MOdule 1

Batangas State University - TNEU - IE Department

Introduction to
Ergonomics
Engr. Giovanni C. Sarcilla, CIE, CLSSYB
Title Page Outline

Introduction to Ergonomics

Outline
Introduction
Learning Objectives
Definition of Ergonomics/ Human Factor Engineering
History of Ergonomics
Scope and Focus of Ergonomics
Reference
Questions for Discussion
 Title Page Outline Introduction

Introduction to Ergonomics

Introduction
Ergonomics impact people’s life. In fact,
ergonomics developed into a recognized field
during the Second World War, when for the
first time, technology and the human sciences
were systematically applied in a coordinated
manner. It draws on many disciplines to
optimize the interaction between the work
environment and the workers.
 Title Page Outline Introduction

Introduction to Ergonomics

Introduction
This module introduces the students to
the field of ergonomics which emphasis is
places on the principles, theory and practical
aspects of the application of ergonomics. It
will also give an overview of human factors
and ergonomics(HFE) and the relationship of
ergonomics to the other elements of a
human-machine systems.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Learning Objectives

Introduction to Ergonomics

Learning Objectives
Objective 1 Objective 2 Objective 3

Describe the breadth Demonstrate Illustrate simple

and scope of human awareness on the laboratory exercise
factors and need for and role of that demonstrate why
ergonomics ergonomics ergonomics are
studied.
Title Page Outline Introduction Overview

Introduction to Ergonomics
 Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/ HFE

Introduction to Ergonomics

What is
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the application of scientific
principles, methods and data drawn from a
variety of disciplines to the development of
engineering systems in which people play a
significant role.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/ HFE

Introduction to Ergonomics

What is
Ergonomics
According to International Ergonomics Association,
ergonomics (or human factors) is “the scientific discipline
concerned with the understanding of interactions among
humans and other elements of a system, and the profession
that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in
order to optimize human well-being and overall system
performance”.
Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/ HFE

Introduction to Ergonomics

Ergonomics Ergonomics Ergonomics

The scientific study Seeks to match the Seeks to maximize

of how people design of machines, ease of use and
interact effectively jobs and optimize operator
with products, workplaces with productivity,
equipment, the capabilities, comfort and health
facilities, limitations and

procedures and needs of people

environments used
at work and in
everyday living

Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/ HFE

Introduction to Ergonomics

Ergonomics came from ‘ergon’ or ‘ergos’ (Greek word for work) and
‘nomos’ or ‘nomikos’ (Greek word for laws).

Ergonomics is the “science of work”

It is the study of “people at work”

Ergonomics (European) and Human Factors (US) are the same

disciplines.

 Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/ HFE

Introduction to Ergonomics

Ergonomics/
Human Factors
“Human factors” deals with the psychological and social
aspects of a given work situation, e.g., sensation, perception,
motivation, reaction time.

“Ergonomics” deals with the more physical aspects of the

situation, e.g. lifting, repetitive motion, awkward postures.
Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/ HFE

Introduction to Ergonomics

Ergonomics is about 'fit': the fit between people, the things they
do, the objects they use and the environments they work, travel
or play in. If good fit is achieved, the stresses on people are
reduced. They are more comfortable, they can do things more
quickly and easily, and they make fewer mistakes. So when we
talk about 'fit', we don't just mean physical fit, we are concerned
with psychological and other aspects too. That is why
ergonomics is often called 'Human Factors'.
Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/HFE History

Introduction to Ergonomics
 Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/HFE History

Introduction to Ergonomics

Early Development of Human Factors and

Ergonomics
Various hand tools have been developed since the Stone Age, and the
interest in ergonomic design can be traced back in history (Childe, 1944,
Braid wood, 1951)
Bernardino Ramazzini was a professor of medicine at Padua and Modena in
Italy. In 1717 he published a book called The Diseases of Workers, which
documented links between many occupational hazards and the type of
work performed. Although he did not have the present tools of science to
support his findings (such as statistical testing), he proposed many
innovative solutions to improve the workplace.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/HFE History

