Applied Industrial Ergonomics (IE 665)

Applied IndustrialErgonomics (IE 665)Arijit Sengupta, Ph.D.New Jersey Institute of Technology9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta1

Ergonomics"Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientificdiscipline concerned with the understanding ofthe interactions among human and otherelements of a system, and the profession thatapplies theory, principles, data and methods todesign in order to optimize human well-beingand overall system performance.”International Ergonomics Association (IEA) Executive Council 20009/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta2

Ergonomics: Foundations Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) founder ofoccupational/ industrial medicine. Studied occupational diseases and advocated workplaceinspection a necessary tool for discovering causes of thediseases, for preventing diseases and preventing them. Encouraged eventual passage of factory safety andworkmen’s compensation laws. In 1700 he wrote De morbis artificum diatriba (Diseases ofWorkers) in Latin describing the health hazards ofrepetitive motions and postures, irritating chemicals,dust, metals, and other abrasive agents for workers in 52occupations.9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta3

History of “Human Factors” in DesignLate 1800s / Early 1900s: The Industrial Revolution Frank and Lillian Gilbreth study of human motion and workplace management skilled performance, fatigue, workstations &equipment for physically disabled surgical teams study - improved efficiency bysuggesting new protocol: surgeons should call forinstrument which is placed in extended hand by nurse forerunners of “human factors” research9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta4

History of “Human Factors” in DesignThe Best Way to Lift Bricks Frank and Lillian Gilbreth: “ to lift 90 pounds of brick ata time is most advantageous physiologically as well aseconomically ”Bricks/Lift11824Weight/Lift (lbs)590120Work/hour (kCal)520285450Bricks/Hour250600300Optimal Procedure9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta5

History of “Human Factors” in Design1900-1945: Workplace was “TaskOriented” people adapted to the task andequipment. tests were developed for betterworker selection and training. “Efficiency gap” called for aparadigm shift by fitting job/tools tothe person.9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta6

History of “Human Factors” in Design1945-1960: “Human Factors”Profession was born first engineering psychology labswere established in US & Britain first ‘Ergonomics ResearchSociety’ was formed in Britain first scientific journal in 1957 –‘Ergonomics’ International Ergonomics Societylaunched in 1959.9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta7

History of “Human Factors” in Design1960-1980: Rapid Growth Initially human factorsresearch was limited to military Interest and need fed by“Race for Space” Expansion beyond militaryand space research to industryand workplace (e.g. computers,automobiles, and otherconsumer products)9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta8

History of “Human Factors” in Design1980-Today: Computers, Disasters, & Lawsuits Computers - desire for “people-oriented” technology grewthrough ergonomically designed computers, user-friendlysoftware, and office design Disasters – Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and varioushigh-profile chemical plant explosions were linked to lackof attention to “human factor” considerations Lawsuits – courts came to recognize the need for expertsin explaining human behaviour, responses, defectivedesign, and effectiveness of workplace warnings andinstructions9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta9

Alternative Names of Ergonomics Humans Factors EngineeringHuman EngineeringEngineering PsychologyApplied ExperimentalPsychology Occupational Psychology9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta10

Ergonomics/Human Factors Ergonomics (European) and Human Factors (US)basically are the same disciplines. Ergonomics is the ‘science of work’, from ‘ergon’or ‘ergos’ (Greek – work) and ‘nomos’ or‘nomikos’ (Greek – laws). Ergonomics is multidisciplinary and uses multiplemethods. Ergonomics is user focused If it doesn’t affect design in some way, it isn’tergonomics.9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta11

Occupational ErgonomicsConcerns the applicationof ergonomics principlesspecifically to theworkplace and relatedtasks.9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta12

What Ergonomics is NOT1.2.3.NOT just applying “universal”checklists and guidelines blindly.NOT using oneself as the modelfor design, since there is diversityand variationsNOT just using common sense,since the decision must be basedon real data and information9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta13

Six Pillars of Ergonomic Design1. User Orientation: Design and application oftools, procedures, and systems must be useroriented, rather than just “task” oriented2. Diversity: Recognition of diversity in humancapabilities and limitations, rather than“stereotyping” workers/users3. Effect on Humans: Tools, procedures, andsystems are not “inert”, but do influence humanbehaviour and well-being9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta14

