1.1 ERGONOMICS

 

• There are a variety of areas for ergonomic analysis

- manufacturing - reducing worker stress (physiological) can reduce health problems (lost days), decrease product cost and increase product quality.

- consumer - increasing ease of use can increase utility of the product.

 

• Ergonomics is the basis for many design methods such as DFA

 

• Ergonomics takes into account,

- body proportions

- strength

- desired function

 

• Non-ergonomic designs typically lead to personal injuries (and hence lawsuits, etc.)

 

• Typical ergonomic problems in manufacturing are listed along with possible solutions,

discomfort - uneeded strain on worker (e.g. hunching over)

1. training for proper lifting methods

2. rearrange operation locations and sequence to reduce unnatural motions.

efficiency - unnatural motions slow production

1. training for proper lifting methods

2. rearrange operation locations and sequence to reduce unnatural motions.

cummulative trauma disorders - muscle strain injuries (lifting 30lb packages all day)

1. training for proper lifting methods

2. use special lifting equipment

repetitive stress injuries - repeated motions. For example carpel tunnel syndrome in the wrists.

1. rearrange operation locations and sequence to reduce unnatural motions.

2. use ergonomically redesigned equipment (e.g. computer keyboards)

information overload/confusion - excessive, inappropriate or a lack of detail. (e.g. fighter pilots, airtraffic controllers)

1. redesign displays to be clear with a minimum amount of good information

2. use of color coding and pictures

3. simplify controls to minimum needed

eye strain - fine focus or bad lighting

1. adjust lighting

2. use magnifying lenses

noise - direct hearing or annoyance. (e.g., piercing tones, just too noisy)

1. special hearing protection equipment

2. redesign workspace to reduce noise reverberation

3. redesign equipment to reduce sound emmisions