Ergonomic Knowledge Research Articles

The Application of Ergonomic Knowledge by Undergraduate Product Design Students: FAULisbon as a Case Study

In a period of significant change when contemporary society has demonstrated to be more conscious about the principle of accessibility, being no longer focused on accommodating people with disabilities, the current challenge involves the enhancement of inclusive design development. Design education and training has a primary role on the formation of this new mentality, providing the adequate professional skills and instilling in students the knowledge about human limitations and capacities for product design project support. So this paper, as part of a PhD research focused on product design curricula adequacy to business challenges, aims to underline the importance of teaching ergonomics to designers. It is the second part of a specific study about the presence of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) contents in the academic curricula of industrial/product design in Portugal. Using FAULisbon as a case study of a Portuguese institution, we examined the current varying HFE knowledge of undergraduate students in Design in a twofold perspective: the one of the students themselves and the one resulting from the examination of their project solutions. The results underline the relevance of three aspects: a) the HFE principles should be earlier transmitted in the education process; b) the contact and learning of tools and methods of HFE shouldn’t be taught and practiced in an isolated way, instead they should be articulated with the design studio course; and c) this approach should be more practical than theoretical. This way, students could be more conscious about inclusivity and usability of products and spaces, with the focus on a user centered approach. In the future, this will allow them to respond with more social sustainable projects, increasing the chances of being more prepared and adjusted to the market and its demands.

Test-retest Reliability of a Questionnaire to Assess the Ergonomic Knowledge of Computer Professionals

Test-retest Reliability of a Questionnaire to Assess the Ergonomic Knowledge of Computer Professionals

Ambient intelligence and ergonomics in Asia

Ambient intelligence (AmI) is one of the most important advances in computer technology in the mobile era. By being aware and applying knowledge of ergonomics (human factors), AmI system users will be in better shape and health, become more effective and find using AmI system a more pleasant and enjoyable experience. This special issue contains selected papers from the 1st international conference on ambient intelligence and ergonomics in Asia (AmIE 2013), which was held at Taichung city, Taiwan, July 3–5, 2013. The conference attracted a large number of scientific papers that contributed to the state-of-the-art in the fields of ambient intelligence and ergonomics. After a strict review, five articles from researchers around the world were finally accepted. To determine an understandable algorithm that could be used by designers to create novel concept designs, M.T. Wang and C.C. Yang selected the popular motor scooter as a sample product, and used the most distinctive front handle cover as a design target. Their method included three phases: preparation, construction of conceptual creativity, and semantic analysis. After comparing random idea sketches with designs available on the market, they observed that certain concept designs obtained using this method were exceptionally innovative, and could be easily redesigned for an actual product. A.M. Otebolaku and M.T. Andrade investigated context-aware recommendation techniques for implicit delivery of contextually relevant online media items. The proposed recommendation service identifies a user’s dynamic contextual situation from the device’s built-in sensors, and uses case-based reasoning to determine the user’s current contextual preferences. The effectiveness of the proposed recommendation service was evaluated with a case study. Gripping and pinching are frequently used hand strength in various occupational activities and in clinical evaluation of the hand. Therefore, formulating grip and pinch prediction models with easily obtainable personal parameters will help facilitate the design and evaluation of workplace environments or facilitate the hand impairment or progression assessments. P.C. Sung, C.C. Hsu, C.L. Lee, Y.-S.P. Chiu, and H.L. Chen developed maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) grip and key pinch strength prediction models using regression method and artificial neural networks (ANN). An ANN is a prevalent humanized computing method that imitates the central nervous system of a human. To estimate the cycle time of a job in a wafer fabrication factory, H.C. Wu and T. Chen proposed a joint use of a classification and regression tree (CART) and back propagation network (BPN). In their method, a BPN is constructed to estimate the cycle times of jobs of a branch. A real case was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. C.T. Tseng, Y.L. Lee, and C.C. Chou designed an AmIbased decision support system that combined an electromagnetism-like mechanism (EM) and sensory data to aid human operators in making decisions regarding the T. Chen (&) Department of Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan e-mail: tcchen@fcu.edu.tw

Insights into ergonomics among dental professionals of a dental institute and private practitioners in hubli-dharwad twin cities, India.