Six Pillars (continued)4. Objective Data: Empirical information andevaluation is key in design process, rather thanjust use of “common sense”5. Scientific Method: test and retest hypothesiswith real data, rather than “anecdotal” evidenceor “good estimates”6. Systems: object, procedures, environments, andpeople are interconnected, affect one another,and do not exist in “isolation”9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta15

Ergonomics – Physical Design Who are the users? How does technology fit different userdimensions? How does technology fit user anatomy? How does technology fit user strength? How does technology fit different user abilities? How safe is the technology (health, comfort,performance)? How do users interact with technology?9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta16

Ergonomics – Cognitive design How do users expect the technology to work?How is information displayed?How well are stereotypical expectations met?How complex is the interface?How much training is required?What user knowledge assumptions are met?How does information facilitate learning andmemory?9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta17

Ergonomics - Layout Are the work items optimally positioned interms of comfort, convenience, andfrequency of use? How well does the layout support the workflow? Who can be accommodated by the layout? How flexible is the layout when workcontent changes?9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta18

Ergonomics - Ambient conditions Physical environment conditions at work What are the prevailing climate conditionsthat could effect the work (thermal,luminous, acoustic, vibration, air quality,electromagnetic field) What are the exposures? What protection is required?9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta19

Ergonomics – Work content Job design selection and trainingWhat are the work patterns (shifts etc.)What are the work tasks?What are the required skills (Physical,Cognitive, Social)? What are the training needs? What can be simulated?9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta20

Macroergonomics Organizational design and managementHow should team work?What motivate users?How should functions be allocated?How should team be led?What are the opportunities for participatoryergonomics?9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta21

BiomechanicalModeling MethodsAnthropometricMethodsMechanical instrumentationMethodsClassifying andEvaluating WorkOCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS& BIOMECHANICSMaterialHandling LimitsWorkerSelectionCriteria & TrainingHand ToolDesignGuidelinesWorkplace &MachineGuidelinesSeating DesignGuidelinesImproved Performance &Reduced Risk of MechanicalTrauma9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta22

Ergonomics Ergonomics is the scientific study of how peopleinteract effectively with products, equipment,facilities, procedures and environments used atwork and in everyday living. Ergonomics seeks to match the design ofmachines, jobs and workplaces with thecapabilities, limitations and needs of people. Ergonomics seeks to maximize ease of use andoptimize operator productivity, comfort andhealth.9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta23

Ergonomic Considerations Physical factors - ambient conditions; objects(tools, furniture, etc.) Biological factors - body dimensions, bodycapabilities, physiological processes Psychological factors - mental workload,information processing, training, motivation Work factors - job demands (time, rate, etc.), jobdesign Organizational factors - organization type/climate,management regimes9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta24

Need for Occupational Ergonomics “Social Justice” understanding of work and employment Trend in industrialized countries to accommodate individualworkers regardless of physical capabilities, age, gender, or race Changing international standards for “work capacity” limits and“worker selection” tests Research reveals greater diversity of “performance” within ageand gender groups than previously thought. For example,recommended weight-lifting standard in 1960s by InternationalStandards Organization is illegal now in many countries becauseit “stereotypes” age/gender lifting limits9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta25

The Ergonomics Profession“Human Factors Society” Member Backgrounds (1991)Psychology45.1 %Engineering19.1 %Ergonomics7.7 %Medicine/Life Sciences3%Education2.6 %Industrial Design2.4 %Business1.9 %Computer Science1.3 %Other8.3 %9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta26

The Ergonomics ProfessionWhat Fields are Ergonomic specialists found in? (1991)Computers22 %Aerospace22Industrial Processes17Health and 10Dr. A. K. Sengupta27

The Ergonomics ProfessionWhere do Ergonomics specialists Work? (1991)Private Business/IndustryGovernment AgenciesAcademics/University74 %1510Where do Human Factors specialists Work? (1991)Large Organizations57 %9/2/2010Dr. A. K. Sengupta28

9/2/2010 Dr. A. K. Sengupta 2 Ergonomics "Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system, and t