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 What
Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics
studies work as it relates to the human body and its limits.
The usual goal is maximum output without physical harm.
Physiology,
biomechanics, anthropometrics, worker selection and
man-machine allocation are the areas of ergonomics most
useful to manufacturing and industrial engineers. The most
prevalent ergonomic related injuries are musculoskeletal; either
from repetition, overload, awkward positions or some combination
thereof.
Ergonomics
& Lean Manufacturing
Ergonomics
is most important at the level of workcell
design and workstation design. By their very nature, well-designed cells relieve many of
the risk factors associated with traditional workstations and
functional layouts. For example, workcells often rotate workers
through an entire process on each cycle. This reduces repetition and
static postures. Workstations also have a direct influence on
musculoskeletal disorders.
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Branches
of Ergonomics
Physiology
In
some respects, the body is analogous to an automobile. In the human
machine, muscles are both cylinders and pistons, while bones and
joints correspond to gears and drive shafts. The muscles oxidize nutrients (fuel)
to produce energy and generate metabolic byproducts (waste). Physiology
studies this energy conversion process. It can reduce
fatigue and improve worker stamina. More>>
Biomechanics
Biomechanics
studies the mechanical forces in human movement. Its
principles can help to minimize damage to muscles, joints,
and tissues. This damage may come from a one-time force, such as
lifting an object that is too heavy or moving an object from an
awkward position. Damage also can come from an accumulation of
small, repetitive forces--Cumulative Trauma Disease (CTD).
More>>
Anthropometry
Anthropometry
studies the dimensions, weights, and strengths of the human body. This data helps to design effective workstations and spaces.
More>>
Allocation
of Functions
Allocation divides work between people and machines. It
determines, to a large extent, the quality of work
experience. A well-thought-out allocation optimizes the interaction
of people and machine elements. Allocation also relates to
Socio-Technical Systems (STS). More>>
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Additional
Articles In This Series
Physiology
Biomechanics In Workstation Design
Anthropometry
Man-Machine Allocation
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Principles of Ergonomics
Ergo Download
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References
ANSI/HFES100-1988,
Human Factors & Ergonomic Society, 1988.
Barnes,
Ralph M., Motion and Time Study, Second Edition, John Wiley
& Sons, New York, 1940. Eastman
Kodak Company, Ergonomic Design for People at Work, Van
NostrandReinhold, New York, 1986. Fraser,
M., the Worker At Work, Taylor & Francis, New York, 1989. Lee,
Q, Nelson W., Amundsen, A., & Tuttle, H., Facilities
and Workplace Design, Institute of Industrial Engineers,
Atlanta, Georgia, 1996. Woodson,
Wesley E. and Conover, Donald W., Human Engineering for Equipment
Design 2nd Rev. Edition, University of California Press, Berkely,
1966. Zandin,
Kjell B. and Maynard, Harold B., Industrial Engineering Handbook
5TH Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001. |