BackgroundTo assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among dental professionals of Hubli–Dharwad twin cities, India.MethodsInvestigator-developed, self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ergonomics during dental practice was filled in by undergraduates, house surgeons, postgraduates, and faculty members of dental institutions and private practitioners from Hubli–Dharwad twin cities.ResultsData were collected from a total of 250 participants, 50 belonging to each academic group. Overall mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 52%, 75%, and 55%, respectively. Significant correlation was found for age with attitude (χ2 = 10.734, p = 0.030) and behavior (χ2 = 12.984, p = 0.011). Marital status was significantly associated with all the three domains; knowledge (χ2 = 29.369, p = 0.000), attitude (χ2 = 29.023, p = 0.000), and practices (χ2 = 13.648, p = 0.009).ConclusionParticipants had considerable awareness and behavior toward ergonomics in dental practice. The high attitude score indicates stronger acceptance of ergonomics principles and guidelines during routine dental procedures. The current study highlights the situation of ergonomics in dental practice in the form of knowledge, attitude, and practices.

A Summary Description of OERC’s Research Funding Process

The Office Ergonomics Research Committee (OERC) is a consortium of companies who work to advance ergonomic research and to disseminate research findings for use in designing and managing work places, systems, processes, and products. A unique aspect of OERC is its membership, which consists of both product designers and end-users. The resulting dialog between members results in a fertile interaction of ideas regarding gaps in the research base concerning computer-related work, which in turn shapes the OERC research agenda. During the past six years, OERC has funded 24 studies on various topics such as sit/stand work, mouse design, gestural input, lighting, and student computer use. In this presentation, the organization of OERC, its process for determining research priorities, the funding process, and the research that has been funded are described. OERC has proven to be an effective tool for the advancement and promotion of the human factors and ergonomics knowledge base regarding computer use.

A Tag‐Based Approach for Learning Ergonomic Concepts

AbstractThe rapid advance of web technologies has enabled people to get a tremendous amount of information by clicking browser hyperlinks or typing query‐terms (keywords) into search engines. Users are no longer limited to specialized databases; an isolated search can lead to exploration, learning, and sharing. Collaborative information networks, such as Delicious, CiteULike, and others, can support information searching and self‐learning. In the context of ergonomics, we hypothesized that tags chosen by experts would facilitate knowledge acquisition, understanding, and self‐learning. These tags act as “learning cues”; they are intrinsic to the subject matter but extrinsic to the experts who apply them. Before the main experiment, a prior test collected tags applied to articles by experts and novices. The main experiment compared the effects of expert tagging with the effects of novice tagging on the self‐learning behavior of novices. It was intended to discover whether tag‐mediated conceptualization could help novices spontaneously formalize original ergonomics concepts. The result revealed that tags chosen by experts reflected better understanding of the content, and that expert tags significantly helped self‐learning of the structure of the ergonomic knowledge. The present article presents the results and discusses the implications of this research.

The Influence of Ergonomic Training on Low Back and Neck Pains in Female Hospital Personnel

Background: Prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP) in workers, especially in nurses is high, but their knowledge of ergonomics is not enough. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ergonomic training on low back pain and neck pain, posture, and function in female hospital personnel of Najaf-Abad, Iran. Patients and Methods: In this queasy experimental study, 47 female staffs with LBP or NP were selected through a simple consecutive sampling method. The subjects completed a questionnaire on LBP and NP and were evaluated for posture, back tests, and cost of related treatments. Afterward, they participated in an ergonomic training program, including face to face and group education sessions on ergonomic risk factors for LBP and NP, in the work place. After six months of follow up, all the tests and data collection were repeated and data was analyzed using paired t-test and regression analysis. Results: Prevalence of LBP and NP were 87% and 45.7%, respectively. Repetitive motions were the most frequent cause of pain (67%). Pain intensity, posture, risk of musculoskeletal disorders, weight, waist circumference, sick leaves, and the costs of treatments reduced significantly after intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusions: With regards to the influence of ergonomic training on improving LBP and NP and decreasing the treatment costs, this intervention beside others can be useful for controlling musculoskeletal disorders in hospital personnel.

