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Ergonomics Chapter 13. HS 432. Introduction. Ergonomics (human factors) is the study of human characteristics for the appropriate design of the living and working environment.
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ErgonomicsChapter 13 HS 432
Introduction Ergonomics(human factors) is the study of human characteristics for the appropriate design of the living and working environment. Ergonomics is the application of human biological science in conjunction with engineering to achieve the optimum mutual adjustment of people to their work. Ergonomics deals with the interaction between humans and atmospheric contaminants, heat, light, sound, tools & equipment. The goals of ergonomics range from making work safe through increasing human efficiency to creating human well-being.
Ergonomics interacts with other disciplines & sciences • (Figure 13-21, p. 358), including: • Anthropometrics • measuring the human body • Biomechanics • explaining the functioning of the body and the effects of internal and external stresses on the body • Workplace design • relating the physical characteristics & capabilities of the worker to the design of equipment and the layout of the workplace
Biomechanics • Body strength • Anatomy of different parts of the body. Examples: • Hand (Figures 13-25, 13-26) - understanding the effects and limits of stresses • Back - the effects and limits of stressors such as lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying • Workplace design • Hand tools • Posture • Workplace dimensions
Cumulative Trauma Disorders • CTDs are commonly characterized by discomfort, persistent pain, impairment or disability in joints, muscles, tendons or soft tissue. • It is caused, aggravated or precipitated by repetitive and/or forceful motions • e.g. assembly, meat processing, agricultural work, sewing, packing, keying • Examples of CTDs (Table, p. 411)