ERGONOMICS:

“The scientific discipline concerned with understanding of interactions among humans and
other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, methods and
data to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance”.
Ergonomics means
“Fitting the job to the worker”
From the Greek
Ergo = Work
Nomos = Laws
Source: International Ergonomics Association (IEA) in 2000
Three main areas of ergonomics as outlined by the International Ergonomics Association:

1. Physical Ergonomics:
• The physical interactions that occur between people and their workplace are the focus of
physical ergonomics.
• This field takes into account human anatomy, anthropometry (measurements of the human
body), physiology, and biomechanics.
• The primary focus is on how work areas, tools, and equipment are designed with consideration
for the physical limitations and capacities of the human body.
• By optimizing the physical aspects of the work environment, physical ergonomics aims to
prevent musculoskeletal disorders and injuries related to repetitive tasks, awkward postures,
or excessive force exertion.
• For example, ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and tools designed with ergonomic grips are
all outcomes of physical ergonomics principles.
• Ultimately, the goal is to enhance comfort, safety, and productivity for workers.
2. Cognitive Ergonomics:
• Cognitive ergonomics explores the mental processes involved in human interactions with
systems, products, or environments.
• This area of ergonomics focuses on understanding how humans perceive, process, and respond
to information in their surroundings.
• Key elements studied include perception, memory, attention, decision-making, problem-solving
and motor response.
• By considering cognitive load and cognitive biases, designers can create systems that are easier
to understand and operate, leading to improved user experiences and performance.
• Man must go from paper to work; he must mentally link the instructions to the appropriate
actions, do the assignment, and then confirm that it was done correctly.
• The worker’s cognitive load is higher while following visual task instructions, even though it
only takes milliseconds for the brain to process and react

3. Organizational Ergonomics:
• Organizational ergonomics, also referred to as macro-ergonomics, delves into the intricate
interplay between individuals and the broader context of their work environments.
• Unlike traditional ergonomics that focuses on the physical aspects of workstations and
equipment, organizational ergonomics zooms out to examine the larger organizational
structures, policies, and social dynamics that influence how work is done.

Key Components of Organizational Ergonomics:

1. Workload Distribution and Task Allocation
2. Communication Channels and Information Flow
3. Leadership Styles and Management Practices
4. Job Satisfaction and Well-being
5. Teamwork Dynamics and Collaboration

1.Workload Distribution and Task Allocation:

✓ Organizational ergonomics analyzes how tasks are distributed among employees and how
workloads are balanced.
✓ It seeks to ensure that tasks are assigned appropriately, considering factors such as skill level,
experience, and available resources, to prevent overload or underutilization of employees.
2. Communication Channels and Information Flow:
✓ Effective communication is vital for smooth operation within an organization.
✓ Organizational ergonomics evaluates communication channels, both formal and informal, to
ensure that information is conveyed efficiently and accurately.
✓ This includes examining the clarity of instructions, accessibility of resources, and
responsiveness of communication networks

3. Leadership Styles and Management Practices:

✓ The leadership style adopted within an organization significantly impacts employee
motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction.
✓ Organizational ergonomics assesses leadership practices to identify areas for improvement and
promote styles that foster trust, collaboration, and empowerment among employees

4. Job Satisfaction and Well-being:

✓ Employee satisfaction and well-being are central to organizational success.
✓ Organizational ergonomics explores factors contributing to job satisfaction, such as autonomy,
recognition, and opportunities for growth.
✓ By addressing these factors, organizations can enhance employee morale, productivity, and
retention.

5. Teamwork Dynamics and Collaboration:

✓ Collaboration is increasingly important in modern workplaces.
✓ Organizational ergonomics examines team structures, dynamics, and processes to optimize
collaboration and teamwork effectiveness.
✓ This may involve redesigning team workflows, facilitating interdisciplinary communication,
and fostering a culture of mutual respect and support.

Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

i. Enhances Employee Health
ii. Boosts Productivity
iii. Reduces Absenteeism
iv. Improves Job Satisfaction
v. Optimizes Work Processes
vi. Addresses Diverse Workforce Needs
vii. Enhances Employee Engagement
viii. Complies with Regulations
 I. Enhances Employee Health:
✓ Implementing ergonomic principles in the workplace involves designing workstations and
tools in a manner that reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like repetitive
strain injuries and back pain.
✓ Ergonomically designed workstations are tailored to support natural body postures, reducing
strain on muscles and joints. Similarly, ergonomic tools are crafted to minimize the effort
required for tasks, thereby reducing the risk of injury and discomfort.
2. Boosts Productivity:
✓ When employees work in comfortable and ergonomically optimized environments, they can
focus more intently on their work and maintain higher levels of concentration.
✓ This leads to increased efficiency and productivity as employees experience fewer distractions
and physical discomfort, allowing them to perform tasks more effectively and with greater
accuracy.
3. Reduces Absenteeism:
✓ By preventing injuries and health issues associated with poor ergonomic conditions,
organizations can reduce absenteeism rates among employees.
✓ This results in a more consistent workforce, as employees are not as likely to miss work due to
personal issues injuries or discomfort.
4. Improves Job Satisfaction:
✓ Offering ergonomic tools and workplaces to staff members shows that you care about their
comfort and well-being.
✓ This fosters a supportive and encouraging work atmosphere where workers feel appreciated
and encouraged, which raises morale and job satisfaction.
5. Optimizes Work Processes:
✓ Ergonomics not only focuses on the design of individual workstations but also considers the
layout of workspaces and the organization of tasks.
✓ By optimizing work processes to align with ergonomic principles, companies can streamline
workflows, minimize unnecessary movements, and reduce the risk of errors or accidents.
6. Addresses Diverse Workforce Needs:
✓ People have different physical abilities, preferences, and limitations.
✓ Implementing ergonomic practices ensures that the workplace accommodates the varied
requirements of workers, including those with impairments or specific ergonomic
requirements.
✓ This creates a more inclusive and supportive environment where all employees can thrive.
7. Enhances Employee Engagement:
✓ Employees are more inclined to priorities their health and well-being when they perceive that
their employer be engaged and committed to their work.
✓ Ergonomically designed workspaces and supportive policies contribute to a positive
organizational culture where staff members are inspired to give their best work and feel
respected.

8. Complies with Regulations:

✓ Ergonomics standards are among the many laws and policies that many jurisdictions have put
in place to guarantee worker safety and health.
✓ Following these rules not only keeps businesses out of trouble with the law but also shows that
they care about giving their workers a safe and healthy place to work.
✓ By complying with ergonomic standards, companies can mitigate risks and liabilities associated
with workplace injuries and related legal issues.

Basic Principles of Ergonomics:

1. Work in a neutral position
2. Reduce the need for excessive force
3. Keep materials on hand
4. Work at the correct height
5. Reduce unnecessary movements
6. Minimize the fatigue caused by static load
7. Minimize contact stress
8. Leave Sufficient free space
9. Move and stretch thought the day
10. Keep your surrounding comfortable

1. Work in a neutral position:

Maintaining a neutral posture
Throughout the day is crucial, regardless
of whether you work while
standing or sitting.
2. Reduce the need for excessive force:
✓ Pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy objects can
increase joint strain and the chance of
being tired or hurt.
✓ Instead of using undue force, look for
methods or equipment that can reduce the weight
you need to move.

3. Keep materials on hand:

✓ Try reaching out and making a half circle with your arms in front of you.
✓ Items that you use often on your desk should fit inside this semicircle, which is your scope
envelope.
✓ You might need to rearrange your workspace to make room for your scope envelope so that you
aren’t reaching for things you use frequently.

4. Work at the correct height:

✓ An excessively high or low work surface can put a strain on your shoulders, neck, and back.
✓ Whether you are seated or standing, the majority of normal work should be done at elbow
height.
✓ To work lower than elbow height, though, you might want to modify your position if you use
heavy instruments.
5. Reduce unnecessary movements:
✓ Overuse injuries can result from repeated manual labor. Therefore, it’s critical to consider the
motions you do repeatedly throughout the day and devise strategies for minimizing excessive
movement.
✓ Is it feasible, for instance, to switch out a screwdriver for a drill so that you don’t have to twist
your wrist to spin it? This would remove the need for physical labor.

6. Minimize fatigue caused by static load:

✓ You may be required to perform certain duties at work that involve standing still for a long
time; this is known as a static load.
✓ Any portion of the body, including the legs from prolonged standing or the shoulders from
holding your arms over your head for an extended period, can be impacted by static loading.
✓ These kinds of jobs can wear out your muscles and possibly produce pain that persists long
after the action is over.
7. Minimize contact stress:
✓ Touch stress is produced when a tool or surface makes repeated touch with the same area
of your body.
✓ These places of contact, which are often referred to as pressure points, may hurt.
✓ The regular squeezing of pliers or the holding of a heavy instrument, like a nail gun, that
applies pressure to a particular area of your hand is an example of contact stress.

8. Leave sufficient free space:

✓ This is a really basic principle: your head, knees,
and feet must all have adequate room.
✓ Make sure you have enough room for your
legs when working while seated by
adjusting your seat.
✓ To protect your head, remove any obstructions
that are overhead. This also involves visibility.
✓ Having a clear understanding of your
surroundings is crucial, regardless of your
working environment or the tools you employ.
9. Move and stretch throughout the day:
✓ The human body does not respond well to prolonged periods of sitting or standing still.
✓ Take pauses to stretch your muscles or work out.
✓ If you find yourself sitting for extended periods, schedule occasional breaks from your work to
go for a walk.
✓ If you must spend the entire day on your feet, choose supportive footwear and take breaks to
recharge.

