Ergonomic Knowledge Research Articles

Evaluation of in-plant ergonomics training

Plant personnel involved in a joint labor-management Ergonomics Pilot Project attended an introductory ergonomics course. The training was developed to provide trainees with the ergonomic knowledge necessary to perform their functions as part of the Ergonomic Pilot Project. A Train-the-Trainer program for Introductory Ergonomics was developed and implemented to provide Pilot Project plants with in-plant Introductory Ergonomics trainers. Trainee course satisfaction, ergonomic knowledge, and performance did not differ significantly for those trained by in-plant trainers compared to those trained by University instructors. This suggests that the Train-the-Trainer approach is a viable way of meeting the increasing demand for ergonomics training in industry.

An image technology expert system and its application to design consultation

Our concern is to construct an expert system that is able to deal with human image or feeling and to translate them into representations of real design elements. The Image Technology Expert System (ITES) consists of a system controller, a knowledge base, a working memory, a graphic module, and three databases. One of these databases, the Image Technology database, maintains an ergonomic knowledge concerning human image. The system is able to display a picture on a CRT fitting the human image which is decided by an inference engine of the expert system.

Ergonomics, technology transfer and developing countries

Raising the quality of working life and increasing output have now become major preoccupations of governments in many developing countries. The usual approach taken by the developing countries towards achieving these goals is through the acquisition of technology from the more industrialized countries. However, a good number of factors need to be considered when introducing new technology of developing countries. They include (1) the infrastructure and economic status of the nation; (2) working conditions; (3) social and cultural differences; and (4) matching of technology and users. Although the same technological principles may -apply to both industrialized and developing countries, the practices and problems tend to differ. In this paper, some of the problems faced by developing countries in technology transfer are discussed. Advancement of new technology is acknowledged as an important step towards maximal economic output, with intensive automation replacing human labour. In developing countries, however, any implementation of new technology has to be carefully planned. Introduction of new technology requires technical support. Many developing countries have poor infrastructure and face a shortage of basic facilities. When technology is to be transferred, due account has to be taken of the economic and technical status of the developing countries. With the introduction of new technology, traditional work methods may have to be changed. This evolution may give rise to cultural conflict as the individual has to learn to adapt to his or her new lifestyle and values while at the same time struggling to retain his or her cultural heritage. Ergonomists in developed countries should play a role in advising the manufacturers to pay more attention to some of these issues. They could provide assistance in choosing the appropriate technology to be transferred. Without a basic change of heart in the developed countries, the developing countries may do better to co-operate among themselves and share their own, albeit limited, experience of appropriate technology, despite their cultural diversity. Ergonomics is a discipline being practised in the developed and less-developed countries. Knowledge of ergonomics and its applications are for sharing the world over.

A computer-assisted system for physical ergonomics analysis

A major obstacle to the widespread application of ergonomics knowledge to the working populaton is the inability to impart this knowledge to the ergonomics practitioner. Therefore, industry fails to derive maximum benefits from ergonomics research. The application of computer-assisted systems in ergonomics is one feasible solution to overcome this obstacle. This paper describes the development of an interactive computer-assisted Ergonomics Analysis SYstem (EASY). EASY is written in Foxbase Plus and QuickBASIC for IBM-PC compatible microcomputers. The system consists of three major components: the Ergonomics Information Analysis System (EIAS) for evaluation of tasks by the worker, the Physical Work Stress Index (PWSI) used by the supervisor or the ergonomist for further investigation of problem situations, and the Dynamic Lifting Analysis System (DLAS) for manual material handling tasks. Extensive use of menus for database entry/editing and analysis provides an efficient and friendly interface design. The system was evaluated by comparing the results of EASY and individuals with an introductory knowledge of ergonomics with experts' conclusions for nine test jobs involving a variety of physical works stressors. The evaluatioon indicated that 83% of EASY's disgnoses were accepted by the experts with some variation between individual experts and between EASY and the other diagnosticians.

The strengths and limitations of lecture-based training in the acquisition of ergonomics knowledge and skill

A common approach to training designers of workplaces to incorporate ergonomic considerations in their designs is a two- to five-day course based primarily on lectures by experts. A quiz, designed to test the acquisition of ergonomics factual knowledge and skill in judging the degree of physical stress in various job configurations, was given to 147 participants before and after four days of a five-day short course based principally on lectures by university faculty and staff. The major findings were as follows. First, there was a considerable lack of factual knowledge and a high level of error in judging the level of stress prior to the training. Second, the training increased participants' factual knowledge but had little impact on their ability to accurately judge levels of stress in slides depicting real work situations. Third, participants' knowledge and skills before the training and their improvement as a result of the training were unrelated to prior education or training in ergonomics or experience with repetitive, manual work. These results are interpreted in light of prior research on design of effective health and safety training.

