Lab5Kochar

//Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'.//

What is the safest, easiest, and most productive way to do the task on hand? The best way to describe ergonomics would be to say that it is the answer to that question. Ergonomics “is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker” (Wikipedia).

While ergonomics may be thought as a new term and something that has come along since office work became increasingly popular and taking up a lot of the work force, that is not the case. Ergonomics was something that was being done before anyone even knew of the term. Consider this, when cavemen would build tools to write on the walls, were those tools not a form of ergonomics? Of course it is, rather than using their hands to carve into the walls, or just using a rounded rock, they would make pointed tools which would make it easier to indent into the walls.

Looking at the workplace, ergonomics goes into the design of a variety of facets. As presented in __Humanscale Ergonomics__, desks, chairs, lighting and everything from laptop holders have to implement ergonomics. Simply said, the easier and more comfortable way it is for someone to do something, the more likely it is that they will enjoy doing it. If they enjoy doing what they are doing, then they will do it better (yes that was “simply said”).

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

The Gilbreth system of motion analysis looks at how motions and movements affect productivity. Measuring factors like speed and efficiency of work led Gilbreth to question a better way. To lay a single brick required bending over, walking, laying, bending over again (for mortar) and unnecessary time consumption. By reducing many of these tasks, the system of motion analysis developed and researched by Gilbreth increased productivity by almost 200%.

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

Frank Therblig entered into the field of management in 1885 as an apprentice bricklayer. He was presented with various different ways to lay bricks and felt that it made no sense to have multiple ways to do the same task. He set out to find the best way to lay bricks, one which would make it easier on the bricklayers and also increase productivity ie. laying more bricks in less time.

He developed a platform which utilized a one scooping motion to lay each brick. This reduced the amount of movements required for each brick from 18 to 5. Motion study allowed him to see which aspects of the traditional way of bricklaying were the most time consuming and difficult. By addressing those major issues he was able to develop this new way helping the brick layers. As mentioned, this not only helped in efficiency, but also aided the brick layers. Rather than having to bend over multiple times, something which could cause long term pains in the future, the work load and strain was reduced.

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

This first part of the checklist is titled Reach and Move. It seems to look at the project as a whole and sees if any of the tasks can be shortened. Can distances be shortened to advantage? Can a gravity chute be employed? Can abrupt changes in direction be eliminated? While the other parts of the checklist seem to focus in on one task or a part of the task, the questions in Reach and Move seem to apply to any part of the overall job.
 * Reach and Move**

Pre-position seems to address the set up of the workstation. Before starting the job, is everything that can make the initial step easier being done? Is everything set up in such a way that each part of the job will run smoothly? The specific points on the checklist are: Can tools be suspended? Can a magazine feed be used? Can a stacking device be used? Anything that makes it easier to access the tools and clear up the work space prior to commencement seems to be addressed here.
 * Pre-Position**

As the title of this checkpoint states, Hold address how to keep things in place. Can friction be used? Can a magnetic device be used? Ways to keep things sturdy and stable are checked off in “Hold”. This could apply for tools, so they are always exactly where you leave them, or perhaps in the above example, how to keep the bricks in place as well.
 * Hold**