LAB+WEEK+5+ERGONOMICS

View Human Scale Ergonomics []

Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'. (3 paragraphs) Ergonomics is an applied science with the intention of increasing a worker’s productivity while minimizing fatigue and discomfort, in a workplace environment such as an office. The main things that engineers have to consider when designing workplace equipment are comfort and productivity for short-term and long-term use. If they are disregarded there is an increase in discomfort, decrease in productivity in work, and increase risk of injury in the workplace. There are many common issues in ergonomics that people are not usually aware of; there are six specific ones. These issues include: comfort and simplicity, incorrect height and depth, task lighting, freedom of movement, prolonged laptop use, and usable desk space. The first issue involves, as the video clip shows, discomfort in the chair. The solution to it is deemed the ‘liberty chair’ a chair that mimics the curvature of the individual’s spine, allows for reclining, and adjustment up and down according to height of individual in relation to the desk. A related issue is that of the height of the computer screen, and its distance from the individual working at the desk. The solution is having the ‘M7 Monitor Arm’ which allows for mobility and adjustment of the monitor. Lighting is another ergonomic issue that is usually overlooked because it is such a simple thing. Proper lighting is essential to lessen strain on the eyes and increase productivity and efficiency of work by allowing better vision. Having a diffrient light gives the light mobility and its dimness is just enough to light the task area but not strong enough to strain vision. The last three issues can be categorized as long-term ergonomics issues; issues encountered in prolonged work hours. The first of these issues being freedom of movement; chairs with wheels, adjustable arms, and recline allow for increased comfort for the individual during breaks, or moving around the office. The second of these issues the video clip discusses is prolonged laptop use. The keyboard and natural setup of a laptop, after a prolonged time period, becomes uncomfortable, and puts strain on the individual’s wrists especially. Also the angle the screen is, being practically immobile, increases the discomfort. The solution, as suggested by the video clip, is the l2 laptop holder. This holds the laptop upright, and one just has to plug in the desktop keyboard (which is on a drawer, low enough in relation to the individual to put minimal discomfort on the wrists, and to increase type-time.) The last issue is usable desk space. Having things organized in drawers, shelves, folders, etc, allows for new tasks to be easily worked on without mixing up older tasks. Moreover, the video clip emphasizes putting the keyboard on a drawer under the desk, to avoid it gathering desk space also.

View Frank Gilbreth Bricklaying Ergonomics []

What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' (1 paragraph) Motion study was first developed when it was first applied to the world’s oldest mechanical trade: bricklaying. Using Gilbreth’s system of motion analysis, motions per brick decreased from 18 to 5; bricks laid per hour almost tripled from 125 to 350. Therefore productivity was increased and the new method decreased the stooping from 250 times per hour, and allowed for the bricklayer to work in the most untiring position.

Who was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize 'motion study'? (2 paragraphs) Frank Gilbreth lived from 1868 to 1924. He took his first step in field of management in 1885. It started on his 2nd day as bricklayer apprentice, he wondered why he was being taught several ways to lay bricks. His interests lead to development of motion and fatigue study. Gilbreth utilized motion and fatigue study to improve bricklaying. He noticed the amount of unnecessary stooping, walking and reaching (two stoops per brick: once for the brick and once for the mortar). As an improvement he introduced non-stooping scaffolding platforms and a one motion grass packets. The lifting jack maintained the mortar and bricks and the most untiring height, and close to the wall.

Download the Therblig Analysis Checklist from [] and read it over.

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

Therblig analysis checklist involves 11 sections. Three of which are: Reach and Move, Grasp, and Release. All three stages are covered ergonomically with Gilbreth’s system of motion analysis. The ‘Reach and Move’ section has 9 questions. It asks questions to ensure that the individual’s reach to the bricks is minimal and causes little to no strain. Moreover, it asks if the proper ‘body member’ is being used (fingers, wrist, etc) to reach for the bricks. Lastly, the time it takes to reach for and move the bricks is questioned to ensure minimal time, and maximize efficiency. The next category, entitled ‘Grasp’ asks 11 questions. It asks questions about productivity and whether it would be more productive for the individual to grab more or less at a time. Also, it asks if any other tools can be used to increase efficiency and simplicity in grabbing the objects. Lastly it asks questions to ensure easy flow between workers.  The last category that was mentioned above is ‘Release’, and asks 5 questions. It asks if the release can be made in transit, as in while the individual is moving, and if the receiving bins are designed properly. Lastly it asks if the hand positions are ideal and if multiple units can be released at once to try and increase work speed.