Ergonomic workstation design

The Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline which is with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements. Ergonomists contribute tasks, work, products, environments and systems so as to and designed to evaluate that it suits the needs, capabilities and limitations meet the people.

 
From the Greek ergon (work) and derived nomos (laws) - the Human Factors to name - the ergonomics is a systems-oriented branch of science, which now extends over all aspects of human activity. Practicing ergonomists have a broad understanding about the full scope of scientific discipline have. Thus promotes a holistic approach to ergonomics, what considerations to physical, cognitive, social, organizational, environmental and other relevant factors into account. Ergonomists often work in specific sectors or applications. Application domains are not mutually exclusive and they develop continually: new ones are created and old ones take on new perspectives.

What is ergonomics?
The ergonomics is concerned with the adjustment of working conditions in the abilities and characteristics of employed persons as well as with the ability to adapt this Persons to their function. The ergonomics cares not only about the adaptation The equipment used at the physical dimensions but is also interested for the People corresponding organization of the work and for the content of the work and the work environment

Wheel of ergonomics
The Ergonomierad is divided into three parts: center, radius of action and reaction cycle. In the center are the people and the job. The work needs to the capabilities and properties of the human can be adjusted. But man has a certain Ability to adapt the service to be provided. Man is therefore also in the sphere of action to which the areas ergonomics, workplace factors, work organization, Work environment and work content are. All these factors affect the Elements in the reaction cycle, which must be absolutely strong and balanced when on Want to achieve workplace well-being and good operating results. These two terms are inseparable, if a sustainable success will be ensured. The role of the Ergonomics can be demonstrated with a simple illustration: 

 

Dimensions
As long as procedures and production processes do not require special dimensions followed by the construction of the tools and the design of the workplace to the laws of Anthropometry and physiology.
 

Movement areas and safety margins  

Machinery and equipment must be designed to use, supervision and maintenance easy is. A suitable job offers enough space for movement and the person has the necessary security clearances on.

 
Awkward posture
Where possible postures are avoided. If prolonged VDU furniture suitable changes in posture possible. Stretching or gymnastic exercises during work should not only tolerated but promoted.

Lifting weights and loads
Man is not the lifting or transportation. Frequent lifting loads should be increased by replaced partial or total automation of work processes or appropriate lifting aids be facilitated. Many accidents and work disabilities are often a direct result of manual handling or bad postures.

Monitoring and maintenance of plant
The productivity of a plant is not only influenced by the ease of use, but also by the quality of the monitoring and maintenance. Monitoring the quality of the determined primarily by the appropriate presentation of the functioning (poster) as well as the proper functioning of the control elements (switches, handles etc.) that are consistent and functionally distributed in the whole system. The availability of an System depends largely on their upkeep and maintenance. Therefore, it is important that the Facilities are easily accessible for maintenance and that the staff has sufficient space. The immediate availability of the following items is also crucial: lifting equipment, transportation, tools, testing equipment and Spare parts. 

Labour Organisation
A labor organization that is adapted to the situation and people affected in substantial mass, the working environment, the performance of employees and the profitability the work processes. The following illustration shows what belongs to such an organization. 

Procedures and equipment
To obtain cost-effective production, it desperately needs appropriate working procedures and providing adequate resources. These have a great influence on fatigue and the speed with which they occur. Working methods that require frequent and repeated physical effort should as far as possible be mechanized and automated. Strenuous physical activity over a long period of time lead to fatigue, and to a loss of concentration, and of power, which has a direct negative on the profitability, safety and health effect. 

Further training and employment planning
A good education guarantees that the work done efficiently and safely without the risk of accidents running. Information regarding the risks and operating instructions as well important as explanations in terms of quality and deadlines. These are the people, the machines and new methods, must be the introduction and training with particular care. In any case, these education and training is repeated at regular intervals and the practical application of what is learned to be checked. 

Source Ergonomie Arbeitsplatzgestaltung CUSSTR / August 2005