Introduction to Ergonomics

Early Development of Human Factors and

Ergonomics
The Frenchman LaMettrie’s controversial book L’homme Machine (Man, the
Machine) was published in 1748, at the beginning of the Industrial
Revolution(Christensen, 1962). He examined the analogies between humans
and machines and concluded that people are…quite similar. Two things can be
learned from LaMettrie’s writings. First, the comparison of human capabilities
and machine capabilities. Second, by considering how machines operate, one
can learn much about human behavior. Both issues remain debated in
ergonomics in our day.
Rosenbrock (1983) pointed out that during the Industrial Revolution in England
there were efforts to apply the concepts of a “human-centered design” to
tools such as the Spinning Jenny and the Spinning Mule.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/HFE History

Introduction to Ergonomics

Early Development of Human Factors and

Ergonomics
Wojciech Jastrzebowski created the word ergonomics in 1857 in a
philosophical narrative, “based upon the truths drawn from the Science of
Nature” (Jastrzebowski, 1857).
Scientific management, developed by F. W. Taylor, and work study,
developed by the Gilbreths, are pioneers of ergonomics. Both were
developed at the beginning of the twentieth century and were based on
the realization that productivity could be improved by redesigning the way
work was done and not just by using better machines.
Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/HFE History

Introduction to Ergonomics

1900-1945 1945-1960 1960-1980

Workplace was “Human Factors” Expansion beyond military

and space research to
“Task Oriented”, Profession was industry and workplace
“Fitting the man born (e.g. computers,
to the job” 1950: Ergonomics automobiles, and other
consumer products). In
K.F.H. Murrel: the Research Society Europe, ergonomics
term ergonomics (UK) started seriously with
– emphasis on 1957: The Human industrial applications and
used information from work
industrial work Factors Society physiology, biomechanics,
(US) and anthropometry for the
design of workstations and
industrial processes.

Title Page Outline Introduction Overview Ergonomics/HFE History

Introduction to Ergonomics

Current Development of Ergonomics

Areas of knowledge that involved human behavior and attributes
(i.e., decision making process, organization design, human
perception relative to design) became known as cognitive
ergonomics or human factors. Areas of knowledge that involved
physical aspects of the workplace and human abilities such as
force required to lift, vibration and reaches became known as
industrial ergonomics or ergonomics.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM

Introduction to Ergonomics

FJM – Fitting Job to Man

FMJ to FJM: An alternative approach, which is the guiding philosophy of
ergonomics, is known as ‘fitting the job to the man’ (FJM). Much of the
early human engineering and workspace design attempted to design
tasks to suit the characteristics of the worker. The underlying
assumptions of the FJM approach are that a suitable set of worker
characteristics can be specified around which the job can be designed
and that this can be done for any job.
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM

Introduction to Ergonomics

FJM – Fitting
Job to Man
Designing Work System to
Support Optimal Human
Performance

Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern ergonomics

Introduction to Ergonomics

Modern ergonomics contributes to the design and evaluation of work

systems and products

Unlike in earlier times when an engineer designed a whole machine

or product, design is a team effort nowadays.

The ergonomist usually has an important role to play both at the

conceptual phase and in detailed design as well as in prototyping
and the evaluation of existing products and facilities.

 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern ergonomics

Introduction to Ergonomics

Contribution of modern ergonomics in systems design and management

(Adapted from Van Wyk ,1992)
1. A standard format for describing human–machine systems
2. Identification, classification and resolution of design issues involving the
human component
3. Task and human–machine interaction analysis
4. Specification of system design and human behavior. Implementation of
controls
5. Identification of core trends in human and biological science and their
implications for system design and management
6. Generation of new concepts for the design and analysis of human–machine
systems
7. Evaluation of the sociotechnical implications of design options
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern ergonomics

Introduction to Ergonomics

Some ISO standards for

ergonomists
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern ergonomics

Introduction to Ergonomics

Historically, ergonomics can be seen to have arisen as a

response to the need for rapid design of complex systems. The
modern ergonomist has an important role to play as a member
of the design team, providing scientific information about
humans and ensuring that all aspects of the system are
evaluated from the users’ or operators’ point of view. The
participatory approach seems to be the best way to ensure that
the implementation of ergonomics will be effective.
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

