ERGONOMICS

Topic 1 – Introduction to Ergonomics

1. What is Ergonomics?
Ans: The word ergonomics comes from the Greek ‘ergo (work)’ and ‘nomos (law)’. Ergonomics is the
process of designing or arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that they fit the people who use
them. European ‘ergonomics’ has its roots in work psychology, biomechanics and workstation design.
The task of ergonomics is to develop such conditions for workers, which are necessary to reduce physical
workload, improve working postures, facilitate instrument handling, and thus improves the quality of
working life, reduce fatigue, maximize the efficiency of production operators, and minimize human
errors.
Ergonomics helps to study the effect of the working environment on health and safety and turn on
productivity. The workers’ interest in the job to a greater extent depends on how comfortable and safe
is the workplace.

2. What is the objective of the Ergonomic Program?

Ans: The objective of the study of ergonomics is:
1. To optimize the integration of man and machine to increase productivity with accuracy. It involves
the design of:
(a) A workplace suitable for the worker,
(b) Machinery and controls, to minimize mental and physical strain on the worker to enable the
improvement in efficiency,
(c) A favorable environment for performing the task most effectively,
(d) Task and work organization.
2. To take care of the factors governing the physical and mental strain (i.e. fatigue) to get maximum
satisfaction for the worker which at the same time enhances the productivity.
3. Attempts to minimize the risk of injury, illness, accidents, and errors without compromising
productivity.
4. To improve the design of the machine at the initial design stage or later whenever the existing
product or process is modified.

3. What is the purpose of Ergonomics?

Ans: Ergonomics can roughly be defined as the study of people in their working environment. More
specifically, an ergonomist designs or modifies the work to fit the worker, not the other way around. The
goal/purpose is to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury due to work.
Again, the purpose of ergonomics is to effectively eliminate or control Work-related Musculoskeletal
Disorders (WMSD) and hazards by providing management leadership and employee involvement in the
 identification and resolution of hazards and by providing training, medical management, and evaluation
as an ongoing process.
The goal of ergonomics is to reduce our exposure to work hazards. A hazard is defined as a physical factor
within our work environment that can harm our bodies. Ergonomic hazards include working in awkward
or uncomfortable postures and using excessive force or high repetition to complete a task. Ergonomics
focuses on changing the work environment, modifying a task by using ergonomically friendly equipment
or using different work procedures to improve efficiency and to reduce the risk of discomfort or
injury. Improve ergonomic intelligence by avoiding these issues:
• Awkward postures • Forceful exertions
• Repetitive tasks • Lifting heavy objects

4. What is the human factor?

Ans: "Human factors refer to environmental, organizational and job factors, and human and individual
characteristics, which influence behavior at work in a way which can affect health and safety".
Human factors are the science of people at work. It is primarily concerned with understanding human
capabilities, and then applying this knowledge to the design of equipment, tools, systems, and processes
of work. Human factors can use input from many disciplines (e.g. designers, engineers, psychologists,
managers) and are considered a mix of engineering and psychology. The field of human factors can be
seen to have four main goals: enhancing safety, reducing error, enhancing comfort, and increasing
productivity.

5. What is human factors engineering?

Ans: Human factors engineering (HFE) is a discipline concerned with the design of tools, machines, and
systems that take into account human capabilities, limitations, and characteristics. The goals are to
design for safe, comfortable, and effective human use. HFE is based on design-related aspects of several
biomedical disciplines, including anthropometrics, biomechanics, and cognitive psychology, which covers
models and theories of human performance, memory, and attention.
HFE is a sub-part of ergonomics that is just related to man-machine interface leaving other parts of the
environment of an organization that is covered under ergonomics e.g.: organization policies are part of
ergonomics but not HFE.

6. Differentiate among Ergonomics, human factors, and human factors engineering (HFE).
Ans:
 Ergonomics Human Factors or HFE
Ergonomics is the study of human HFE is concerned mainly with the human
limitations, abilities, and characteristics in being and their interactions in the
the workplace. workplace.
It is originated in Europe. It is originated in North America.
Ergonomics deals with the total HFE is only related to the man-machine
environment related to humans and the interface leaving other parts of the
workplace. environment of organizations.
Roots: Psychology, Biomechanics, and Roots: Experimental psychology, Focus on
Workstation design. human performance and System design.
E.g.: Drill machine (workstation) design. E.g.: Switch in the classroom.

7. What is the application of Ergonomics in Industry?

Ans: Ergonomics is profitably applied in the following three areas:
a) Design of Man-Machine Systems: A man-machine system is a system where one or more
workmen/human beings work with one or more machines, devices, or equipment. Ergonomics is
applied to adapt such systems to provide maximum job satisfaction, comfort, and minimum
physiological and mental load to the operator of the system.
b) Design of Consumer Goods and Service Systems: Ergonomics is applicable in the design of consumer
goods starting from the design of toothbrushes and other items such as dining sets; sofa sets;
kitchenware, household fittings table, shoes, etc. Similarly, protective equipment such as safety
goggles, adverse weather, and space clothing, gloves, crash helmets, firefighting, and industrial
hazard protection and appliances, etc. should also be economically sound.
c) Design of Working Environment: While designing a proper working environment for the
workforce/workers at work, the various factors related to ergonomics such as human endurance of
illumination, pollution, noise heating, and ventilation should be taken into consideration. This aspect
should be taken into consideration at each stage right design up to real utilization or actual service.
In short, the applications of Ergonomics in Industry are – Workplace design, Product design, Furniture
design, Machine design, Ventilation, Lighting, Acoustics, Building orientation, Maintenance.

8. Why Ergonomics is or human factors are important for IPE Engineers?

Or, Discuss in brief, the importance of ‘Human factors engineering in industries’. 2019-6 (Quite Similar)
Or, Why ergonomics is necessary for industries? 2018-6 (Quite Similar)
Or, “Ergonomics is the science that saves lives and money”-justify. 2012-6
 Ans: All around the world, occupational health and safety is a major concern within all economic sectors
and particularly within industries. Ergonomics is an important part of research in the product
development process. Its purpose is to increase the safety, comfort, and performance of a product or an
environment, such as an office. Industrial ergonomics could be defined as the branch of science that aims
at achieving an optimal fitting of the work environment and job activities to the worker. The work
environment can affect a worker’s performance in many different ways varying from health damage to
effects that reduce the individual’s ability to perform a task or increase those that cause dissatisfaction
and uncooperative attitudes.
Ergonomics uses anthropometrical data to determine the optimum size, shape, and form of a product,
and make it easier for people to use. This is important when you consider how much individuals vary in
terms of:
• body size • mobility • experience • emotions

• body shape • sensory sensitivity • training

• strength • mental ability • culture

The existence of adequate ergonomic conditions is essential to guarantee optimal performance of work
and to preserve the most important asset of an enterprise: the human capital. The best way to achieve
this is to implement ergonomic principles from design (of machines, production processes, management
systems…), and there the industrial engineer acquires greater prominence.
Taking all this into account, ergonomics should be included in the training of all industrial engineers, as
ergonomic principles should accompany them throughout their whole professional life.