Ergonomics of Wheelchair Design: A Prerequisite for Optimum Wheeling Conditions

A review of wheelchair research within the scope of the wheelchair as a means of daily ambulation is presented. The relevance of a combined biomechanical and physiological research approach is advocated for enhancing the body of knowledge of wheelchair ergonomics, that is, the wheelchair/user interaction in relation to aspects of vehicle mechanics and the user’s physical condition. Results of experiments regarding variations in the wheelchair/user interface stress the possibilities of optimization in terms of wheelchair dimensions and user characteristics. Analysis of propulsion technique is aimed at the within-cycle characteristics and the time-dependent organization of technique.

CAD and Video Somatograpby: A liaison for creating ergonomic work systems†

CAD systems and other planning instruments are used more and more in designing manual and partly automated work systems. Ergonomic aspects are often not taken into consideration because of a lack of usable ergonomic design instruments. On the other side, a planning system for the dimensional designing of movement facilities was developed and used with success in West Germany—the Video Somatography. In connecting the two different systems, a new integrated ergonomic system was created. Thereby workplaces can be planned and designed using ergonomic and technical criteria in an optimal way. Further advantages are expected by integrating ergonomic knowledge into the system. With this, it will be possible for the workplanner to get information about ergonomic and economic conditions (workload, strength, assembly duration, etc.)

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Summary This paper introduces ergonomics, its application to the work-place and the potential involvement of physiotherapists in the area. Ergonomics is the matching of environments, tasks, products, and work organisations to people's abilities and capacities. In the work-place, ergonomic knowledge can be applied to improve productivity and the well-being of the workers. The application of this knowledge is not always realised and a number of reasons and questions are offered for this. Physiotherapists possess a firm theoretical and practical base on which to develop ergonomic and occupational health skills, especially in the musculoskeletal areas. Physiotherapy as a profession has an important role in the application of ergonomics and the challenge before us is to broaden our sights and take our skills into the work-place.

Ergonomics aspects of the automated factory

Abstract The paper outlines some of the implications for ergonomics of the current trend towards ‘automated factories’; ones in which human functions will be largely supervisory and minute-by-minute control will be by computers. These implications are discussed under the headings: locus of control and accountability; organization, staffing and training issues; decision aids; the transfer of knowledge among multiple users; and knowledge capture. It is clear that much of ergonomics knowledge is relevant to these matters; nevertheless there are areas where more research is required. These are outlined at the end of the paper.

From ergonomic theory to practice: Organisational factors affecting the utilisation of ergonomic knowledge : Liker, J.K., Joseph, B.S., and Armstrong, T.J. In: Human Factors in Organisational Design and Management, Proceedings of the First Symposium held in Honolulu, Hawaii, 21–24 August 1984, Edited by H.W. Hendrick and O. Brown. North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1984, pp 563–568

From ergonomic theory to practice: Organisational factors affecting the utilisation of ergonomic knowledge : Liker, J.K., Joseph, B.S., and Armstrong, T.J. In: Human Factors in Organisational Design and Management, Proceedings of the First Symposium held in Honolulu, Hawaii, 21–24 August 1984, Edited by H.W. Hendrick and O. Brown. North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1984, pp 563–568

Workstation design for VDT (product design project)

Activity and photoergonomic analysis was carried out on 21 VDTs, while the operators were performing usual VDT tasks, at three computer centres in Bombay. Studies confirmed that failure to apply the knowledge of ergonomics to the design of workstations results in unnecessary fatigue and discomfort. Among the various factors which contribute to the efficiency, comfort and well-being of operators, the postural and visual factors are closely related (inseparable) and are important. Document holders, though very important, are not used at all. The aim of the workstation design was to obtain maximum postural/visual efficiency, bearing in mind environmental, manufacturing and marketing constraints.

Conceptions of dentists and dental nurses about ergonomics.

Abstract Sixty-eight dentists and 90 dental nurses, all working in a municipal dental care programme in the city of Helsinki, Finland, were surveyed by a questionnaire about their knowledge of and attitudes towards ergonomics. Thirty-three per cent of the dentists and 36% of the dental nurses were of the opinion that they were at present working according to ergonomic principles. Fifty-one per cent of the dentists and 45% of the nurses could not indicate any ergonomic problem in their place of work. Of the remainder the dental unit was mentioned by 62% of the dentists, and own or counterpart's working posture and habits by 44% of the nurses as the most frequent ergonomic problem. Training in dental ergonomics during undergraduate studies was significantly more general among the nurses than the dentists. Ergonomic knowledge and attitudes were found to correlate with each other, as well as knowledge of ergonomics with training in ergonomics and ergonomic working style, but only among the nurses. The results...

Design aids for designers: An effective role for ergonomics

The paper describes, with examples taken from the mining industry, the role of ergonomics in providing design aids for designers. The examples cover: 1. (a) The provision of ergonomics design guidelines for families of machines; 2. (b) The use of subjective assessment by expert panels to evaluate alternative solutions to development proposals; 3. (c) The development of a computer-based simulation which produces multiple activity charts for the evaluation of the performance potential of new coal face designs. It is suggested that ergonomics specifically directed to the provision of design aids for designers may be one of the most fruitful approaches available to ensure a wider implementation of ergonomics knowledge and practice.

