Ergonomics PowerPoint

1. Ergonomics
Patrick McCrary

2. Ergonomics Defined
Ergonomics is the study of work
Ergonomics is originated from the Greek words…
Ergos - Work
Nomics - “The Study of” “The Principals of”

3. Ergonomics Encompasses...
Sociology
Psychology
Anthropology

4. The Aim of Ergonomics
The aim is to improve and prolong:
1. Human health
2. Safety
3. Performance
This is achieved by:
1. Using sound people
2. Solid workplace principles

5. Environmental Stressors & Factors Include:
Awkward Postures
Cold Temperatures
Contact Stress
Force
Repetition

6. Ergonomic Related Symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis
Tenosynovitis
Trigger Finger
Epicondylitis - Elbow

7. Actions that Cause Ergonomic Symptoms
Repetitive Harmful Motions
Length of Time Spent doing Harmful Motion
Pace the employee Maintains
Amount of Muscle Exertion
Weight an employee works with

8. Physiology and Psychology Roles
1. What are the employees physiological dimensions, capabilities and
limitations?
2. What are the employees psychology capabilities and limitations?

9. Physiology and Psychology Roles
When looking at mental and physical demands, knowledge
in the dimensions of physiology (anthropometry) and
movement (biomechanics) is critical.

10. Physiology and Psychology Roles
Anthropometry is the measurement of physical dimensions
of the human body consisting of two types:
1. Structural or Static
2. Functional or Dynamic

11. Physical Dimensions Types:
1. Structural or Static - Which are body measurements and dimensions of a
subject in a fixed, standardized position. Consisting of stature, sitting height,
body depth, body breadth, eye height (sitting or standing), knuckle and elbow
height, elbow to fist length and arm reach.
2. Functional or Dynamic - consisting of crawling height and length, kneeling
height, overhead reach, bent torso height, and range of movement for upper
body extremities.

12. Process for Protecting Workers
Involving Workers - Assessments, Solution development, and
Implementation involves employees
Identify and provide hazard related information in the workplace
Voice concerns and suggestions in reducing employee exposure to
risk and monitoring the changes made

13. Process for Protecting Workers cont.
Provide Training - Ensure all employees are well trained in new safety features
implemented into the workplace.
Identify Problems - It is critical that conditions that might result in MSDs are
identified and assessed.
Early Reporting - Encourage the early reporting of MSD symptoms. Doing so
can accelerate the assessment and improvement process, helping prevent
or reduce progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries,

14. Process for Protecting Workers cont.
Implement Solutions - Put solutions in place to reduce, control, or eliminate
workplace MSDs.
Evaluate progress - Periodically assess how well implemented solutions are
doing. It is imperative to continuous improvement and long-term success.

15. References
References
Friend, M. A., & Kohn, J. P. (2014). Fundamentals of occupational safety and health.
OSHA. (2017, March). Safety and Health Topics | Ergonomics | Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/