Topic 2 – Relationship between man, machine & system

1. Explain in brief the relationship among the job factors, the operators, the tools, the workstation, and
the work measurement. 2014-6
Ans: At the workplace, ergonomics places equal emphasis upon the enhancement of system efficiency
and improved health of the individuals. Ergonomics must be involved in fitting the tool and machine to
the worker by design, fitting the worker to the machine by selection and training, and the optimization
of the ambient environment to suit the man or the adoption of the man to make the environmental
conditions user friendly’s comfortable.
To fulfill the general aim of ergonomics, in integrating man-machine and man-environment relations, the
interaction among those elements must be optimized. The following figure shows the operator’s
interaction with the tool, the immediate workplace around him, and the work environment in which he
has to work.
2. Or, “Human-machine interface requires interdisciplinary knowledge of biomechanics, system design”
– explain the statement. 2014-6, 2018-7
Or, With a neat sketch, briefly describe the human-machine interface at a computer workstation. Does
the man-m/c interface require interdisciplinary knowledge of bio-mechanics, system design? 2019-8
Ans: The interdisciplinary nature of ergonomics is obvious when one notes the mixed professional
background of ergonomists. They come from a variety of professions—engineering, psychology, and
medical professions, to mention a few. Interdisciplinary knowledge is required –
i. to formulate system goal
ii. to understand the function requirement
iii. to design a new system
iv. to analyze the system
v. to implement the system
 Fig: Analysis of the human-machine interface requires interdisciplinary knowledge of biomechanics,
cognitive psychology, and systems design methodology.

Yes, the man-m/c interface requires interdisciplinary knowledge of bio-mechanics, system design.
Because it is easy to consider the biological system as levers in bio-mechanics that is the study of the
structure, function, and motion of the mechanical aspects of biological systems, at any level from whole
organisms to organs, cells, and cell organelles, using the methods of mechanics. In the man-m/c
interface, for fitting humans into the machine, we need knowledge of the biological system but it is
difficult to understand for an engineer. Thus we use the easier concept ‘biomechanics’. Now, system
design refers to the development of a system or method for a unique situation which is also necessary
for designing the man-machine interface.

3. Explain in brief the interdisciplinary nature of ergonomics. What are the principles of ergonomics?
2015-7
Ans: 1st part is similar to the previous question’s answer. So, now the principles of ergonomics are – (link)
Principle 1 – Work in Neutral Postures
Principle 2 – Reduce Excessive Force
Principle 3 – Keep Everything in Easy Reach
Principle 4 – Work at Proper Heights
Principle 5 – Reduce Excessive Motions
Principle 6 – Minimize Fatigue and Static Load
Principle 7 – Minimize Pressure Points
Principle 8 – Provide Clearance
Principle 9 – Move, Exercise, and Stretch
Principle 10 – Maintain a Comfortable Environment
Principle 11 – Make displays and controls understandable
Principle 12 – Improve work organization
4. Write down the 10 basic principles that summarize the field of physical ergonomics. 2012-8
Ans: Same as 2nd part of previous question’s answer.

5. Describe Man-Machine / Man—Environment / Student –teacher / Student –Workshop interaction.

Ans: When considering man-machine interaction, it is also useful to consider them as a complete
information flow loop. If efficient work needs to be done, all parts must function properly.
The interaction of the operator with the immediate workplace around him/her is influenced by many
factors. They include items such as the seat design, the working desk, the controlling consoles, and
adjacent machines. These immediate work tools may affect the position and postures of the users and
thus their comfort and efficiency.

Fig: Man-machine interaction.

6. Show in figure Procedure for design and redesign of a system.

Ans: In designing a workplace, the existing situation must first be analyzed, new design solutions must
be synthesized, and these design solutions must be analyzed again. The design process may be described
using a control loop, as shown in the following figure. Through successive design iterations, sometimes
over extended periods, design is improved. From the feedback loops in the following figure, it also follows
that design is a never-ending activity. There are always opportunities for improvements or modifications.
 Fig: Procedure for design and redesign of a system.

7. What is Cognitive Psychology? What is its application?

Ans: Cognitive psychology involves the study of internal mental processes—all of the things that go on
inside our brain, including perception, thinking, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and
learning. While it is a relatively young branch of psychology, it has quickly grown to become one of the
most popular subfields.
There are numerous practical applications for this cognitive research, such as providing help coping with
memory disorders, increasing decision-making accuracy, finding ways to help people recover from brain
injury, treating learning disorders, and structuring educational curricula to enhance learning.

8. Using a figure, discuss a production environment/operator system. In the same figure, show the
human-environment interaction. 2015-7
Ans: From book page 6

Topic 3 – Anthropometry
1. What is Anthropometry?
Ans: Anthropometry comes from the Greek word ‘Anthropos – human’ and ‘metron – measure’. It refers
to the measurement of the human individual. An early tool of physical anthropology has been used for
identification, and to understand human physical variation. Anthropometry involves the systematic
measurement of the physical properties of the human body, primarily dimensional descriptors of body
size and shape. Since commonly used methods and approaches in analyzing living standards were not
helpful enough, the anthropometric history became very useful for historians in answering questions
that interested them.
2. What is the basic philosophy of Ergonomics?
Ans: The basic philosophy of ergonomics is to design workstations that are comfortable, convenient, and
productive at the workplace. Ideally, workstations should be designed to fit both the body and the mind
of the operator. Anthropometry is not only a concern about appropriate working height but also about
how the operator can easily access controls and input devices.

3. Discuss 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile with a suitable figure. 2019-5
Ans: Anthropometric measures are usually expressed as
percentiles. The most common are the 5th, 50th, and 95th
percentile measures. Anthropometric data are usually
normally distributed. A normal distribution is
characterized by its mean value (M) and its standard
deviation (SD). As long as we know these two values of
distribution, it is possible to calculate any percentile
value. For example, the 95th percentile equals the mean
value plus 1.65 SD and the 5th percentile equals the mean Figure: Anthropometric data that
minus 1.65 SD. are usually normally distributed.

The common procedure is to design for a range of populations from the 5th percentile (small operator)
to the 95th percentile (large operator). The choice of 5th and 95th percentiles is traditional. The greater
the design range, the greater the cost. It is more expensive to design for the 5th to 95th percentile range
than for the 10th to 90th percentile range.

4. Distinguish between static anthropometry and dynamic anthropometry. State the anthropometry
design motto. 2019-6
Ans:
Static Anthropometry Dynamic Anthropometry
Taken when the body is fixed/static position. Taken under conditions in which the body is
engaged some physical activities.
E.g.: Skeletal dimensions (between the center E.g.: In most physical activities (where one is
of joints, such as between elbow and the wrist) operating the steering wheel, assembling a
or of contour dimensions and surface mousetrap, or reaching across the table for the
dimensions such as head circumference. salt.

The anthropometrics design motto:

• Let the small person reach.
 • Let the large person fit.
The anthropometric motto implies that reach distances should be designed for the small i.e. 5th
percentile individuals, whereas clearance dimensions should be designed for the large i.e.
95th percentile individuals.

5. Write down ten major physical principles of workstation design. 2018-10, 2014-10
Or, Discuss the physical principles of a workstation. 2010-10
Or, Write the guidelines for workstation design. 2012-7
Ans: The principles are –
1. Keep the number of items that are touched by the hand to a minimum. Minimize the number of hand
tools, the number of different parts, and the number of controls.
2. Arrange the items (controls, hand tools, and parts) so that the operator can adjust his/her posture
frequently.
3. Consider preferences in hand movements. People can
move their hands both faster and with much better
precision through an arc than the horizontal or vertical
movement.
4. Consider preferences in handedness. Handedness is
important in the design of hand tools, particularly
those intended for tasks that require skill and
dexterity.
5. Organize items in the workplace.
6. Distinguish between primary and secondary items.
Primary items are those that are used most frequently
and secondary items are those that are not used as frequently.
7. Divide the tasks into subtasks, each forming a logical unit. For very short tasks this may not be
important, but for a more comprehensive task, it is more desirable.
8. Divide the worktable into several areas, one for each subtask. This may be practical only for
comprehensive tasks where there are many items to keep track of.
9. Identify primary and secondary movement envelopes on the worktable.
10. Put a primary item in the primary envelope and a secondary item in the secondary envelope.
11. Locate items such as bins and tools so they can be used sequentially for each subtask.
6. Write down the priorities in workstation design. Briefly discuss guidelines for workstation design from
an ergonomics point of view. 2011-12
Ans: 2nd part is similar to the previous question.
7. Write down the design considerations for a standing workstation. 2014-4
Ans: From book page 21. Anthropometric data of the human body. The standing 6.

