
process at the workplace. Ergonomics helps the operator work most
efficiently.
Example
Ergonomically designed tool is one that allows people to do
their appointed tasks in the most efficient way. The tool can be
designed to avoid exposing the operator to physical load, noise,
vibration, and dust.
The benefits of an ergonomic program

• Decreased injuries, illnesses, and workers’ compensation

costs.
• Increased efficiency at work.
• Increased physical well being.
• Decreased absenteeism and turnover.
• Increase in employee morale.
Ergonomic related injuries

May be called:
• CTD’s (cumulative trauma disorders)
• RSI’s (repetitive stress injuries)
• RMI’s (repetitive motion injuries)

Which are all considered:

• MSD’s (musculoskeletal disorders). MSD’s can affect
muscles, tendons, nerves, joints and spinal disks.
What is Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

(Cumulative = increasing in strength or effect)

CTDs or repetitive stress injuries are work-related
musculoskeletal impairments caused by repetitive and straining
motions.
Cumulative indicates that the injuries develop gradually, trauma
indicates body injury from mechanical stress, and disorders refers
to physical ailments or abnormal conditions.
Common types of MSD’s

• Tendonitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Neck and Back injuries
• Strains/Sprains
• Bursitis
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Trigger finger
Industry Risk for MSD’s
If there is an issue, how to deal with it?

Recognize Control

What is the issue now? Design new way of

Find the difficulty of work handling the
done…. process…
Case 1 : Identify the ergonomic issue and possible
solution
Case 1 : (Solution) Re-design the structure of seat
position to be remobilize (easy to moving back
forward)
Case 1 : Result comparison Before vs After
improvement
Before After
Case 2 : Identify the ergonomic issue and possible
solution
Case 2 : Solution – redesign the position
Signs of CTDs

Loss of strength, numbness, inflammation in tendons,

soreness, achiness in neck, shoulders, arms, and hand.
Solution:
A sufficient interval of rest time between episodes will
reduce the risk of developing CTDs of the operators.
EXERCISE
-reduce muscle fatigue
-improve circulation
Example of motion
Example of motion
Example of motion
Recognize Control
Benefit of implementing Ergonomics in the workplace

• We work smarter, not harder.

• Quality, comfort and safety make us more productive and
happy people.
• Stay Healthy and Safe, Take action!!!