Ergonomic Assessments
Introduction to Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science that studies the interaction between humans and their work environment to optimize well-being, performance, and system efficiency. It’s about designing tasks to suit the worker, not vice versa.
By improving workplace design, ergonomics reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and accidents, while boosting productivity.
Key Benefits of Ergonomics
- Improved Worker Safety
- Enhanced Comfort
- Increased Worker Performance
- Higher Productivity
- Reduced Injury and Accident Risk
Human Factors in Ergonomics
- The human body follows the same physical laws as any object. Ergonomics ensures that the physical environment aligns with the body’s requirements. This reduces fatigue, injury, and errors, particularly in tasks that require sustained physical effort.
Assessment Areas in Ergonomics
Worker-Related
- The mismatch between body size and workstation (anthropometric challenges).
- Poor posture during work.
- High physical force requirements for tasks.
Task-Related
- Inadequate design for human compatibility.
- Poorly organized layouts.
- Inefficient seating arrangements.
- Psychosocial issues like stress from work pressure or lack of breaks.
Environmental Factors
- Visual strain due to improper lighting.
- Temperature extremes (heat, cold, or humidity).
- Exposure to vibrations from machinery.
- High noise levels affect focus and comfort.
Assessment Areas in Ergonomics
Physical Ergonomics
Focuses on human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to ensure workplace designs suit the physical capabilities of workers.
Cognitive Ergonomics
Deals with mental processes like memory and decision-making, ensuring that work systems are mentally manageable.
Organizational Ergonomics
Optimizes organizational structures and processes, including teamwork, communication, and work design, to support worker efficiency.
Approaches to Ergonomic Design
Biomechanical Approach
Uses principles of physics to determine physical stresses on the body and design tasks accordingly.
Epidemiological Approach
Studies population data to identify and mitigate risks of injury, using past data to improve future designs.
Methodology
A detailed ergonomic evaluation of selected operations is essential to ensure the safety, comfort, and productivity of operators. The key objectives of this evaluation are:
1. Assessment of Ergonomic Risk Factors
- Identify ergonomic risks during actual operations.
- Detailed observation of work processes and operators during the study period
- Minimize risks through mechanization or automation to reduce work stress.
2. Workstation, Material & Office Ergonomics Analysis
- Workstation and Material Measurements: Record key workstation dimensions, such as machine heights and distances, to evaluate the ergonomic setup.
- Additional Evaluations: Measure hand grip strength, heart rate, noise levels, and lighting to assess ergonomic impact.
- Office Ergonomics: Evaluate office setups, including computer workstations and seating and recommend adjustments to enhance comfort and productivity.
3. Postural Stress Evaluation
- Utilize RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) scales to evaluate postural stress.
- Understand the factors contributing to physiological fatigue during industrial operations.
4. Manual Materials Handling Risk Assessment
- Assess the severity of risk in manual lifting jobs using the NIOSH Lifting Index.
- Calculate risk using the NIOSH revised equation to ensure safe lifting practices.
5. Remedial Measures and Ergonomic Recommendations
- Suggest measures to improve safety, comfort, and operational endurance.
- Focus on reducing health risks and improving sustainability for operators.
6. Photography
- Photographs and videos of workstations and postures help analyze ergonomic risk factors and improve task design.
Tools Used for Evaluation
RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
Evaluate upper body posture and load demands to assess risk for musculoskeletal disorders.
REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment)
A simple tool to assess whole-body MSD risks using ergonomic data.
Lifting Index (NIOSH Lifting Equation)
Assesses the risk of injury during manual lifting tasks and determines safe lifting practices.