8. Indicate different anthropometry measurements of the human body in (i) Standing position and (ii)
Sitting position. 2019-7/22page
Or, What are the commonly used anthropometric measurements for sitting work? Indicate those using
necessary figures. 2018-10/22page
Or, What down the commonly used anthropometric measurement used for standing work? Indicate
those using necessary figures. 2015-6/22page
Or, Define the following anthropometric measures with necessary figures and their applications in
design: Functional forward reach, popliteal height, Thigh clearance, Buttock-knee depth. 2011-7
Or, Draw anthropometric measures of the human body and indicate them. 2010-8/22page
Ans: From Book 22 page.

9. What anthropometric measures are required for designing a chair for a student? Use a figure for the
explanation. 2012-8
Or, How will you design a chair of your study table using the anthropometric design principles? 2011-
4 (by using anthropometric data and design motto)
Ans: From book 23 page. & 20page

10. What is the procedure for anthropometric design? What factors are to be considered for designing a
microscopic workstation? 2018-7
Ans: From book 25, 28 page

11. Why anthropometric measures are important in industries. 2018-3

Or, Why do we need anthropometric data for designing a workstation? 2012-4
Ans: From book 17 page

12. Which anthropometric measurements are important for VDT design? Show in a figure. 2010-8/
Ans: From book 23page

Topic 4 – Visual Display Terminal (VDT)

1. What is Visual Display? Explain with example.
 Ans: Visual displays are depictions that convey information using elements beyond pure text. Examples
include diagrams, maps, and computer interfaces. The common factor in all of these is their reliance on
the “visual intelligence” of humans to organize graphically presented information in a way that makes it
easier to understand. The design of an effective visual display is based on general principles involving
both the nature of human vision and the nature of the task. The particular medium used—paper, canvas,
computer monitor, etc.—is irrelevant.

2. What is Quantitative Visual Display?

Ans: These displays provide information about the numerical value or quantitative value of some
variable. The variable may be either dynamic (i.e. changing with time such as pressure or temperature)
or static. Conventional quantitative displays are mechanical devices of one of the following types:
1. Fixed scale with moving pointer
2. Moving scale with fixed pointer
3. Digital display

3. What are the basic features of Quantitative Displays?

Ans:

Figure 5-2 illustrates a few important concepts in the design of quantitative displays. Scale range in the
numerical difference between the highest and lowest values on the scale, whether numbered or not.
Numbered interval is the numerical difference between the adjacent numbers on the scale. Graduation
interval is the numerical difference between the smallest scale makers. Scale unit is the smallest unit to
which the scale is to be read. This may or may not correspond to the graduation interval.

4. Write down the difference between Analogue & Digital Display? Explain with a figure.
Ans:
 Analogue Display Digital Display
1. Analogue Display is useful when the values are 1. Digital Display is useful when a precise numeric
subject to frequent or continual change. value is required.
2. It has a positive advantage when it is important 2. It is important when the numerical values tend
to observe the direction or rate of change of the to remain visible long enough to be read.
values presented.
3. It represents mechanical scales with moving 3. It represents scale with electronically
pointers or scales. generated symbols or characters.

5. Write down the basic difference between static information & dynamic information.
Ans:
Static Information Dynamic Information
The information does not change regularly. Information is updated automatically when the
original data changes.
The information can become outdated quickly It is most likely to be updated as it changes
because it is not designed to be changed regularly. automatically based on the source data.
The information can be viewed offline because live An internet or network connection to the source
data is not required. data is required, which can be costly and can also
be slow in remote areas.
It is more likely to be accurate because time will The data may have been produced very quickly
have been taken to check the information being and so may contain errors.
published, as it will be available for a long period.

6. Write down the special features of Conventional Quantitative Display.

Ans: The ability of people to make visual discriminations (such as those required in the use of quantitative
scale) is influenced in part by the specific features to be discriminated. Some of the relevant features of
quantitative scales (aside from the basic types) are the numerical progressions used, length of the scale
units, “interpolation” required, and location of scale numbers.

7. Discuss in brief Qualitative Visual Displays.

Ans: Qualitative visual displays provide information about a limited number of discrete states of some
variable. These displays have proven qualitative information i.e. instantaneous (in most cases
approximate) values of certain continuously altering/changing variables such as pressure, temperature,
and speed, etc. some of these provide the general trend of change. Thus they can be termed as dynamic
 qualitative visual displays. For example in the case of a moving car for temperature quality, we have hot,
normal, and cold ranges. Fig. 9.10 illustrates the three areas of low, safe, and unsafe speeds on a car
speedometer that are normally marked with different colors to discriminate among speed zones.

8. What is Indicator?
Ans: An indicator is a specific, observable, and measurable characteristic that can be used to show
changes or progress a program is making towards achieving a specific outcome. There should be at least
one indicator for each outcome. The indicator should be focused, clear and specific.

9. What do you understand by signals & warning lights? Describe with an appropriate figure.
Ans:

10. When should signals and warning lights be used?

Ans: To warn of an actual or a potentially dangerous condition.

11. What is the purpose of flashing lights? Where is it use?

Ans: Flashing or steady-state lights are used for various purposes, such as indications of warning
(highways); identification of aircraft at night; navigation aids and beacons; and to attract attention, such
as to certain locations on an instrument panel.

12. Classify warning light.

Ans: Ordinarily only one. If several warning lights are required, use a master warning or caution light and
a word panel to indicate specific danger conditions.
13. Write down the recommendation for signal and warning lights.
Ans: There are some recommendations about signal & warning lights –
• When should they be used? To warn of an actual or a potentially dangerous condition.
• How many warning lights? Ordinarily only one. (If several warning lights are required, use a master
warning or caution light and a word panel to indicate specific danger conditions.)
 • Steady-state or flashing? If the light is to represent a continuous, ongoing condition, use a steady-
state light unless the condition is especially hazardous; continuous flashing lights can be distracting.
To represent occasional emergencies or new conditions, use a flashing light.
• Flash rate: If flashing lights are used, flash rates should be from about 3 to 10 per second (4 is best)
with equal intervals of light and dark. If different flash rates are to represent different levels of some
variable, use no more than three different rates.
• Warning-light intensity: The light should be at least twice as bright as the immediate background.
• Location: The warning light should be within 30 degrees of the operator’s normal line of sight.
• Color: Warning lights are normally red because of red means danger to most people. (Other signal
lights in the area should be other colors.)
• Size: Warning lights should subtend at least 1 degree of visual angle.

14. What is the difference between Quantitative readings and qualitative readings?
Ans:
Qualitative Readings Quantitative Readings
Readings or data type that consists of descriptive Readings or data types that can be measured and
statements express numerically.
Text-based. Number-based.
Statistical analysis is harder. Statistical analysis is easier.
Collected using interviews, written documents, Collected using surveys, observations,
observations. experiments, and interviews.

15. What do you understand by check readings & situation awareness?

Ans: The term ‘check reading’ refers to the use of an instrument to ascertain whether the reading is
normal. Usually, this is done with a quantitative scale, but the normal condition is represented by a
special case of qualitative reading. As such, the normal reading value should be clear-coded.
Situational awareness or situation awareness (SA) is the perception of environmental elements and
events with respect to time or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their
future status.

