ERGONOMICS

    In the past, the man has been first; in the future, the system must be first.(Frederick Winslow Taylor, The Principles of Scientific Management, 1911, p.7)
    Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between people and machines and the factors that affect the interaction. Its purpose is to improve the performance of systems by improving human machine interaction. This can be done by ‘designing-in’ a better interface or by ‘designing-
out’ factors in the work environment, in the task or in the organization of work
that degrade human–machine performance.

DEFINITION

    Ergonomics is defined as “the study of work in relation to the physiological and psychological capabilities and limitations of people”.

• The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words:
• ERGO meaning “work”
• NOMOS meaning “laws”

• Ergonomics focuses on fitting jobs and tasks to the worker that must perform them. 

HISTORY OF ERGONOMICS
• The study of ergonomic dates back from the beginning of the century
• Frederick. W. Taylor (1856-1915) – Father of ergonomics - Mechanical engineer – design of shovels. He designed in order to increase productivity. No ergonomic approach but vague ideas about ergonomics.
• Frank and Lillian Gilbreth (1910) – parents of ergonomics – carried out systematic observations of work and time and motion.
• The foundation of the science of ergonomics appears to have been laid within the context of the culture of Ancient Greece.
• One day Hippocrates gives how a surgeon’s workplace should be designed and how the tools he uses should be arranged. It is also true that archaeological records of the early Egyptians Dynasties made tools, house hold equipment among others that illustrated ergonomic principles.

IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS

• Ergonomics or human factors, is the science of designing equipment, the workplace and even the job to fit the worker it covers a broad spectrum of factors that make up the fit between humans and work.
• Its research enables designers to create equipment better suited to the human form so that it puts less stress on the body, as well as controlling external factors such as light, temperature and noise so workers can be at their most productive for longer.
• It also covers the presentation of information to the worker. By studying the way, the data is presented. Ergonomic researchers can improve the presentation, recognition and retention of the information being presented.
• To develop the optimal conditions for the worker in work environment
• To reduce physiological costs
• To improve productivity
• To facilitate instrument handling
• To maximize human errors ergonomics is essential

GOALS OF ERGONOMICS
• Provide safe and healthful environment engineered to the capabilities of the human body.
• Decreases worker fatigue and discomfort through the elimination or minimization of excess effort.
• Increases efficiency and productivity.
• Improve production by providing designs that reduce the potential for human error.
• Elevate job satisfaction.
• Reduce injuries or illnesses.
• Reduce costs.

OBJECTIVES OF ERGONOMICS
• To improve the relationship between people, equipment, workplace and environment.
• Increase work efficiency and productivity.
• Promote safety and comfort at work station.
• To reduce physical loads.
• To minimize the risk of injuries, illness, accidents and errors without compromising productivity.
• Understand the basic principles of ergonomic workstation setup.
• Conduct the ergonomic workstation setup on our own workstation.
• Know how to source additional assistance as required.

PURPOSE OF ERGONOMICS
• Improve individual and organizational productivity.
• Reduce errors and improve quality.
• Reduce systematic waste.
• Reduce injuries.
• Reduce absenteeism, presenteeism and turnover.
• Improve human and organizational performance, sustainability and well-
being.

BY

Ms.R.Madhumalar,

Assistant Professor