10. Keep your surroundings comfortable:

✓ Your industry and function will determine how different your work environment like noise,
vibration, temperature, and illumination.
✓ Seek methods to improve illumination in poorly lit places or to lessen glare.
✓ When possible, keep work locations at a pleasant temperature.
✓ If you must work outside, wear appropriate clothing.
✓ Provide hearing protection and think about ways to dampen vibrating tools if they produce
excessive noise or vibration.
Ergonomics and Postural Efficiency:
✓ Ergonomics focuses on designing environments to maximize performance and well-being in
humans.
✓ Postural efficiency, a key aspect, involves maintaining comfortable and sustainable body
positions to prevent strain while performing tasks.
✓ It aims to minimize strain on muscles and joints, promoting better comfort and preventing
musculoskeletal issues.

The elements of postural efficiency are,

1. Ergonomic design: Implementing ergonomic furniture and equipment to support natural
body postures during tasks. This may include adjustable chairs, desks, and computer
peripherals.
2. Task analysis: Assessing specific job tasks to identify potential postural challenges and
designing workstations accordingly. This involves understanding the demands of the job and
tailoring the environment to facilitate comfortable postures.
3. Employee education: Providing training on proper body mechanics and posture to employees.
This includes awareness of the importance of taking breaks, stretching, and adjusting positions
to prevent prolonged static postures.
4. Regular assessment: Conduct regular evaluations of workstations and postural habits to
ensure ongoing effectiveness. This may involve adjusting equipment, providing additional
support, or updating ergonomic guidelines based on employee feedback

Ergonomics in Office Settings:

• Ergonomics in office settings is crucial for promoting employee health, comfort, and
productivity.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) comprise one-third of all musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),
according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Workplace injuries and illnesses, with an estimated cost of $20 billion annually in the United
States alone.
• The danger of can be decreased by using ergonomic keyboards, monitor stands, and adjustable
seats in workstations.
• Ergonomics in office settings focuses on optimizing the design of workstations, equipment, and
workflows to enhance comfort, safety, and productivity for individuals performing desk-based
tasks.
 1. Workspace Design
2. Chair Ergonomics
3. Computer Ergonomics
4. Workspace organization
5. Task Ergonomics
6. Environmental Factors
7. Break Movement
8. Ergonomic Intervention

Ergonomics and Productivity

By implementing these ergonomic principles in office setups, employers can create a comfortable and
productive work environment that supports employee health and well-being.
1. Physical Comfort
2. Reduced Injury and Absenteeism
3. Increased Tax Performance
4. Improved Cognitive Function
5. Enhanced Employee Engagement
6. Long Term Benefits
Ergonomic Assessment Methods and Tools
• Ergonomic assessment methods and tools play a crucial role in identifying and addressing
ergonomic risk factors within the workplace.
• By systematically evaluating work environments, tasks, and equipment, these methods
empower organizations to proactively mitigate ergonomic hazards and create ergonomically
sound workspaces conducive to employee well-being and performance

1. Direct Observation
2. Questioners & Survey
3. Interviews and Focus groups
4. Ergonomic Checklists
5. Anthropometric Measurement
6. Biomechanical Analysis
7. Job Hazard Analysis
8. Ergonomic Software Tools
Ergonomic Hazards:
• Physical elements in the surroundings known as ergonomic hazards have the potential to cause
damage to the musculoskeletal system.
• Tension in the body is what leads to injuries.
• This is the result of your body being strained by the nature of the task, your body position, and
the working environment.
• A little exposure may cause “muscle soreness” the day or two following the exposure, but
prolonged exposure may cause a significant long-term sickness.
• Layout and operation of equipment
• Lift, push and pull (manual handling)
• Lighting
• Noise
• Computer systems and programs
• Job, task and workplace design
• Design and height of the workstation.
Ergonomics Risk Factors:
✓ Ergonomics risk factors encompass various elements that can impact the well-being of
individuals in work environments.
✓ These factors, when not properly managed, can potentially lead to musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) and other health issues.
✓ To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to understand and address each factor comprehensively.

1. High Task Repetition

2. Forceful Exertion
3. Sustained Uncomfortable Posture
4. Inadequate Equipment Design
5. Poor posture

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD):

The term “musculoskeletal disorders” (MSDs) refers to physical harm or pain experienced by the
human musculoskeletal system, which includes the joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, and
supporting structures of the neck, back, and limbs.
Some symptoms:
• Discomfort
• Pain
• Numbness
• Loss of movement/flexibility
• Stiff joints
• Loss of colour
• Cramping
• Swelling
• Weakness
Common Work-Related (MSD):
• Poor workplace ergonomics can significantly contribute to the development of Muscle and
tendon pain is a common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a broad category of
painful illnesses, ligaments, nerves, and joints.
• When ergonomic factors such as high task repetition, forceful exertions, sustained
uncomfortable postures, inadequate equipment design, and poor posture are not effectively
addressed, they can impose undue strain on the body’s musculoskeletal system, leading to
various health issues.

1. Low Back Pain

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
3. Tendinitis
4. Rotator Cuff injuries
5. Neck Strain
6. Trigger finger
7. Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow/ Golfer Elbow)
8. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis