HayleyCookeLab5

LAB 5: **Human Scale Ergonomics and Frank Gilbreth's 'Therbligs'**


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

Ergonomics refers to the proper and efficient design of a product. In the workplace, there are several things that can be done to create a more productive work environment for workers. Firstly, items should be designed for comfort and simplicity. This entails proper height and depth of the design. Keeping these factors in mind will make a simply, yet user-friendly design.

Proper lighting also ensures that it is easier to get work done, because it creates a more work-conducive environment. Therefore, there should be plenty of lighting to be able to see what one is working on. However, the lighting should not be harsh and fluorescent.

One should have a large spread of movement, and it should have a very flexible design. Also, there should be proper design for laptop use. That means that a laptop should have a proper desk underneath it, and be at a proper level to be able to type on. There should be usable desk space - a desk should not be cluttered and filled with papers and books. There should be only a few accessories on the table, with a look of clear space to move around.


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

This method applied to the mechanical trade of bricklaying. The Gilbreth system of motion analysis created a more ergonomic design because it decreased the motions per brick from 18 to 5. It also multiplied the bricks laid per hour from 125 to 350 bricks.


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

Frank Gilbreth: Alive 1868-1924. He worked in the management field starting in the 1880s, where he studied ways to make brick-laying more efficient and less tiring for the workers. As he started work as an actual bricklayer, he thought to himself why he was being taught such an unefficient way to work. This caused him to enter the research and development of fatigue and motion among the workers.

His ultimate goal in this field was to create a more productive and less tiring bricklaying process for the workers. He observed times of stooping, moving, and lifting that were not necessary, and that wasted time and energy. He introduced the non-stooping motion of bricklaying, where stooping was very minimal on the job. He introduced the lifting jack so that the workers did not have to do as much lifting, and hurt their health, and waste the company's time.


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

1**) Reach and move:** Can distances be shortened to advantage? Gerblith did this by introducing the lifting jack.

2**) Rest to overcome fatigue:** Are mechanical means being used for heavy loads? This was fixed by introducing machines that could assist the workers.

3) **Release:** Can the release be made in transit? Yes, Gerblith made it possible so that the release was efficient and worked properly.