DI:8.1 ERGONOMICS
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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,
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
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