Research on the Design Method of Intelligent Interaction in Industrial Design

This article aims to find out the efficient design method of intelligent interaction in industrial design. It analyzes its significant impact on industrial design, and looks into three main forms of intelligent interactive design. Through the discussion and comparison of users’ choice based on their behavior characteristics and their selection of the operating signal source, this paper gets a conclusion that the intelligent interactive design goes ahead along with the acceptance of users’ material and spiritual recognition and cooperation, and combines with the ergonomic and product structure knowledge to reach its efficient design method goal for industrial design.

Development and Initial Assessment of a Training Program for Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy. First Module: The Urethrovesical Anastomosis

We present our experience in the design and development of a training program in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), and the validation of the first steps of the program by objective measurement of the attendants' skills improvement and subjective evaluation of its contents. Our training model on LRP has a total duration of 42 hours, divided in two modules of 21 hours each, performed 1 month apart. Data included in the present study were obtained from the first module of our course. It begins with acquisition of basic knowledge in ergonomics and instrument concepts, after which the attendants develop essential laparoscopic dexterities through the performance of hands-on physical simulator tasks. During the second and third day, urologists performed urethrovesical anastomosis also in the physical simulator. Attendants' skills improvement was measured during the first module by registering surgical times and suturing quality of the anastomosis, the latter by means of a leak test. At the end of the training program, a subjective evaluation questionnaire on the different didactic and organizational aspects was handed out to the attendants. By comparing first and last anastomosis, we observed a significant decrease in surgical times (minutes) (T1 40.1±4.6 vs T6 24.01±3.34; P≤0.005) and an increase in intraluminal leak pressure (mm Hg) (T1 8.27±7.33 vs T6 21.09±6.72; P≤0.005). We obtained a highly positive score on all questions concerning the different topics and techniques included in the training program (≥9 points over 10). Regarding the attendants' self-assessment of acquired abilities, 78.3% considered themselves capacitated to perform the trained procedures on patients. Training obtained during the first module of our training model significantly decreased performance times for ex vivo urethrovesical anastomosis, simultaneously increasing its quality. In addition, validation of the training model was also demonstrated by the highly scored evaluation resulting from the attendants' assessment.

Decision Support System for Generating Ergonomic Tool-Handles

Tool-handle design research has been previously limited to determination of diameters of cylindrical handles to increase performance, comfort and avoid acute and cumulative traumatic disorders. However, there is still lack of correct shape determination and systemization of the ergonomic design knowledge. To overcome these limitations, methodology to develop optimal sized and shaped toolhandles for a target population previously developed has been integrated into an existing ergonomics and aesthetics decision support system. The system allows a correct determination of tool-handle size and shape according to the target population and provides general ergonomics knowledge. Resulting handles consider optimal diameters for each finger to maximize maximum voluntary contraction, comfort and contact area, which can lower the risk of acute and cumulative trauma disorders. The system allows development of ergonomic tool-handles with almost no prior ergonomics knowledge and without iterative design process, which decreases the designing time. (Received in August 2012, accepted in July 2013. This paper was with the authors 2 months for 2 revisions.)

The FITS model office ergonomics program: A model for best practice

An effective office ergonomics program can predict positive results in reducing musculoskeletal injury rates, enhancing productivity, and improving staff well-being and job satisfaction. Its objective is to provide a systematic solution to manage the potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in an office setting. A FITS Model office ergonomics program is developed. The FITS Model Office Ergonomics Program has been developed which draws on the legislative requirements for promoting the health and safety of workers using computers for extended periods as well as previous research findings. The Model is developed according to the practical industrial knowledge in ergonomics, occupational health and safety management, and human resources management in Hong Kong and overseas. This paper proposes a comprehensive office ergonomics program, the FITS Model, which considers (1) Furniture Evaluation and Selection; (2) Individual Workstation Assessment; (3) Training and Education; (4) Stretching Exercises and Rest Break as elements of an effective program. An experienced ergonomics practitioner should be included in the program design and implementation. Through the FITS Model Office Ergonomics Program, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users can be eliminated or minimized, and workplace health and safety and employees' wellness enhanced.