16. Explain with necessary sketches the ways of reducing reflections and glares on VDT screens. 2015-07
Or, What is meant by Visual Fatigue? With a neat sketch, discuss the ways of reducing reflections and
glares on VDT screens. 2019-6
Ans: From book 94, 96 page
17. Discuss ‘glare’, ‘radiation’, and ‘visual fatigues’. 2018-7
Ans: Glare – It is defined as that condition of vision in which there is discomfort or a reduction in the
ability to see significant objects, due to unsuitable distribution or range of luminance or to extreme
contrast in space.
It refers to the presence of one or more areas in the field of vision that are of sufficient brightness to
cause discomfort in vision. Reduces the quality of the image – an unpleasant sensation, a temporary
blurring of vision & a feeling of ocular fatigue.
Glare results when the level of contrasting brightness increases
• Direct glare: by the light source
• Indirect glare or veiling glare: by reflecting surfaces
Radiation – Physical term defining the transfer of energy through space from an emitter or radiator to a
receiver.
Visual fatigues – From the previous question’s answer.

18. What is the difference between ‘glare’ and ‘radiation’? How can be indirect lighting used? 2019-7
Ans: Find the 1st part from the previous question’s answer and the 2nd part is from book 86 page.

19. Sketch a VDT workstation and level it “VDT’s do not generate hazardous radiation”-is it true? 2015-07
Ans: From book 93,95page

20. Define engineering anthropometry. Name anthropometric measures used for designing a VDT
workstation and sketch a VDT workstation. 2014-10
Ans: Engineering anthropometry is the application of scientific physical measurement methods to human
subjects for the development of engineering design standards and specific requirements and for
evaluation of engineering drawings, mock-ups, and manufactured products to assure suitability of these
products for the intended user population. It is considered with the applications of both types of data
(static/structural and dynamic/functional) to the design of the things people use in work. Again, it is a
branch of science originating from anthropology that attempts to describe the physical dimensions of
the human body.
The anthropometric measures used for designing a VDT workstation are:
a) Viewing Angle: The center of the screen should be depressed at a viewing angle of about 25-35
degrees below the horizontal.
b) Thigh Clearance and low profile keyboards: A person sitting at a desk had limited space for the
keyboard and the tabletop. Standard mandated the use of low-profile keyboards and thin tabletops.
 Usually, operators prefer to type with horizontal underarms and 90° elbow angles. Distance between
hands and upper legs can be calculated using standard data. E.g. for a small 5th percentile female
operator, this is 7.5cm barely enough to fit a 3cm keyboard and 3cm tabletop.
c) Elbow angle: It is between 75° - 90°
d) Seat height: Adjustability of seat height over the range 40.6-52cm.
e) The adjustability of seatback angle: The seatback angle of greater than 110° reduces the pressure
on the spine.
f) Lumbar support: It can become very uncomfortable if it puts pressure on the wrong spot in the back
and lumbar supports must therefore be adjustable.
g) Footrest: It can be helpful for short operators so that they can support their feet.
h) Armrest: Have to be included.
i) Wrist rest: It is optional. Soft wrist rest is needed for a long duration of typing.
j) Viewing distance: Distance between eye and visual display should be 40-50cm.

Fig: An ideal VDT workstation.

21. Sketch a VDT workstation. Write down the guidelines for VDT workstation design. 2010-10
Ans: Find 1st part from book 93 page and 2nd part is from Topic anthropometry 5th question’s answer.

Topic 5 – Office Ergonomics

1. What would lead to discomfort in offices?
Ans: There is a continuous and dynamic interaction between people and their surroundings that
produces physiological and psychological strain on the person. This can lead to discomfort, annoyance,
subtle and direct effects on performance and productivity, effects on health and safety, and death.
2. What factors influence discomforts in offices?

Ans: Discomforts in offices can be due to glare, noisy equipment, draughts, or smells. In the cold, people
experience frostbite and die from hypothermia. In the heat, they collapse or die from heatstroke. People
exposed to vibrating tools encompass damage to their hands.

3. What do you understand by “Flexible office”?

Ans: Flexible office indicates offices where people, employees, and consultants work sporadically. A
flexible office design offers more than just a nice interior. The standard report for people working in a
traditional office environment between 30 to 35 percent. On the other hand, the reported value from
the flexible office design is much lower. There are no reports concerning strain in the elbow, forearms,
wrist, hands, or fingers from the personnel working in the flexible office design.

4. Discuss lighting in offices. Why proper lighting is required in offices?

Ans: Office lighting should meet many requirements to provide high-quality illumination. Low-quality
lighting is tiring both physically and mentally. Unsuitable lighting can lead to difficulty in concentration
as well as poor working performance. Lighting in offices must ensure sufficient high levels of illumination
in requested areas, such as reading areas and computer operation areas. There must be no distracting
reflections within the normal field of view, and specific requirements in respect to luminance levels
should be met. Besides visual conditions, energy efficiency and environmental implications must be
considered.

5. What is the ambient sound level in Offices?

Ans: Ambient sound levels should not be higher than 55 decibels (DBA). Sounds from a conversation
between colleagues and telephone conversations are the largest cause of disturbances in this type of
environment. The recommended reverberation time for office space is 0.4 to 0.6 seconds, and one
method to manage this is to create many surfaces using sound absorbent material.

6. Name heat-producing devices used in offices and where will those heat-producing devices be placed

in offices?
Ans: The heat-producing devices such as printers and copying machines should be placed in their
location, which should be well ventilated so that the heat from these does not harm the overall climate.

7. How the office premises which make up the flexible office management need to be planned in offices?
 Ans: The premises that make up the flexible office environment should not be planned so that they
become too large when connected. Experience points to a group size of 15 to 18 employees per
workstation, area of approximately 200 to 250 m2 (2.150 to 2.700 ft2 ) as being appropriate.

8. How will the office environment make a person comfortable utilizing the office mentally and physically

in any office?
Ans: The office environment should be comfortable for the person utilizing the office both mentally and
physically. Pictures, plants, knick-knacks, etc., all have an important role to play in a proper work
environment.

9. What do you mean by “Balanced Chair and Table”?

Ans: The balanced table is very appropriate for use as a worktable since it can easily be adjusted to
different heights. To work well, balanced tables must be able to be adjusted; so that they balance the
load placed on them.
To meet the requirements of flexibility, one chair per person is not enough. To offer each employee a set
of different chairs that support differences in sitting style will contribute to increased health and safety.
Chairs should have the following features –
• Seat height: Must adjust to allow the user to place the feet firmly on the floor or a supportive footrest;
assuming an adjustable work surface height, an adjustment range of 380-520 mm (15 - 20.5") will
allow 90% of potential users to find a comfortable sitting height while wearing shoes.
• Seat pan depth: Must be such that the user can maintain contact with the backrest in the lumbar
area and avoid increased pressure on the back of legs and behind the knees.
• Seat pan: should have a "waterfall" or rounded front edge to minimize pressure on the back of the
legs.
• Backrest: This should provide good contact and support for the lumbar region of the user's back; the
backrest should be vertically adjustable the backrest should have a height of 380-540 mm and a width
of 350-480 mm.
• Adjustable armrests: Adjustable in both the horizontal and vertical planes which can provide light
arm support are recommended for moderate and intensive computer users.
• Seat cushion: should have minimal contouring to allow easy shifting of position and there should not
be any local pressure points such as buttons or prominent seams.