Aircraft keyboard ergonomics: a review

The increasing use of complex digital avionics systems has resulted in the aircraft pilot making ever greater use of keyboards. The designer has comparatively little coherent information or guidance to help him select the optimal physical and functional characteristics of the keyboard, but current technology gives him a very wide choice. Much of the current literature relates to studies based on static ground environments and, although there is some evidence derived from studies of aircraft, the majority of the ergonomics data relevant to keyboard design is not easily generalized to the airborne environment. A review of the current military standards underlines this as they are brief and they are not always rigidly adhered to in practice. The factors which are likely to affect keying performance are discussed and the state of ergonomics knowledge in the area reviewed.

From theory to national application—A Finnish experiment

In 1968 the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development started a 3 year project to ‘introduce ergonomics into Finnish production’. A multidisciplinary group, comprising five persons sponsored by the Institute of Occupational Health, was formed. The concept of ergonomics, at the time the project was founded, was relatively unknown in Finland, although as early as 1962 international course activity on the subject was begun at the Institute of Occupational Health. Little competent ergonomic knowledge existed in the realm of industry, which at that time claimed 500000 workers, and what did was poorly used. The adopted strategy of the 3 year project was as follows: (a) an attempt was made to convince potential users of ergonomic knowledge of its utility by working out a number of examples on the application of ergonomics; and (b) the availability of ergonomic information was to be improved. By the time the project was completed in 1971, ergonomic activities had reached such a degree of acceptance that ...

The Visual Professional Aptitudes (Les Aptitudes Visuelles Professionnelles)

This book contains a wealth of information on visual functions as they relate to the ability to meet the requirements of various occupations. Its two authors are well qualified in their respective fields. Verriest, a Belgian ophthalmologist, has written extensively on visual acuity, perimetry, and on both congenital and acquired deficiencies of color perception. His coauthor, Hermans, contributes knowledge of ergonomics, which has been defined as fitting the task to the man, and by its converse fitting the man to the task. Procedures for testing acuity, visual fields, color vision, dark and light adaptation, errors of refraction, accommodation, depth perception, and so forth are clearly and simply described. It is hoped that these sections will encourage greater interest among ophthalmologists in tests of visual function that will supplement objective methods in the evaluation of ocular diseases and anomalies. The book also includes valuable discussions pertaining to the establishment of visual

British standards and ergonomics

A review is presented of British Standards having some relevance to ergonomics, and the Standards selected are classified into the various areas of ergonomics. Certain areas are discussed in some detail, in order to point out cases where practical problems, current standardisation and ergonomics knowledge are not wholly compatible. There is a brief discussion of the aims and methods of the British Standards Institution.

Ergonomics needs in developing countries.

A formal literature on ‘ ergonomics in developing countries ’ is practically non-existent in the publications of the various ergonomics and human factors societies. Other professional groups have been active in ways that may prove helpful to ergonomists. The works of these other groups provide examples which indicate the need for a global approach to the complex problem of applying ergonomics to the needs of developing countries. Detailed needs must be stated. The relevance of existing ergonomics knowledge to these needs must be determined. Then new information must be developed to cover the difference between needs and present knowledge.

Evaluation of cardiac function in relation to specific physical activities following recovery from acute myocardial infarction

Prescription for physical activities in the hospital, home or world of work requires an evaluation of the whole person and his disease and an analysis of each activity and its physical and emotional requirements. The fitness of a patient recovering from an acute myocardial infarct varies with age, previous training, psyche and the disease process and should be related to the magnitude of the activities undertaken. The physician can approximate the caloric level of the patient's fitness from the type of life activities performed without distress. The functional classification of the New York Heart Association should be used because of its excellent correlation with physical fitness, ability to perform at various levels of energy expenditure and prognosis. The physiologic costs of activity should be assessed in terms of heart rate, caloric expenditure, cardiac output, electrocardiogram, blood pressure and heart work. Clinical tests (amplified Master's tests, Valsalva maneuver or Bruce's test) afford a good basis for evaluating circulatory function and fitness. The requirements of an activity should be considered in terms of kilogrammeters or foot pounds, environmental stresses, skills, dexterity and muscle groups required. The validity of work prescription can be tested by simple on-the-job measurements, such as blood pressure, recovery pulse and resting pulse rates during the working day and subjective reactions of the patient. When requirements of work and life activities, emotional and social pressures and mature clinical and laboratory evaluation are integrated, the physician has the information necessary for a comprehensive prescription for life activity. By prescription, and not proscription, the coronary patient is permitted to return to a life as full as his cardiovascular capabilities permit. This positive philosophy requires knowledge and application of ergonomics, physiology, vocational and social counseling, psychiatry and clinical medicine. It is hoped that physicians assume this comprehensive role in the treatment of patients with myocardial infarction.