Benefits of laptop computer ergonomics education to graduate students

Laptop computers are used more often than desktop computers, especially among graduate students. Many common laptop habits can have severe physiological effects on the user ranging from eye strain, poor posture, upper extremity pain, and overuse injuries. Thus, it is important to educate students on the best ergonomic position to use laptops. This study investigates the efficacy of a laptop ergonomic education session and its effects on graduate students’ knowledge and behaviors regarding proper laptop use. A convenience sample of control and experimental groups was used and consisted of 83 occupational therapy (OT), 63 physical therapy (PT), and 26 nurse anesthesia (NA) graduate students. The sample size was 172, with 94 graduate students in the control group and 78 graduate students in the experimental. All study participants completed an initial ergonomics questionnaire. The experimental group was given an ergonomics education session following the questionnaire. Approximately 4 weeks after both groups completed the initial questionnaire; a follow up questionnaire was administered. Results showed that subjects demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in ergonomics knowledge after they completed the ergonomic educational session. Some participants reported making adaptations to laptop positioning and equipment use following the educational session. Thus, participating in ergonomic education can positively influence awareness of body mechanics relative to laptop workstation design.

Good expert knowledge, small scope

During many years of occupational stress research, mostly within the German governmental program for "Humanization of Work Life'', remarkable deficits concerning visual work were seen, the most striking being the lack of cooperation between the different experts. With regard to this article hard arguments and ideas for solutions had to be found. A pilot study in 21 enterprises was realized (1602 employees with different visual work tasks). A test set of screening parameters (visual acuity, refraction, phoria, binocular cooperation and efficiency, accommodation range and color vision) were measured. The glasses and/or contact lenses worn were registered and the visual tasks analyzed. In work at visual display units (VDU) the eye movements were recorded and standardized questionnaires were given (health, stress, visual work situation). Because of the heterogeneity of the sample only simple statistics were applied: in groups of different visual work the complaints, symptoms, hassles and uplifts were clustered (SAS software) and correlated with the results of the visual tests. Later a special project in 8 companies (676 employees) was carried out. The results were published in [14]. Discomfort and asthenopic symptoms could be seen as an interaction of the combination of tasks and working conditions with the clusters of individual functionalisms, frequently originating in postural compromises. Mainly three causes for stress could be identified: 1. demands inadequate with regard to intensity, resolution, amount and/or time structure; 2. prevention of elementary perceptive needs; 3. entire use of partial capacities of the visual organ. Symptoms also were correlated with heteronomy. Other findings: influence of adaptation/accommodation ratio, the distracting role of attractors, especially in multitasking jobs; influence of high luminance differences. Dry eyes were very common, they could be attributed to a high screen position, low light, monotonous tasks and office climate. For some parameters a diurnal rhythm could be identified. Nowhere special programs for ageing employees were found: the right glasses; retinal problems and signs of destabilization of vision. In all enterprises, the ergophthalmological and visual ergonomic knowledge of the occupational physicians was poor, visual ergonomists were not available and there was only very poor cooperation with ophthalmologists and optometrists, the first of whom additionally had not much knowledge of modern work.

Integrating ergonomics into engineering design: The role of objects

The objective of this study was to explore the role of objects in integrating ergonomic knowledge in engineering design processes. An engineering design case was analyzed using the theoretical concepts of boundary objects and intermediary objects: Boundary objects facilitate collaboration between different knowledge domains, while the aim of an intermediary object is to circulate knowledge and thus produce a distant effect. Adjustable layout drawings served as boundary objects and had a positive impact on the dialog between an ergonomist and designers. An ergonomic guideline document was identified as an intermediary object. However, when the ergonomic guidelines were circulated in the design process, only some of the guidelines were transferred to the design of the sterile processing plant. Based on these findings, recommendations for working with objects in design processes are included.

An Ontology-Based Framework for Ergonomics Knowledge Classification and Representation

Ergonomics applications is now a highlight spot in various fields. To tackle the problem of unsustainable accumulation of ergonomics knowledge, the representation of ergonomics knowledge is of great importance for the ergonomics experts system to be developed. Based on the appropriate ontology technology, the general knowledge of ergonomics is reclassified to the man-machine-environment. By adopting the top-down method and Protégé, an ontology-based ergonomic framework is conducted to the ergonomics knowledge classification and representation.

138 Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in administrative professionals and the evaluation of ergonomic conditions of the workplace

IntroductionComputer vision syndrome (CVS) is the combination of vision and eye problems associated with the use of computers. The CVS may have a significant impact on visual comfort and also...