10. Write down the applications of office ergonomics. Discuss the relationship between factory
ergonomics and office ergonomics. 2018-4
Ans:
11. Briefly discuss the common posture found in the office environment from an ergonomics point of view.
2012-6
Ans:

12. Write down the benefits of office environment ergonomics.

Ans: There are multiple advantages of an ergonomic office environment over a traditional one. Some of
them are as follows:
1. Ergonomics reduces costs. By systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent costly
MSDs. This represents an opportunity for significant cost savings. Also, the indirect costs can be up
to twenty times the direct cost of an injury.
2. Ergonomics improves productivity. The best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity. By
designing a job to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer motions, and better heights and
reaches, the workstation becomes more efficient.
3. Ergonomics improves quality. Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers that don’t
do their best work. When the job task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not perform
their job like they were trained.
4. Ergonomics improves employee engagement. Employees notice when the company is putting forth
their best efforts to ensure their health and safety. If an employee does not experience fatigue and
discomfort during their workday, it can reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and
increase employee involvement.
5. Ergonomics creates a better safety culture. Ergonomics shows your company’s commitment to safety

and health as a core value.

Topic 6 – Illumination at Work

1. Write down the applications of the photometer. How can we use indirect (reflecting) lighting? 2018-
5/81,86page
Ans:

2. Describe the following illumination problems as regards their adverse effects on human comfort and
the associated corrective actions to be taken: (i) insufficient lighting, (ii) glare, and (iii) poor contrast.
2014-9
Ans:
 Topic 7 – Stress
1. Distinguish between ‘Heat stress’ and ‘Cold stress’. Discuss in brief the various disorders due to
prolonged heat stress. 2019-6
Ans: Stress is a feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure.
Heat Stress Cold Stress
Heat stress includes a series of conditions where Cold stress is a very serious condition that occurs
the body is under stress from overheating. when the body can no longer maintain its normal
temperature.
Mainly happened in tropical countries i.e. regions Mainly happened in the temperate countries i.e.
of the Earth that lie roughly in the middle of the regions of the Earth that lie in between the polar
globe. and tropical part of the globe.
Less dangerous than cold stress. More dangerous than heat stress.
Common heat stress-related illnesses are heat Common cold stress-related illnesses are
Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.

The various disorders due to prolonged heat stress. Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat
and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause many types of heat-related illnesses. Heat-
related illness can occur in 2 ways, exertional and non-exertional.
• Exertional heat illness. This occurs when one exerts themselves in a hot environment, such as
practicing football on a hot day without any breaks.
• Non-exertional heat stroke. This occurs when one is trapped in a hot environment. Such as one with
disabilities left in a hot apartment without access to water.
Other heat-related illnesses are:
• Heat cramps – Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness. These are painful muscle cramps
and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.
• Heat exhaustion – Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps. It's caused by a loss of water
and salt in the body.
• Heatstroke – Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness. It occurs when the body's heat-
regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat.
• Heat rash – Small red bumps or small blisters on the skin in areas that stay wet from sweat—usually
on the upper chest, neck, inside of the elbow.

2. Discuss the several disorders due to prolonged heat stress. Write down the causes of sweating. 2018-
7
Ans: 1st part is similar to the 1st question’s 2nd part.
Causes of sweating
 Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that may or may not have an underlying cause. People who have
hyperhidrosis sweat to the point that moisture may drip from their hands. The causes of hyperhidrosis
depend on the type of sweating that’s happening. Most times, excessive sweating is harmless. In some
cases, doctors don’t know why people sweat too much. In other cases, the causes of hyperhidrosis may
be a medical condition that you need to be aware of.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis.
• Primary hyperhidrosis (also called focal, or essential, hyperhidrosis) causes excessive sweating in the
hands, underarms, face, and feet without any apparent reason.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis (also called generalized hyperhidrosis) causes excessive sweating all over
the body or in a larger area of the body and can be caused by excessive heat as well as a medical
condition or medication.

3. How to eliminate the stresses from the working environment? List several disorders caused by
prolonged heat stress. 2015-6
Ans: The average business professional has 30 to 100 projects on their plate. Modern workers are
interrupted seven times an hour and distracted up to 2.1 hours a day. And four out of 10 people working
at large companies are experiencing a major corporate restructuring, and therefore facing uncertainly
about their futures. This may be why more than 40% of adults say they lie awake at night plagued by the
stressful events of the day.
• Act Rather Than React
• Take A Deep Breath
• Eliminate Interruptions
• Schedule Your Day For Energy And Focus
• Change Your Story
• Cool Down Quickly
• Identify Self-Imposed Stress
• Prioritize Your Priorities
• Reset The Panic Button
• Influence Others
• Be Your Own Best Critic
2nd part is similar to 1st question’s 2nd part.

4. How dehydration is formed? What measures can be taken to prevent dehydration? 2015-5
 Ans: Dehydration happens when your body doesn't have as much water as it needs. Without enough,
your body can't function properly. You can have mild, moderate, or severe dehydration depending on
how much fluid is missing from your body.
It’s normal to lose water from your body every day by sweating, breathing, peeing, and pooping, and
through tears and saliva (spit). Usually, you replace the lost liquid by drinking fluids and eating foods that
contain water. If you lose too much water or don’t drink and eat enough, you can get dehydrated.
Prevention of dehydration is crucial to avoid the dangerous, life-threatening effects of dehydration.
Some of the preventive measures include:
• Drinking plenty of water at regular (hourly) intervals
• Eating food rich in fruits and vegetables
• Drinking oral rehydration solutions, when suffering from diarrhea.
• Drinking enough fluids, during strenuous physical activity
• Drinking lots of water in places with extremely hot or cold weather
• Avoiding consumption of alcohol if the climate is very hot
• Preventing or reducing exposure to very hot climates
• Wearing loose-fitting and cotton clothes in the summer season
Dehydration may be prevented by planning to rehydrate well in advance, before strenuous physical
activity or exposure to warm or tropical climates.

5. Define heat stress. How heat stress can be reduced in a working environment? 2014-4
Ans: Heat stress is an illness that can be caused by exposure to extreme heat. It occurs when the body is
unable to maintain a healthy temperature in response to a hot environment. Workers who are constantly
exposed to high temperatures or an otherwise hot environment may be at risk for developing heat stress,
as they typically have long shifts and may be either ill-equipped or inadequately trained by their
employers to recognize this illness and take preventative measures.
Reduction of heat stress in a working environment:
a) Establish a heat stress prevention program. Define a safe work environment (temperature and
humidity) and specify how long one can work in a hot environment.
b) Take regular breaks to avoid heat stress.
c) Allow workers to acclimatize i.e. gradually increase workload and heat exposure.
d) Reduce exposure to hot environments.
e) Increase air circulation.
f) Monitor the health of workers.
g) Prevent dehydration by providing cool water and encourage the worker to drink every 15-20 minutes,
thirsty or not, during hot weather.
 h) Supply appropriate clothing.
i) Ensure workers are aware of the risks of heat stress associated with their work and they understand
the symptoms to look out for.

