CCT333+Weekly+Lab+Response+Question+5


 * LAB 5 - Human Scale Ergonomics and Frank Gilbreth's 'Therbligs'**


 * //Define Ergonomics://**

Ergonomics is the process of designing items such as furniture and machines in the workplace in order to satisfy each individual and provide a safe and healthy environment. In order to satisfy everyone the need to customize the object is essential. The concept of customization allows individuals to adjust the furniture or object in a way that will benefit them. The ability to adjust allows the individual to use the item in any situation. For example, if the individual strained a certain muscle in their body, the customized item will allow them to adjust it in such a way that will not enhance the pain.

It is important to deliver the process of ergonomics properly and efficiently in order to create a safe workforce. Eliminating furniture and items that are not adjustable will enhance the individuals health. Since repetitive muscle straining injuries has become a very common factor in the workforce, it is important to decrease the possibilities of any pain that will lead to long-term disability.

The fact that ergonomics is connected to psychology and kinesiology (Wikipedia) shows that being comfortable in a work setting will allow the individual to enjoy their job, which increase the business of the company the individual will work at. The "human scale ergonomics" video even shows that the individual with the more advanced and customized furniture and technology is less frustrated and genuinely seems to enjoy his job. Whereas the other individual is frustrated throughout the whole video, spills coffee all over his work paper, has an uncomfortable chair that will definitely increase strain injures and leaves work looking frustrated again and unhappy. This will possibly result in him not looking forward going to work; does it out of force and most likely lacks increasing profit for the company.


 * //What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' ?//**

The 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' is an observation of how the method of motion and fatigue affect the process and quality of bricklaying. Waist motion is the traditional method of bricklaying which consists of unnecessary bending down and reaching increasing the level of fatigue in the worker. Gilbreth patented the new process of bricklaying which includes a scaffold platform that moves gradually up and down along the walls to enhance the productivity by 200% and to a certain extent eliminates the fatigue.


 * //Who was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize 'motion study'?//**

Frank Gilbreth first entered the world of management by starting off as an apprentice bricklayer. On his second day of the job questioned why he was being taught several different ways of laying bricks.

By questioning why he was taught different ways of bricklaying, he finally decided to try and find the best method of bricklaying and came up with 'motion and fatigue study'. Focusing on on how much unnecessary motion is put into bricklaying, Gilbreth determined that as a result, intense fatigue would set in.


 * //Describe three categories Frank Gerblith used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist://**

Reach and Move: this category focuses on how much distance and abrupt change can be eliminated in order to increase quick productivity and decrease fatigue. Analyzing if the right body parts are being used such as fingers, wrist, shoulders shows that using the proper ones in an acceptable time manner is critical to avoid any muscle strains and injuries. Being aware of the materials and tools such as conveyors and tweezers is also important because it affects the way the body moves and enhances the productivity while decreasing the fatigue and muscle straining. Questioning if time will be decreased emphasizes that the goal of this is to be able to carry out the task quickly, effectively and comfortably to increase proper and successful productivity.

Search: this category puts a lot of emphasis on making sure items are identified properly, hence utilizing labels and colours in a way that will allow the worker to stay organized and be able to efficiently carry out the job. Having transparent containers allows the worker to automatically know what material they are working with or that they need, rather than having to read it or look for colour labels. This is also important, because there can be times when a worker does not understand the language fluently and needs colours or transparent items in order to identify things faster. The importance of having proper lights is so that the job that is carried out is done properly without any mistakes due to improper lighting.

Rest to overcome fatigue: the focus in this category is on proper equipment that will allow the worker to rest a little bit in between periods of movement. It is critical to have proper temperature, humidity, ventilation and working conditions so the worker does not get sick or tired quickly. By decreasing the workers fatigue it is important to have machines that can be used for carrying heavy loads rather than using the workers themselves. These essential items and concepts will allow the worker to carry out effectively throughout the whole day without being psychologically and physically tired.