Ergonomics


 * __Lab 5:__ **

Ergonomics can be defined in terms of examining the physical and psychological aspects of the design of objects and materials within the workplace environment. The study of ergonomics is an essential and beneficial component for the workplace in that it is primarily concerned with the comfort and safety of people who interact within it. The design refinement process for such objects and materials is based on human factors, such as how the objects are used under particular circumstances. A multitude of issues need to be taken into account when employing ergonomics into design. In the video, several key issues were highlighted as the most important. Firstly, “comfort and simplicity” is necessary for design in workplaces as objects, materials, and equipment that workers use should have simultaneous increased ease and decreased difficulty of usage. Secondly, “incorrect height and depth” needs to be addressed as users who vary in shape and size would benefit from adjustability. Next, “task lighting” focuses on the intensity and position of lighting in a workspace which results in the highest level of comfort for workers. “Freedom of movement” and “usable desk space” is essential for workers in that it facilitates comfort and effectiveness within a workspace. Lastly, “prolonged laptop use” is of high concern because it illustrates how workers utilize and interact with objects.
 * Defining Ergonomics: **

Through the observations of how workers interact with objects, materials, and equipment within their environment it is possible to identify certain design considerations that need to be improved upon with the goal of increasing human safety, comfort, and ease of use in the workplace. Ergonomics is referred to as human factors engineering because it takes into account human characteristics, such as height and weight, and the human senses, such as sight and feel, when designing or improving upon the existing design of objects in the work environment. W hat is the ‘Gilbreth system of motion analysis’? ** The Gilbreth system of motion analysis was designed to monitor and analyze the motions of individuals as observed while they are performing a task, which has the ability to detect and analyze even the slightest of movements. Using this system of motion analysis, any unnecessary motions that are conducted, which increases the amount of time spent performing a task, can either be improved upon or eliminated in the future design of the particular object. It is a system which focuses on improving the energy and effort that is exerted when performing tasks.


 * W **** ho was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize ‘motion study. **

Frank Therblig was a brick laying apprentice who addressed the various methods in which he could lay bricks. By examining the different ways bricks could be laid, he was interested in creating a highly efficient, productive, and safe working environment for future workers. A motion and fatigue study was developed as a result of his interest in the field of work.

Motion studies were conducted on the various methods of bricklaying with the intention of determining the most efficient and least stressful method for bricklayers and other workers. The motion studies focused on the movements and routines of the workers as they bent, walked, reached and laid the next brick, in order to come up with one for the future that would increase productivity and decrease any unnecessary time spent on completing the task. Through the conducting of motion studies, the scaffolding building method was developed and deemed as the most energy efficient for workers.

** The three categories Frank Gerblith used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist are //hold, pre-position,// and //reach and move.//
 * Describe 3 categories Frank Gerblith used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist.

// Hold // involves carrying or having prolonged possession of an object over long periods of time as determined by the context under which the object is held. Gerblith was interested in the potential of an extraneous mechanical device that would decrease the amount of energy exerted by a worker, such as a clip, hook, or magnetic holding fixture.

//Pre-position// refers to the situation and location of a worker's tools that will increase the efficiency of work and usability of tools and, at the same time, decrease the chance of injury that could be sustained from improper tool positioning. Gerblith was interested if any extraneous devices would accomplish these factors, such as suspension mechanisms, or if the tools should be kept in their proper position at the worker's side.

// Reach and move // refers to the degree and amount of movement workers must do when completing work related tasks. Gerblith was interested in whether decreasing the amount of repetitions completed during a task would increase job efficiency as unnecessary completion time is eliminated