Topic 8 – Metabolism
1. Define metabolism. Write down the function of metabolism in the human body. 2019-6/29,32page
2. Define metabolism. “An anaerobic metabolism is insufficient than aerobic metabolism”-do you agree?
Why? 2015-6/29,31page
3. Define anaerobic metabolism (without oxygen). How does metabolism work in the human body? 2014-
6, 2018-6/31,32page
4. Compare: (i) static visual display with dynamic visual display, (ii) ATP with ADP. Name different types
of muscles along with their applications. 2018-7
5. Briefly describe different types of metabolism. 2012-6/31page
6. How the required energy of muscle contraction is supplied by the human body system? Discuss. 2012-7
7. Define metabolism. Write down the functions of ATP. 2010-4/29,32page
8. Discuss three processes where ATP is used. How is wet bulb globe temperature measured? 2010-
10/29,34page
9. Discuss the oxygen uptake at the onset of during and after work, with a neat sketch. 2010-10/32page

Topic 9 – MSD
1. What do you mean by ‘Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (MSD)’? What are the symptoms of MSD’s in
connection to standing work posture? 2019-7
Ans: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is an injury of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints,
cartilage, bones, or blood vessels in the arms, legs, head, neck, or back that is caused or aggravated by
work tasks such as lifting, pushing, and pulling. MSDs include:
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• fibromyalgia
• bone fractures
The symptoms of MSD’s in connection to standing work posture
• Fatigued legs, including an increased tendency to fall by slipping and tripping and a higher risk for
developing lower back pain.
• Insufficient blood flow may lead to discomfort/fatigue and pain in the neck and shoulders.
 • Insufficient blood flow can also lead to circulatory problems in the legs and lead to pain, varicose,
and swelling of the legs.
• Development of venous disorders of the lower limbs and discomfort at the ankle/foot. Eventually,
discomfort may lead to ankle/foot complaints.
• Immobilization of the joints (spine, hip, knees, and feet) may occur and lead to degenerative damage
of the joints and pain as a consequence. This immobility can later lead to rheumatic diseases due to
degenerative damage to the tendons and ligaments.
• Standing places significant pressure on the joints of the hips, knees, ankle, and feet but without any
significant movement. This reduces the normal lubrication and cushioning of synovial joints, causing
them to tear. The combined effect of pressure and tearing can cause extensive amounts of pain and
make it difficult to move or walk
• Temporary discomfort in the legs and feet and stiff joints and stiffness in the neck and shoulders from
lack of movement and constrained posture.
When duration increases, the risk of complaints also increases.

2. Briefly discuss the risk factors that contribute to the development of Musculoskeletal disorders. 2012-6
Ans: The main cause of musculoskeletal disorders development is exposure to risk factors. Exposure to
risk factors causes workers to become fatigued, which, in turn, reduces the body’s capability to recover.
This eventually results in musculoskeletal imbalances, which increases the risk for the development of
MSDs.
The risk factors can be divided into three main categories: work-related risk factors, organizational and
psychosocial risk factors, and individual risk factors.

3. Explain the procedure for preventing Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) and vibration-induced injuries
for hand tool design. 2015-6/75,78page

Topic 10 – Injuries
1. Identify and describe four ergonomics-related injuries that impact the health of workers in the
workplace. 2019-8
Ans: It’s no secret that ergonomics-related injuries can affect all employees across all industries
regardless of their work environment. Some of the most common types of ergonomics injuries, the scale
of their impact, and their associated costs:
 i. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – CTS is a disorder that causes pain and weakness in the hand and wrist.
Despite popular belief, CTS develops from problems in a nerve in the wrist instead of the muscles.
CTS can have a drastic impact on the lifestyle of those affected by it.
ii. Tendinitis – It is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is a thick cord that attaches bones
and muscles. It can be both a minor or serious form of injury and depending on the severity, it can
take weeks to months to recover from tendinitis.
iii. Lower Back Injuries – According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine,
more than 80 percent of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. This
translates into an estimated cost of more than $100 billion annually, with two-thirds of that due to
decreased wages and productivity.
iv. Tennis Elbow – It is described as pain or soreness in the outer part of the elbow. It is one of the most
commonly diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders, typically affecting the dominant arm.

2. State work, environment, and personal factors that may involve risk particularly to back injury at work.
2018-8, 2014-8
3. What are the major causes of back injuries related to sitting work posture? Name several injuries
caused by wrong lifting. How are they reduced? 2015-8
4. What are the causes of back injuries? 2012-6

Topic 11 – Lifting
1. What is RULA?
Ans: The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is an ergonomics-based workplace risk assessment tool
that allows us to calculate the risk of musculoskeletal loading within the upper limbs and neck.
It is a survey method developed for use in ergonomics investigations of workplaces where work-related
upper limb disorders are reported.

2. What is REBA?
Ans: The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was developed to “rapidly” evaluate the risk of
musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) associated with certain job tasks. It is a tool used to evaluate the risk of
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with specific tasks within a job. It is a whole-body screening
tool that follows a systematic procedure to assess biomechanical and postural loading on the body.

3. Discuss NIOSH lifting equation and lifting index. Differentiate RULA and REBA. 2019-7
Ans: The NIOSH Lifting Equation is a tool used by occupational health and safety professionals to assess
the manual material handling risks associated with lifting and lowering tasks in the workplace. A lifting
task is defined as the act of manually grasping an object with two hands, and vertically moving the object
without mechanical assistance. The NIOSH Lifting Equation considers several job task variables to
determine safe lifting practices and guidelines. NIOSH Lifting Equation:
RWL = LC x HM x VM x DM x AM x FM x CM
The Lifting Index (LI) is a term that provides a relative estimate of the level of physical stress associated
with a particular manual lifting task. The Lifting Index is defined by the following equation:
weight of the object lifted (L)
Lifting index (LI) =
Recommended weight limit (RWL)

RULA REBA
The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is an The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was
ergonomics-based workplace risk assessment tool developed to “rapidly” evaluate the risk of
that allows us to calculate the risk of musculoskeletal musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) associated
loading within the upper limbs and neck. with certain job tasks.
It is a survey method developed for use in It is a tool used to evaluate the risk of
ergonomics investigations of workplaces where musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated
work-related upper limb disorders are reported. with specific tasks within a job.
It is easy and quick to use and does require expensive It is simple, quick, and requires minimal
equipment to complete equipment (pen and paper) making it easy to
complete multiple assessments per task or per
job, cost-effective ratio is good.
The final score is a relative score of risk not an The output of the Rapid Entire Body
absolute score of risk. Assessment tool is the final REBA Score, which
is a single score that represents the level of
MSD risk for the job task being evaluated.
It is a screening tool that assesses biomechanical and It is a whole-body screening tool that follows a
postural loading on the whole body with particular systematic procedure to assess biomechanical
attention to the neck, trunk, and upper limbs. and postural loading on the body.
A RULA assessment requires little time to complete It evaluates the whole body and can be used to
and the scores generated fit into an action list which assess any task.
indicates the level of intervention required.
It is good for upper limb tasks. The most conflictive ergonomic aspects are
identified from the individual score obtained
after assessing each part of the body.
It is good for mostly static tasks. It is used for the analysis of forced postures.
4. What are the techniques for lifting load ergonomically by hand? 2011-5
5. What are the major causes of work-related back pain? Name several injuries caused by wrong lifting.
2010-8

Topic 12 – Noise & Vibration

1. Write five parameters of vibration that disturb the working environment of an industry. 2019-5
2. Discuss the mechanism of vibration reduction in the industry. 2019-4
3. Write down the causes of noise and vibration in industries. How noise and vibration can be prevented
in industries. 2018-6
4. Do the noise and vibration of the machines affect the workplace? 2014-4
5. Briefly describe the projections that can be arranged in industries from sound pollution to workers.
2014-5
6. Name two types of hearing losses. Show in figures two hearing protectors used in industries. 2015-6
7. What are the different aspects that make noise unacceptable in a work environment? How are these
noises reduced? 2015-5

Topic 13 – Safety concept and accident prevention

1. Define Safety and Safety Management.
Ans: Safety means managing unintended loss or freedom from an acceptable risk. In broader aspect
safety refers to guidelines and efforts to keep people unharmed, to secure assets, to have uninterrupted
production, and to protect the environment.
Safety Management is the management technique to keep people unharmed and to protect assets and
the environment from accepted risk by utilizing or/and by improving available facilities and resources
most efficiently and effectively.

