Weekly+Lab+5+Response

=Lab 5=

Ergonomics involves the design of objects to suit an individual specifically in the work environment. Ergonomics relates to the design of objects and how well the object is designed for human use. Without the proper design of objects it becomes difficult to function in the workplace. Proper ergonomics will prevent any prolonged strains put on the body with constant use of the object.

One of the most popular areas of ergonomic design is the office place. Workers are sitting at a desk for about 6-8 hours. It becomes imperative to design objects with good ergonomics to make working easier. Objects have to be designed with the user in mind.

In the video, there were several issues touched upon regarding the design of a work place. The first issue was comfort and simplicity. Things should be designed in a way that customers can easily determine the function of certain features on a product. The video uses the example of a chair where there are several knobs and handles that it becomes difficult to determine what does what. The second issue was the height and depth of objects such as computer monitors. They can be positioned in one spot making it difficult to adjust to the user’s liking. The third issue is lighting where the user wants to be able to control the amount of lighting and where to position it. Lamp can get very hot depending on the way they are designed. Fourth, we have the issue of the freedom of movement. Products can have multiple features. But having multiple features is not always a good thing because some can get in the way making your freedom to move restrained. Fifth issue is the prolonged use of laptops can be uncomfortable because of the positioning. And the final issue is the usable desk space. A desk can become over crowded with different objects. By adding different shelves and rails you can reduce the clutter. In the end, you want to be able to reduce frustration throughout your workday by having things designed better for the user.

Frank Gilbreth wanted to know why there were many ways to lay out bricks and wanted to find the best way to do it. This led to motion and fatigue study. Motion study was applied to brick method. Expending too much energy in stooping over to pick up bricks and picking up other tools to layout the bricks properly took a lot of energy. Gilbert wanted to design something that would eliminate the constant bending over and reduces waist motion. Gilbert designed a device that maintained the level of mortar and bricks at a proper height and close to the wall. This decreased motion for bending and increased the number of bricks laid out per hour. Which increased the productivity by 200%. The stooping was the most tiring part and this device eliminated the stooping since the platform would be leveled.

Frank Therblig studied motion. His works pertains to the study of motion in the workplace. The workplace is somewhere we spend a bulk of our time. There are many repetitive tasks or situations workers are put through that can cause strains and fatigue.

Therblig created a list of several elements that pertains to some of the tasks in which we endure constantly. The tasks include: - Reach and move - Grasp - Release - Pre-position - Use - Search - Select - Position - Inspect - Rest to overcome fatigue - Hold


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

1. Reach and move: when placing bricks the worker has to constantly bend over and reach over for a brick. The worker has to examine the brick in order to position it properly onto the wall. And the worker has to reach down for their tools to position the brick. Material and tools are constantly being moved which is time consuming for the worker. 2. Search: items are prepositioned on the ground that causes strain for the worker. Tools are not leveled. Bricks have to be moved from one place to another. The layout of the workstation is not efficient and the worker does not have items in arms reach. 3. Grasp: items have to be constantly held and positioned by the worker. They do not have a set area for their tools and bricks. Nothing is being used to make the job easier for them to grab tools/bricks. There is no workstation and objects are placed in different areas.