Ergonomics and Human Factors Fundamentals: An introduction

1. Ergonomics and Human Factors
Fundamentals:
An Introduction
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Das, PhD

11.  ‘Ergonomics’ : derived from Greek words ergo (work)
and nomos (laws)
 Ergonomics is the study of natural laws of governing work.
 This field of study addresses the issues at the human
machine interface.
 Human factors engineering and human factors, close
synonyms in U.S.
 Ergonomics For
 Right fit
 Improved performance
 Better Quality of life

13. Definition
Ergonomics (or Human Factors) is the scientific discipline
concerned with the understanding of interactions among
humans and other elements of a system, and the profession
that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in
order to optimize human well being and overall system
performance.
Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks,
jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make
them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of
people.
(International Ergonomics Association)

14. person Task,
m/c
environment
Man Machine Environment (MME) System

15. MME System
person task
environment
organization workstation

17. Domains of Ergonomics
 Physical ergonomics
 Cognitive ergonomics
 Organizational ergonomics
(International Ergonomics Association)

20. Evaluation of physical work
Energy input out put balance
Work method
Motion study
(for identifying MSD risk
factor)
Production study
Efficiency
Quality
Anthropometry
Work posture
OWAS
RULA
REBA
Body discomfort Ergo-risk evaluation
OWAS: Analysis of postural load during work
RULA: Rapid upper limb assessment
REBA: Rapid entire body assessment

26. Objectives
To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness with
which the work and other activities are carried
out.
To enhance the certain human values, including
improved safety, reduced fatigue & stress,
increased comfort, greater user expectation,
increased job satisfaction and improve quality of
life.

28. Ergonomic Applications: designErgonomic Applications: design
 Vehicle Seat
Contour
 Computer
Keyboards
 Work Station Design
 Furniture Design

29. Applications: work and product safetyApplications: work and product safety
 Risk Factor Analysis
 Work Site Analysis
 Accident Surveillance
 Task Analysis
 Work Capacity Assessment

30. The Best Way to Lift Bricks
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth: “…to lift 90 pounds
of brick at a time is most advantageous
physiologically as well as economically …”
Bricks/Lift 1 18 24
Weight/Lift (lbs) 5 90 120
Work/Hour (kcal) 520 285 450
Bricks/Hour 250 600 300
“Human Factors” in Design
Optimal Procedure

31. 1. User Orientation: Design and application of tools,
procedures, and systems must be user-oriented, rather
than just “task” oriented
2. Diversity: Recognition of diversity in human
capabilities and limitations, rather than “stereotyping”
workers/users
3. Effect on Humans: Tools, procedures, and systems are
not “inert”, but do influence human behavior and well-
being
Ergonomics doctrine: Six Pillars of
Ergonomic Design
Sanders M. S., and McCormick E. J.,1993

32. 4. Objective Data: Empirical information and
evaluation is key in design process, rather than just
use of “common sense”
5. Scientific Method: test and retest hypothesis with
real data, rather than “anecdotal” evidence or
“good estimates”
6. Systems: object, procedures, environments, and
people are interconnected, affect one another, and
do not exist in “isolation”
Sanders M. S., and McCormick E. J.,1993
Ergonomics doctrine: Six Pillars of
Ergonomic Design

33. Ergonomics - basic
framework
Ergonomics - basic
framework
Working Capacity
Task OutcomeWork Design
Task Demands

34. Working capacityWorking capacity
 Age
 Sex
 Selection
 Training
 Lifestyle
 Motivation
 Adaptive Reserves

35. Ergonomics: work design and
adaptation
Ergonomics: work design and
adaptation
 Task Design
 Systems Design
 Product Design
 Workstation Design
 Interface Design
 Information Design
 Environment Design

36. 1. NOT just applying “universal” checklists
and guidelines blindly
2. NOT using oneself as the model for design
since there is diversity and variation
3. NOT just using common sense since must
be based on real data and information
What is not Ergonomics?

37. Development of Ergonomics
 1950s: Military Ergonomics
 1960s: Industrial Ergonomics
 1970s: Consumer product Ergonomics
 1980s: Human-computer interaction and
software Ergonomics
 1990s: Cognitive Ergonomics and organization
Ergonomics
 2000s: Global communication, internet, and
virtual collaboration
 Next:?

38. Emerging Areas in Ergonomics:
Six Sigma and Ergonomics
Remove variability from process inputs to yield defect-
free outputs.
If people are involved in the process, the specific tasks
they perform are considered inputs.
Poor site lines, awkward postures, excessive exposure
to force, repetition, and vibration, all contribute to
input variability.
Ergonomics applies information about human
capabilities to minimize variability.

39. Ergonomics in the DMAIC Process

40. Thank You
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Das, MPT (Musculoskeletal),
Fellow (PhD) NITIE- Ergonomics & Human Factors,
Mail: sanjib_bpt@yahoo.co.in
Contact No.: +91 8879485847
India