2. What is the difference between accident and incident?

Ans:
Incident Accident

A define and separate occurrence/ event An unexpected and undesirable event

Intentional/ Unintentional Unintentional

Caused for functional rules Caused by error or chance
Can be bad/ good Bad event
All incidents are not an accident All accident is incident
 load shading Friction between two cars
Slap on other’s cheek Fall from hill
Bank robbery Heart attack

3. What are the Proactive Approach and Reactive Approach?

Ans: The proactive approach is the initiative taken at the primary or initial stage of the business, such
that unmanageable events of hazards or risks of the system/ process are replaced or treated to take
them to an acceptable level. First, we need to identify and assess all the hazards and take the necessary
actions to reduce the risks of the hazards to an acceptable level before they materialize into incidents or
accidents.
The reactive (or traditional) safety management approach is taking action after the incidence for future
corrective measures & the purpose is to minimize the costs associated with the incidence, to ensure that
such type of accident does not happen again, and to know, what should be the action for handling the
events when an accident happen.

4. Show anatomy of an accident using a diagram. Explain briefly.

Ans:

5. What are the different Unsafe Acts and Unsafe working conditions?
Ans:
Unsafe Act:
• Improper repair of equipment
• Using defective equipment
 • Wearing unsafe clothing
• Lack or improper use of PPE
• Wearing in hazardous conditions
• Failure to warn.
Unsafe Working Condition:
• Inadequate supports or guards
• Defective tools, equipment, or supplies
• Fire and explosion hazards
• excessive noise
• poor illumination and ventilation
• Radiation exposure

6. State four direct losses and four indirect losses from an accident.
Ans:
Direct loss:
• Production delay
• Quality spoilage
• Property damage
• minor injuries
• Disabling injuries
• Fatality
Indirect Loss from Accident:
 Payment for settlement of injury or death claim
 Legal fees for defense against claims
 Cost of the rescue operation and equipment's
 Recovery and salvage of damaged equipment and vehicles
 Loss of functions and operations increase
 A slowdown in operations while accident causes are determined and corrective actions are taken.
 Corrective actions to prevent recurrence of an accident
 Degradation of morale
 Loss of public confidence
 Loss time of person involved in an accident situation

7. State first five measures to be taken by the management to prevent an accident?

Ans: Measures for Protection against Accident s to be taken by the Management:
  Planning
 Good order and Cleanliness
 Observance of Precautionary Instructions by Workmen.
 Use of Colors, Signs, Symbols for Indicating Dangers
 Reducing Noise and Vibration
 Safety Education and Training

8. Discuss the steps involved in Accident prevention in any industry.

Ans: The steps are:
Step – 1: Safety engineers cannot successfully be undertaken with safety organization or planned and
systematic procedure support by the management. A safety program is directed and controlled by the
organization.
Step – 2: Investigation of accident for causes and remedy by the supervisor is the keystone. The survey,
Inspections observations, review of records are done in this step.
Step – 3: The work of concluding assembled data is done here.
Step – 4: When the facts of accident causation have been so analyzed as to indicate what it is, that needs
to correct. If then becomes necessary to give through to the selection of an effective remedy.
Step – 5: The final step is the application of the selected remedy. The application of selected remedial
measures may be both immediate and long-term.

Topic 14 – Risk Management in Workplace

1. What is Risk Management?
Ans: Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect
if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss, or harmful effects
on the environment.
Risk Management is a logical and systematic method of
• identifying,
• analyzing,
• treating and
• monitoring the risks involved in any activity or process.
Risk Management is a methodology that helps managers make the best use of their available resources.

2. Who uses risk management?

Ans: Risk Management practices are widely used in the public and the private sectors, covering a wide
range of activities or operations. These include:
 • Finance and Investment
• Insurance
• Health Care
• Public Institutions
• Governments

3. What are the basic steps of risk management? Discuss them? / Explain risk Management Process.
Ans: The steps are:
i. Establish the context – The strategic and organizational context in which risk management will take
place. For example, the nature of your business, the risks inherent in your business, and your
priorities.
ii. Identify the risks – Defining types of risk, for instance, ‘Strategic’ risks to the goals and objectives of
the organization. Identifying the stakeholders, (i.e., who is involved or affected). Past events, future
developments.

iii. Analyze the risks – How likely is the risk event to happen? (Probability and frequency?) What would
be the impact, cost, or consequences of that event occurring? (Economic, political, social?)

iv. Evaluate the risks – Rank the risks according to management priorities, by risk category, and rated by
likelihood and possible cost or consequence. Determine inherent levels of risk.
 v. Treat the risks – Low and very low-level risks can normally be accepted, subject to ongoing
monitoring. All other risks are included in the management plan. The plan catalogs the risks, the level
of risk, and describes a treatment.
vi. Monitoring and review – In identifying, prioritizing, and treating risks, organizations make
assumptions and decisions based on situations that are subject to change, (e.g., the business
environment, trading patterns, or government policies). Risk Management policies and decisions
must be regularly reviewed. Risk Managers must monitor activities and processes to determine the
accuracy of planning assumptions and the effectiveness of the measures taken to treat the risk.
Methods can include data evaluation, audit, compliance, and measurement.

4. Why should we use risk management in industries?

Ans: Economic benefits, by facilitating the movement of goods, ships, aircraft, and people – when rated
low risk. Makes more effective use of existing skills and experience – giving better results. Improves the
quality of Customs controls – information and accountability. The process helps Administrations focus
on priorities and in decisions on deploying limited resources to deal with the highest risks.

5. What are the causes of failure of risk management?

Ans: The causes are: Insufficient capital, Risk ignorance, Agency risk, Incremental failure, Failure in
communicating the risks to top management, Failure in monitoring and managing risks, Failure to use
appropriate risk metrics or measurement systems.

6. Using figures show how risk can be mitigated?

Ans:
7. What are the four major steps to preventing failures of risk? Discuss them.
Ans: Four major steps to preventing failures of risk are,

Topic 15 – Fire Safety and Electrical Safety

1. Why Fire safety & electrical safeties are important for the industries?
Ans: The importance of fire safety –
• Fire Prevention – Learning how to prevent fires from occurring is a good enough reason alone to book
yourself onto a Fire Safety course.
• Saving Lives and Minimizing the Damage – Having effective procedures and measures in place can
save lives.
• Fire extinguishers – Depending on what type of material is burning in a fire, the extinguishers required
can vary.
• Cost – The average cost to a business is £21,000 per fire.
• The Law.
The importance of electrical safety –

Topic 16 – Types of movement

1. Classify Movement of body parts. Name different types of movement of body parts.
Ans: Classification Movement of body parts:
 a. Flexion and Extension
b. Abduction and Adduction
c. Circumduction
d. Rotation
e. Supination and Pronation
f. Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion
g. Inversion and Eversion
h. Protraction and Retraction
i. Depression and Elevation
j. Excursion
k. Superior Rotation and Inferior Rotation
l. Opposition and Reposition

2. Discuss any four types of movement of body parts with appropriate figures.
Ans: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jpHCCOZF_HD6xddtC1pcoaAmsowk2Yoy/view?usp=sharing

Topic 17 – Workplace Hazzard

1. What is the difference between acute hazards and chronic hazards?
Ans:
Acute Hazard Chronic Hazard
Occurs immediately or soon after exposure (short Occurs overtime or long after exposure (long
latency). latency).
Often involves a high exposure (large dose) over a Often involves low exposures (small doses) over a
short period. long period.
Often reversible after exposure stops. Many effects are not reversible.
Can be minor or severe. For example, a small amount Chronic effects are still unknown for many
of ammonia can cause throat or eye irritation; a larger chemicals. For example, most chemicals have not
amount can be serious or even fatal. been tested for cancer or reproductive effects.
The relationship between chemical exposure and It may be difficult to establish the relationship
symptoms is generally, although not always, obvious. between chemical exposure and illness because of
the long time delay or latency period.
Knowledge is often based on human exposure. Knowledge is often based on animal exposure.