Ship Engine Control Room Design

A ships’ engine control room (ECR) is of central importance to the engine department and overall vessel operation. Modern day ships are becoming increasingly technologically sophisticated and computerization has a growing presence in the engine department. A large portion of marine engineering duties are now dedicated to remotely managing equipment from the ECR. In order to optimize control room design and layout from a user-centered perspective numerous safety-critical industries have implemented mandatory regulations which utilize human factors and ergonomics (HF&amp;E) knowledge. However, shipping’s highest governing body, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) currently lacks regulatory support in this area. This paper examines international mandatory regulations and non-mandatory guidelines regarding the human element which influence ECR design. Analysis reveals that a disconnect exists between the regulations which specify ship design criteria and those which specify seafarer training competencies and safe operational procedures. From a regulatory perspective ECR design does not support ECR operation. Assessment of current regulatory gaps establishes a base for developing engine department-specific HF&amp;E applications. Safer shipping practices can be fostered by facilitating operational demands through work environment design. However, due to the complexity of international shipping laws mandatory regulations are the only way to ensure effective implementation.

Adding a strategic edge to human factors/ergonomics: Principles for the management of uncertainty as cornerstones for system design

It is frequently lamented that human factors and ergonomics knowledge does not receive the attention and consideration that it deserves. In this paper I argue that in order to change this situation human factors/ergonomics based system design needs to be positioned as a strategic task within a conceptual framework that incorporates both business and design concerns. The management of uncertainty is presented as a viable candidate for such a framework. A case is described where human factors/ergonomics experts in a railway company have used the management of uncertainty perspective to address strategic concerns at firm level. Furthermore, system design is discussed in view of the relationship between organization and technology more broadly. System designers need to be supported in better understanding this relationship in order to cope with the uncertainties this relationship brings to the design process itself. Finally, the emphasis on uncertainty embedded in the recent surge of introducing risk management across all business sectors is suggested as another opportunity for bringing human factors and ergonomics expertise to the fore.

The Changes of Ergonomics in Hungary and Engineering Education

Modern engineer training is not conceivable without knowledge of work psychology and ergonomics. In this paper, we would like to outline the situation of work psychology and ergonomics as well as their changes in Hungary. The technical approach to health and safety is linked to human health care, and, through that, to ergonomics. The traditional notion of ergonomics is the 'ergonomics of scales, levers and pedals', which has now become a field of research helping the development of socio-technical systems. Here, we present the developmental stages of ergonomics, divided into six periods, first, and then the relationship between environmental ergonomics and health and safety. In the last chapter, I shall expound a few details from Hungarian investigations in work psychology, as well as from the activity of prominent academic circles at certain universities.

Assessment of Knowledge of Ergonomics among Information Technology Professionals in India

Background: Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work. The objective of ergonomics is to obtain an effective match between the user and work station to improve working efficiency, health, safety, comfort and easiness to use. Ergonomics is a relatively new concept in India yet to be considered an essential component of most enterprises. Objectives: To assess the Computer usage and Knowledge of Ergonomics among Information Technology professionals working in Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: In this Cross-sectional study, 154 Information Technology with at least 1 year of experience were recruited using convenience sampling technique. After obtaining Informed consent, Data regarding Personal characteristics, Computer Usage and Knowledgeof Ergonomics were collected by face to face interview method using a valid, reliable and pretested Questionnaire. The Ergonomic awareness section of the Questionnaire composed of 35 items related to Knowledge about Musculoskeletal disorders and its risk factors, Working Postures, Seating, Keyboard/Mouse, Monitor, Table and Accessories and finally Rest breaks and Exercises. Results: Majority of the subjects are unaware of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (7% - Correct responses), Goals of Ergonomics (25% - Correct responses), Sign & Symptoms (35% - Correct responses) & Risk factors (30% - Correct responses) of MSDs. With respect to Working Postures, Majority were unaware of Healthy Postures related to Elbow (25% - Correct responses) and Feet (47% - Correct responses). Majority of the subjects are aware of Correct Position (87% - Correct responses) & Distance (90% - Correct responses) of Monitor Placement. 52% of the subjects are unaware of the Use and Placement of Document holder and 61% of the subjects are unaware of Mini breaks. Conclusion: This study highlighted the awareness of ergonomics among Information Technology professionals and emphasize the need for ergonomic training programme to promote the awareness about Musculoskeletal disorders and the healthy postures.