louisebuktawlab5

Lab 5

Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'. (3 paragraphs) Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines.

Ergonomics involves fitting the task to the worker. An effective ergonomics program in the workplace benefits the worker by increasing comfort and job satisfaction and improving productivity and morale. Having an ergonomic office also benefits the employer by improving injury prevention, early returns to work, reducing absenteeism and decreasing costs.

Employees must also be able to control their workplace such as the amount of natural light in the office with the use of blinds or shades. Apart from natural light, comfort, simplicity, height and depth are important factors that should be considered in a workplace.

What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' (1 paragraph)

Motion Study was first developed when it was applied to the world’s oldest trade --- bricklaying. The traditional method, even after 6,000 years, involved unnecessary stooping, walking and reaching. The time-consuming, tiring part of the job had been stooping 125 times per hour for brick and 125 times for mortar. By using Gilbreth’s method, a man could lay more bricks, standing normally, and return home after a full day’s work not nearly as tired.

Who was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize 'motion study'? (2 paragraphs)

Frank Bunker Gilbreth (1868-1924), the founder of modern motion study technique, called the fundamental motions of the hands of a worker "therbligs" (Gilbreth roughly spelled backwards). He concluded that any and all operations are made up of series of these 17 divisions. The 17 divisions are search, select, grasp, reach, move, hold, release, position, pre-position, inspect, assemble, disassemble, use, unavoidable delay, avoidable delay, plan, and test to overcome fatigue.

Describe three categories Frank Gerblith used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist. (3 paragraphs)

Search

The Search motion starts when the eyes and/or hand start to seek the object needed and ends just as the object is located. varies with the number of dimensions in which the search is performed.” A one dimensionalsearch might be locating a piece of paper on a desktop. A two dimensional search might be finding a light switch on a wall and the three dimensional search would be locating a hanging pull-chain for a light or fan. The Gilbreths also recognized that contrasting colors, shapes or embossed symbols could reduce the search function.

Select:

This Therblig may be considered a part of Search. However, through usage by the Gilbreths, it was found to indicate locating an object from a group of similar objects. For example, an artist may Search for a box of colored pencils and then Select the proper color. If the Select function took too long, it might be wise to see how clearly the pencils are marked Do the shafts of the pencil denote the color either by copying the color on their surface or having it’s name printed on the shaft?. Could this be aided by a pencil holder, where a bold bar of color aligned with the pencil location? Of course, good lighting is required to discern minor variations in color. Another aspect that the Gilbreths included under Select was in picking objects that required a certain quantity.

Grasp

In this Therblig, the time taken is directly proportional with the ease of the grasp. For example, the more dimensions the object has, the quicker it can be effectively grasped. Example Hot or cold objects could be grasped faster if they had insulated handles rather than using a rag or gloves to pick up an un insulated handle. The Gilbreths also recognized that when Grasp was a static position, such as holding a block of wood while a screw was being inserted, it should be eliminated by using a jig or foot-activated clamp or other holding device. They felt that the hand was a poor vise and caused great fatigue.