What is this sign

telling you?
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Wh
ich
the wa
do yd
or oes
op
en?
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Objectives of Ergonomics
Main objective: to improve the performance of systems consisting of people and
equipment.
“using knowledge of human abilities and limitations to design and build for
comfort, efficiency, productivity and safety” – The Ergonomics Society
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Objectives of Ergonomics
Other objectives:
Greater ease of interaction between user and machine
Avoid errors and mistakes
Greater comfort and satisfaction in use of the equipment
Reduce stress and fatigue
Greater efficiency and productivity
Safer operation
Avoid accidents and injuries
Improved morale
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Impro
ved W
Overall Goals of Increa
sed E
ork M
ethod
s
fficien
Ergonomics Bette
r Too
ls
cy

i t y
t iv
uc
od
Pr
ed
as Less Fatigue
re
nc Fewer Errors
I
Less Rework
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

3 Domains of Ergonomics
Physical Cognitive Organizational

concerned with concerned with concerned with the

human anatomical, mental processes, optimization of
and some of the such as perception, sociotechnical
anthropometric, memory, reasoning, systems including
physiological and and motor response, their
biomechanical as they affect organizational
characteristics as interactions among structures, policies,
they relate to humans and other and processes.
physical activity elements of a
system
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Fields of Ergonomics
Engineering Psychology works on the relationship between human
and machines and makes a continuous effort to improve the relation.

Macro-ergonomics works on a wider aspect and emphasizes more

on the organizational environment, history, goal, culture and design.

Seating ergonomics can be defined as a comfortable working

posture with a natural alignment of all your joints from head to toes.
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

The primary focus of ergonomics is on the

recognition that humans have physical and
psychological characteristics that must be
considered if the human is to be effective in
the performance of his/her job.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Description of Human-Machine Systems

A system is a set of elements, the relations between these
elements and the boundary around them. Most systems consist
of people and machines and perform a function to produce
some form of output. Inputs are received in the form of matter,
energy and information.
The basic model in ergonomics
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Human-Machine Systems A human-machine system

has boundaries, that define
what components are
included within the scope
of the system.
A worker-machine
production cell is one
component in the larger
production department.
The ergonomist must
decide where to draw the
boundaries of the human-
machine system of interest.
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Human-Machine Systems
System Components
The human
The equipment
The environment (both physical and social)
Poor lighting may effect worker’s ability to perform an
inspection task
An unfriendly supervisor may reduce a worker’s
motivation to work.
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Human-Machine Systems
Machine Components
The machine in a human machine-system can range from a simple hand
tool to a complex and sophisticated system of equipment.
The process – function or operation performed by human-machine
system
Displays - to observe the process
Direct observation for simple processes
Artificial displays for complex processes (speedometer in a car)
Controls - to actuate and regulate the process
Example: Steering wheel, computer keyboard
 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Human-Machine Systems
Environmental Components
Physical environment
Location and surrounding lighting, noise, temperature,
and humidity
Social environment
Co-workers and colleagues at work
Immediate supervisors
Organizational culture
Pace of work
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Applications of Ergonomics
The purpose of ergonomics is to enable a work system to
function better by improving the interactions between users and
machines. Better functioning can be defined more closely, for
example, as more output from fewer inputs to the system
(greater ‘productivity’) or increased reliability and efficiency (a
lower probability of inappropriate interactions between the
system components).
Improved machine performance
Workstation redesign
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope & Function

Introduction to Ergonomics

Ergonomics or Human factors engineering

continues to be successfully applied in the
fields of aerospace, aging, health care,
product design, transportation, training,
nuclear and virtual environments, among
others.

 Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope References

Introduction to Ergonomics

Sources
01 Groover, M.P. (2007).Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work
ISBN 0-13-140650-7.Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ.
02

03 http://ssu.ac.ir/cms/fileadmin/user_upload/Daneshkadaha/dbehdasht/khatamat_behdashti/ko
tobe_latin/Introduction_to_Ergonomics.pdf
04 https://www.pdfdrive.com/a-guide-to-human-factors-and-ergonomics-
e34320317.html
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope References

Introduction to Ergonomics
Title Page Outline Introduction Ergonomics/HFE History FJM Modern Ergo Scope References

Introduction to Ergonomics