Ergonomics

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Ergonomics is the scientific, interdisciplinary study of individuals and their physical relationship to their environment.

Ergonomics

The word, ergonomics, is derived from the greek words ergos meaning "work" and nomos meaning "laws"; therefore, we have the laws of work.

Ergonomics can be further defined as the design of the workplace, equipment, machine, tool, product, environment, and system, taking into consideration human's physical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychological capabilities.

Other related and similar terms are:

• Human Factors
• Human Factors Engineering
• Human Engineering
• Engineering Psychology
• Fitting the task to the individual

The application of ergonomic principles can result in:

• increased productivity
• improved health and safety
• increased job satisfaction
• increased work quality
• lower worker turnover
• lower lost time at work
• lower worker's compensation claims
• less likelihood of OSHA fines

Industrial vs Office Ergonomics

The cause and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in industrial environments requires multidisciplinary cooperation and involve a much wider range of variables than office environments.  For example, environment issues like cold, vibration, and protective clothing are typically not a concern in office environments.  The range of tasks in industrial environments is almost indescribable.  Just think -- every object you encounter during your day was manufactured somewhere and most had some human involvement. In addition, there are all the maintenance people keeping the facility, machinery, workstations in good working order.  Others are stocking parts while others are generatingshipping labels and loading trucks.  Entire departments are dedicated to rework and repair.  There are product testers and inspectors, laboratory workers, and forklift drivers.  Some stand on ladders while others lay on their backs, stand at a workstations, or sit at a desk.

Different types of assembly processes have different risks for musculoskeletal disorders.  Progressive assembly versus non-progressive assembly, machine paced versus self paced, piece part versus hourly pay -- all have unique concerns relative to musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries.

Material handling and product positioning are two of the key areas of concern because of the force requirements.  Force, coupled with awkward posture and repetition is a recipe for the development of musculoskeletal disorders.

Some folks work on items so small that all work is done with the aid of a high powered microscope while others are installing large tires on dirt moving equipment.  You have the Swiss watch and pacemaker assemblers, the circuit board repair folks, the people that wire up communications switching units, and the auto chassis assemblers.

Each of these examples has their own risks for work related musculoskeletal disorders.  I look forward to input from all walks of industrial life.

Last Updated: 01/30/02