FACTORS OF ERGONOMICS

 

Human Factor

It is a scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interaction among human and other elements of system and the professions with physically, biologically, and psychologically in relation to particular environments, products or services which applies to the design, operation or use of products or system for optimizing human performance, health, safety and habitability. Human factors are set of structured methods and principles for identification, quantification and evaluation of the user’s needs and tasks for the development of systems, products, services, and environments.

It is devoted to the effects of user or operators interface design, job aiding, and personnel training in the operation, maintenance, and installation of working equipment. Consideration of Human factors can help identify operations susceptible to human error and improve working conditions and environments to reduce fatigue and inattention.

Biological- People are different from each other and everyone has their limitations based on body shape/sizes, height, congenital defects, vision, hearing, emotional & physical stress, educational levels, and physical restrictions.

Behavioral-People have predictable reactions such as attitude, lifestyles, job satisfaction or employer relationships, Time stress (no time for lunch, breaks, stretching), work culture, interaction with co-workers and personal problems

Lifestyle  influences-obesity, lack of physical fitness, age and gender, hobbies/leisure/sports, smoking, medical/psychological factors, injuries/illness, stress

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries or illnesses to soft body tissue such as: Muscles, Nerves, Tendons, Ligaments, Joints, Cartilage, and spinal discs. MSD is not including the injuries caused by slips, trips, falls or other similar types of accidents or injuries. Severity of MSD can differ from mild, periodic symptoms to severe ,chronic and debilitating conditions

 


Signs and Symptoms of MSD

Aching                                                       Burning     

Cramping                                                   Loss of Color

Numbness                                                  Pain

Swelling                                                    Stiffness

Tingling                                                     Weakness

Risk Factors

Risk factors refers as the elements of workstation design or employee action that can result in MSDs. Risk factor is not always a causation factor and the level of the risk depends on length of time a worker is exposed to those conditions, how often the employees are exposed, and the level of exposure. Usually combination of risk factors contributes to cause MSDs

-Environmental factors

-Psychosocial and Behavioral


Environment factor

1. Heat – It effects the blood circulation and causes cramps, rashes/burns and general discomfort

2. Cold- It effects body’s blood circulation which causes hypothermia and loss of flexibility.

3. Lighting- Poor lighting environment contribute poor vision, poor coordination and fall hazards. It may cause headaches, muscle strains, fatigue, and eye strain.

4. Vibrations-Excessive vibrations cause pain to muscle, joints, and internal organs. Not only that but also it may effect on soft tissue trauma to the hands, arms, feet and legs

5. Noise- The sounds which peaks above 100 decibels cause headaches< increase blood pressure, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and distraction.

Psychosocial and Behavioral


1. Force – Excessive effort needed to accomplish tasks such as pulling, pounding, pushing, and lifting

2. Repetition- repetitive sequences of motions over and over for long time

3. Awkward posture- Conducting work related tasks prolonged bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting or twisting

4. Stationary position-Staying in one position for long time, it may cause fatigue in muscles and joints

5. Contact stress- Prolonged contact of the body with a hard surface or edge.


(Oregon OSHA, n.d.)

How to Reduce Ergonomic Risk Factors 
  • Ergonomic Risk factors can be reduced by,
  • Engineering Improvements
  • Administrative Improvements
  • Personal Protective Equipment

Engineering improvements include rearranging, modifying, redesigning, or replacing tools, equipment, workstations, packaging, parts, or products. These improvements can be very effective and important because they may reduce or eliminate contributing factors.  As an example, if the job requires sitting for long periods of time, having an adjustable seat or foot stool is suitable. Therefore, employee’s knees are higher than their hips help protect the lower back.

Administrative improvements encourage changing work practices or the way work is organized.

• Providing variety in jobs

• Adjusting work schedules

• Providing recovery time (i.e., muscle relaxation time)

• Modifying and changing the rhythm of work practices

• Ensuring regular housekeeping and maintenance of work spaces, tools, and equipment 

• Encouraging exercise

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes gloves, knee and elbow pads, footwear, and other items that employees wear during their work. PPE is  utilized to protect individuals from the risks of injury and infection while minimizing or reducing exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards associates during the day today work  (Occupational Safety and Health Administration,2018)

References

japet (2023).All you need to know about MSDs [Online].Available at: https://en.japet.eu/ressources/latest-articles/msds/ (Accessed:20 November 2023)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2018). Identifying and Addressing Ergonomic Hazards Workbook Midwest Worker Center Ergonomic Training Project [Online].Available at: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy15_sh-27643-sh5_ErgonomicsWorkbook.pdf (Accessed:20 November 2023)


Oregon OSHA, (n.d.) The Advantages of Ergonomics. ergoadvantages[Online].Available at: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/ergo/ergoadvantages.pdf (Accessed:23 November 2023)



Comments

  1. Mayumi WicramashingheNovember 23, 2023 at 4:32 PM

    Hi Lakshani,
    This article provides a comprehensive overview of ergonomics, emphasizing the impact of human, biological, and behavioral factors, particularly in the context of musculoskeletal disorders. The detailed exploration of risk factors adds depth to understanding workplace considerations.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DiliniDassanayakeNovember 27, 2023 at 4:06 PM

    The article emphasizes the importance of considering various human factors when designing systems and environments to enhance human well-being and performance. Very important article and added a lot of knowledge. thank you

    ReplyDelete

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