PRINCIPLES OF ERGONOMICS PROF.

C T PUTTASWAMY

Ergonomics: Definition, Applications, Advantages

Ergonomics is the process or methodology for arranging or designing workplaces, products,
and systems of a working environment so that they are best fitted for the people who work
there.

The need for comfy environment at work

We look for comfort, especially while we’re working. To achieve the greatest level of
efficiency, organizations make sure that the employees are provided with the most convenient
surroundings, systems, and products. The branch of science that deals with the external
resources to provide a user-friendly environment to workers is known as Ergonomics. This
includes the tools, seating arrangement and all the job conditions of a workplace.

Applications of Ergonomics
There are plenty of reasons that justify the application of ergonomics. It reduces the risks of
problems that can get the employees sick and injured, the cost of which in turn is borne by the
companies. For instance, an employee can get a severe backache if proper seating chair that
allows them to work in the right posture is not provided to them.

Definition of Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a new science which is the result of years of research and surveys in physiology,
psychology, and engineering. It involves a number of other subjects like:

Biomechanics- the study of strength, force, levers, and muscles.

Anthropometry- the study of populations, variations, and body sizes
Environmental physics- science related to human senses, noise, light, etc.
Psychology- the study of groups, learning, communications, adaptability, etc.

Importance of Ergonomics
Whenever ergonomics is overlooked the omission is always regretted because then we omit
the preventive steps to escape worker’s compensation in adverse situations. Plus, if our workers
fail in performing any task efficiently and cause a loss to third parties, then we will be
vicariously liable for the loss where the aggrieved persons can claim excessive damages from
us, which is not the only thing to worry about but our reputation will be at risk. Therefore,
considering office ergonomics is the foremost job to do when we’re building an office.

Advantages of Ergonomics
Ergonomics overall helps us in minimizing our overall expenditure and enhancing the
productivity level. Besides, it curtails the chances of accidents and unfavorable situations at
workplaces. Besides, it also improves the quality of output because the workers are healthy and
fit to work to their maximum capabilities. The employees are more engaged in their work
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without getting distracted. Most importantly ergonomics adds to the company’s goodwill.
When our workers are satisfied with the working conditions they spread a good word about the
organization which is a very important factor to invite investments and more competent
manpower.

Other Uses
Ergonomics is not confined to workplaces only but it can be extended to our homes as well. It
is considered in the manufacture of home essentials to allow our bodies to acquire the
maximum level of comfort while we're sitting on a sofa or using a laptop in bed. All these
things are referred to as home ergonomics. For the purpose of home ergonomics, ergonomic
furniture is available to minimize backache and painful body conditions. In addition,
ergonomic kitchen tools are also there to make sure that we don’t meet injuries while working
in the kitchen. While growing plants in a garden, snow shovels, and Motus tools are specially
designed considering ergonomics that we can use to ensure a comfortable and environment-
friendly gardening experience.
Things like shoulder bags, shoes, and similar personal belongings are also designed as per
ergonomics standards.

Facts about Ergonomics

 Ergonomics inevitably reduces the costs of a company.
 Approximately, 1 out of every 3 workers get MSDs as compensation; ergonomics provides
you with an opportunity for significant cost savings on MSDs.
 An injury in the workplace has many negative consequences for the company.
 Workstation adaptation or readjustment doesn’t work on its own.
 OHS Inspections that charge with penalties are more effective for the workplace.
 Ergonomics makes you respond to your employee concerns; it is the most helpful feature of
a workplace.

The 10 Basic Principles of Ergonomics

The field of ergonomics looks at how workers do their jobs and provides guidance on how they
can accomplish tasks with more efficiency, safety and comfort. Whether you work seated or
standing, these 10 basic principles of ergonomics can help you evaluate the tasks you do every
day and make simple changes that make a big impact. Although the principles of ergonomics
are most often applied to work environments, you can also use them at home, in your car, or
on the go to improve your overall well-being.

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1. Work in a neutral position.

