Ergonomics is a discipline that involves arranging the environment to fit the person in it. In other words, Ergonomics is the science and the art of fitting the job and the workplace to workers’ needs.

1. Ergonomics
By:
Ihsan Ali Wassan
(14CH18)
Quaid-e-Awam University of
Engineering, Science & Technology,
Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan1
11/04/17

2. Presentation Outlines
 What is Ergonomics?
 Why Ergonomics emerged?
 Types of Ergonomics
 Objectives of Ergonomics
 Effects of Ergonomics
 Ergonomics Risk Factors
 Preventing and Minimising injuries
 Advantages of Ergonomics
 Conclusion
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3. What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is a discipline that involves
arranging the environment to fit the
person in it.
In other words
Ergonomics is the science and the art of
fitting the job and the workplace to
workers’ needs.
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4. Why Ergonomics emerged?
As early as 18th
century doctors noted that workers who required to maintain body
positions for long periods of time developed musculoskeletal problems.
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5. Types of Ergonomics?
Physical ergonomics is the human body’s responses to physical and physiological
work loads. Repetitive strain injuries from repetition, vibration, force, and posture fall
into this category.
Cognitive ergonomics deals with the mental processes and capacities of humans
when at work. Mental strain from workload, decision making, human error, and training
fall into this category.
Organizational ergonomics deals with the organizational structures, policies and
processes in the work environment, such as shift work, scheduling, job satisfaction,
motivation, supervision, teamwork, telecommuting, and ethics.
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6. Objectives of Ergonomics?
 The objective is to improve the efficiency of operation by taking into account a
typical person's size, strength, speed, visual acuity, and physiological stresses, such as
fatigue, speed of decision making, and demands on memory and perception.
 To maximize productivity while lowering the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
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An MSD is a disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood
vessels or spinal discs.
Examples:
•carpal tunnel syndrome,
•tendonitis and
•back disorders.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

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How to reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Maintain Neutral Posture
1. Maintain erect position of back & neck
2. Position equipment & work directly in front of and close to your major tasks
3. Keep upper arms close to the body, elbows 90-100 degrees
4. Keep feet flat on floor, upper body weight resting on “sits bones”
5. Wrists as neutral as possible; safe zone for wrist movement is 15 degrees in all directions
6. Avoid bending neck forward for prolonged periods of
7. Avoid static positions for prolonged time; muscles fatigue-move to circulation!

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Awkward Posture
Being in these work positions for more than 2 hours total per day
• Hands above head
• Back bent forward more than 30 degrees
• Neck bent more than 30 degrees
• Squatting & Kneeling

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Working with the Hands Overhead
For more than 2 hours per day

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Neck or Back Bent Forward More than 30º
For more than 2 hours per day

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Squatting or Kneeling
For more than 2 hours per day

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Pinching 2 or
more pounds
weight or 4
or more
pounds force
Gripping 10 or more
pounds weight or
force
High Hand Force
For more than 2 hours per day

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Ergonomic Solutions
Using foot controls instead of standard mice controls

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Ergonomic Solutions
Lift assist device to eliminate heavy, awkward lifts

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Ergonomic Solutions
Shoulder harness for landscaping tool to reduce hand forces

17. Two classifications of ergonomic injuries
 Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s) – exposure driven
 Strains/Sprains – instantaneous (event driven)
Effects of Ergonomics?
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18. Injury to soft tissue caused by prolonged exposure to multiple ergonomic risk factors
Typically develop in small body segments (i.e. fingers, wrists, elbows, and neck)
Examples:
Tendon disorders
Nerve disorders
Neurovascular disorders
1. Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s)
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19.  Injury to connective tissue caused by single forceful event, lifting heavy objects
in awkward position
 Common to large body segments (i.e. back, legs, and shoulders)
 Risk of injury increases with the presence of multiple risk factors
2. Strains & Sprains
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20. Awkward
Posture
Repetition
Force
Static
Loading
Contact
Stress
Vibration
Ergonomics Risk Factors
Risk of injury increases with:
 Prolonged exposure to any of these ergonomic risk factors
 Presence of multiple risk factors within a single job task
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21. Preventing and Minimising injuries.
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• Take short breaks hourly.
• Every 5 minutes, look away from the screen and focus your eyes on something in the
distance.
• Warm up & stretch before activities that are repetitive, static or prolonged.
• Take frequent breaks from any sustained posture every 20-30 minutes.
• Respect pain- positions or stop painful activity.
• Be aware of workstation environment.

22. Ergo Reminders
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Correct & Incorrect Techniques

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Practice Wellness at Work and Home !
Exercise
Nutrition
Relaxation
Body
Mind
Spirit

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Advantages
 Maximize productivity, efficiency and quality
 Reduce MSD risk by eliminating or minimizing ergonomic risk factors
 Cost savings associated with injury
 help you do work safely
 make you more comfortable & prevent injuries

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• Minimize ergonomic risk factors in your area
• Stretch throughout the shift especially before and after activities that require
awkward positions or lifting
• Pay attention to your body and know your physical limitations
• Report ergonomics issues through appropriate channels.
• Ergonomic injuries are preventable, and you own your own safety
Conclusion

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