2. What are the steps for controlling hazards?

Ans: There are six steps to control hazards. They are – (link)
Step 1: Design or re-organize to eliminate hazards
Step 2: Substitute the hazard with something safer
 Step 3: Isolate the hazard from people
Step 4: Use engineering controls
Step 5: Use administrative controls
Step 6: Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

3. Explain in order of priority hazard reduction.

Ans: There are five steps for reducing hazards. These are ordered because of priority hazard reduction:
(link)

This framework ranks control measures based on their effectiveness and sustainability, and by how much
supervision and individual driver effort is required to apply the control.

4. Explain risk and hazard.

Ans: Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect
if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss, or harmful effects
on the environment.
Hazard is the potential of a substance, person, activity, or process to cause harm (injury or illness). It can
be anything (material/substance, machine, methods, or matters) in the workplace that has the potential
to cause harm.

5. Classify hazards at the workplace with examples. 2012-7

 Ans: The six categories of hazards are:
• Biological. Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, etc., that can cause adverse
health impacts. For example, mold, blood, and other bodily fluids, harmful plants, sewage, dust, and
vermin.
• Chemical. Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can cause harm. These hazards can result
in both health and physical impacts, such as skin irritation, respiratory system irritation, blindness,
corrosion, and explosions.
• Physical. Physical hazards are environmental factors that can harm an employee without necessarily
touching them, including heights, noise, radiation, and pressure.
• Safety. These are hazards that create unsafe working conditions. For example, exposed wires or a
damaged carpet might result in a tripping hazard. These are sometimes included under the category
of physical hazards.
• Ergonomic. Ergonomic hazards are a result of physical factors that can result in musculoskeletal
injuries. For example, a poor workstation set up in an office, poor posture, and manual handling.
• Psychosocial. Psychosocial hazards include those that can harm an employee’s mental health or
wellbeing. For example, sexual harassment, victimization, stress, and workplace violence.

Topic 18 – Hand tool Design

1. What is the Hand tool and what is its purpose?
Ans: A hand tool is any tool that is powered by hand rather than a motor.
Hand tools concentrate and deliver power and aid the human in tasks such as cutting, smashing, scraping,
and piercing.
Tool use in the multipurpose task at a time can be said as a special Hand tool. It saves time and makes
work easier. E.g. Hammer with an extension pulling nails, pliers with Hammer parts, etc.

2. Differentiate between hand tools and power tools with suitable examples. Sketch two different figures
of any power tool and show where power grip and external precision grip exist. 2015-8
Ans:
Categories Hand Tools Power Tools
Energy Hand tools are devices for performing work on Power tools are tools powered by either
Source a material or a physical system using only be an air compressor, a power outlet, a
hands. battery, or gas.
Length of Quite impossible to cover the length same as Higher than the hand tools.
operation the power tools.
Speed Lower rpm. Higher rpm.
 Power Relatively, the lack of power of a human hand High power.
compared to a power tool’s motor or
compressed air.
Precision Usually, less precise. But for a skilled High in precision and it depends on the
craftsman, it can be more. tools being used, not the operator.
Price Lower. Higher.
Safety Safe because of lack of power. Risky than hand tools.

3. Why do right-handed tools create an awkward position for left-hand users and vice-versa? Discuss.
2015-6
Ans: Find from book 75 page.

Topic 19 – Biomechanics
1. What is Biomechanics? Write down its application.
Ans: Bio means living and mechanics means forces and effect. Biomechanics is the study of the structure,
function, and motion of the mechanical aspects of biological systems, at any level from whole organisms
to organs, cells, and cell organelles, using the methods of mechanics. As related to workplace
ergonomics, the human body is viewed as a system of levers. At the simplest level, by knowing the weight
of a held object and the distance from a joint, the load on that joint can easily be calculated. In
biomechanics more generally, scientists often try to apply physics and other mathematically based forms
of analysis to discover the limits and capabilities of biological systems.
Application:
a) The study of biomechanics ranges from the inner workings of a cell to the movement and
development of limbs to the mechanical properties of soft tissue, and bones.
b) Biomechanics is also applied to study human musculoskeletal systems.
c) Biomechanics is widely used in the orthopedic industry to design orthopedic implants for human
joints, dental parts, external fixations, and other medical purposes.
d) It is also tied to the field of engineering because it often uses traditional engineering sciences to
analyze biological systems.
e) Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
f) Ergonomics or industrial medicine.
g) Sports medicine.
h) Movement science or kinesiology.
i) Performance arts.
j) Bioengineering.
k) Forensic medicine.
 l) Entertainment arts.

2. Write down the importance of biomechanics for engineers. 2014-4

Or, Define bio-mechanics. Why the concepts of biomechanics are important for an ergonomist? 2011-5
Or, Mention the importance of biomechanics. How bio-mechanics is related to ergonomics? 2019-4
Ans: In short biomechanics is the study and science of how the system and structure of biological
organisms react to external forces and stimuli. It’s a broad field that includes many subfields including
musculoskeletal biomechanics, kinesiology, and sports biomechanics to name a few.
When it comes to you and me, biomechanics normally refers to how the muscular and skeletal systems
in humans function under various conditions. A bio-mechanic will apply engineering principles, physics,
and other types of mathematically based forms of analysis to learn the capabilities and limits of the
human body.
Here are some benefits of proper biomechanics:
• Increased movement speed (running, swimming, etc.)
• More power (jumping, hitting, lifting, etc.)
• Energy conservation through economy of movement.
• Helps eliminate muscle imbalances.
• Reduces wear and tear on joints and ligaments.
• Improved sports-specific form and technique.
In a nutshell, with good biomechanics, you can get faster and stronger while reducing injuries.
Biomechanics is the study of the physical structure of living organisms. As related to a workplace, the
human body is viewed as a system of levers. At the simplest level, by knowing the weight of a held object
and the distance from a joint, the load on that joint can easily be calculated. Ergonomics is the study of
fitting the workplace to the capabilities of the human worker. Ergonomists apply knowledge from
biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and engineering to the design of tasks, work organization, work
environment, workstations, and tools. Thus bio-mechanics is related to ergonomics.

3. Define bio-mechanics. Why the concepts of biomechanics are important for an ergonomist? 2011-5
Or, Why are the concepts of bio-mechanics important for an engineer? 2015-4
Or, Why the concepts of biomechanics are important for an ergonomist? 2012-6
Ans: Because it is easy to consider a biological system as levers. Rest find out from previous question’s
answer.

4. Define bio-mechanics and ergonomics with suitable examples. “Ergonomics is the science that saves
workers from injuries and accidents” –justify. 2014-10
 Ans: Quiet similar to questions number 1 &2.

5. Briefly discuss the mechanism of wrist movement with a necessary sketch. 2012-8
Ans: The wrist movement consists of flexion-extension, and radial–ulnar deviation; the forearm
movement consists of forearm pronation and forearm supination.

Topic 20 – Industrial hygiene & Workers protection