Whether you work sitting or standing and moving throughout the day, it’s important to keep
your body in a neutral posture. There are several areas of the body that this principle commonly
affects. The first is the back. A healthy spine follows an S-curve, and it’s important to maintain
this curve while working to avoid strain on your back. If you work in a seated position, good
lumbar support is key. For those who stand or move around a facility, it can be helpful to place
one foot up on a footrest when standing still, and when you need to lift something, make sure
you lift from your legs rather than from your back.
Other areas of the body that may be out of alignment are the neck, elbows, and wrists. To
reduce strain on these areas and keep them in alignment, try adjusting your equipment or work
position to keep your muscles in a more relaxed position.

2. Decrease the need for excessive force.

Imagine a time when you had to use your full body weight to move an object. That’s what this
principle is referring to. Pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy items can strain your joints, creating
the potential for fatigue or injury. Rather than using excessive force, try to identify tools or
strategies that can lighten the load you need to move. It may be as simple as using a cart or
hoist to move heavy items, or you may need to make changes to your workflow to lessen the
distance you need to travel or the number of items you need to transport.

3. Keep materials within easy reach.

Try extending your arms and outlining a semicircle in front of you. This is your reach envelope,
and items you use frequently should be inside this semicircle at your workstation. To
accommodate your reach envelope, you may need to rearrange your area so you’re no longer
reaching for frequently used items. Adjusting your seat and armrests can also bring things like
machine controls within reach to reduce fatigue.

This principle also applies when reaching into boxes or bins. Rather than straining your
shoulders to reach higher, simply tilt the box or place it on a lower surface before reaching
inside.

4. Work at the proper height.

Having a work surface that’s too high or too low can strain the back, neck, and shoulders. Most
routine work should be done at elbow height whether you’re sitting or standing. However, if
you work with heavy tools, you may want to adjust your position so you’re working lower than
elbow height. And on the opposite side, precision work may require you to work at heights
above the elbow.

5. Reduce unnecessary motions.

Manual repetition can cause overuse injuries, so it’s important to think about the motions you
repeat throughout the day and find ways to reduce excessive motion. For example, rather than
twisting your wrist to turn a screwdriver, is it possible to replace the screwdriver with a drill
that will take the manual motion out of the task altogether? You can also look for opportunities
to change your position or the layout of your work area to help you work more ergonomically.

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6. Minimize fatigue caused by static load.

At your job, there may be tasks that require you to hold the same position for an extended
period, which is known as static load. Static load can affect all parts of the body, such as the
legs when standing for a long time or the shoulders when you need to hold your arms overhead
for longer than a few seconds. These types of task can make your muscles tired and may
eventually cause lasting discomfort even after the task is finished. Some ways you may be able
to combat the fatigue caused by static load are to change the orientation of your work area,
reposition your body, or even add extenders to your tools.

7. Minimize contact stress.

Contact stress occurs when a tool or surface routinely comes into contact with the same area
of your body. Sometimes called pressure points, these areas of contact can cause discomfort.
One example of contact stress is when you routinely squeeze a tool, like pliers, or hold a heavy
item, like a nail gun, that puts pressure on an area of your hand. Adding padding, wearing
gloves, or choosing tools with a cushioned grip can help. You may also consider adding anti-
fatigue mats to standing surfaces to help alleviate contact stress on your heels.

8. Leave adequate clearance.

This principle is very simple—you need to have enough room for your head, knees, and feet.
If you work in a seated position, adjust your seat to give yourself adequate legroom. Remove
overhead obstructions to avoid bumping your head. Visibility also comes into play here. It’s
important that no matter where you’re working or what equipment you’re using, you have a
clear view of what’s going on around you.

9. Move and stretch throughout the day.

Staying in one position too long—whether sitting or standing—isn’t healthy for the human
body. Take breaks to exercise or stretch your muscles. If you sit for a long time, periodically
find time to pause what you’re doing and walk around. If you’re on your feet all day, wear
supportive footwear and use your breaks to rest. And if your job is physically demanding on
certain parts of your body, it may help to stretch before jumping into strenuous tasks.

10. Keep your environment comfortable.

Work environments vary greatly depending on your industry and role, but some common items
you may want to pay attention to are lighting, temperature, vibration, and noise. Look for ways
to reduce glare or provide better lighting in low-light areas. Keep work areas at a comfortable
temperature when possible, and when you’re working outdoors, dress appropriately for the
weather. And if tools create excessive noise or vibration, provide hearing protection and
consider ways to dampen vibrating tools.

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