Summary IOP2603 Study notes latest.

ERGONOMICS – IOP2603 Study unit 1 – introduction to HFE Explain the 2 principles or guidelines, namely that the primary purposes of HFE are the design of tools and workstations and that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary in the design and analysis of tools or systems. 1 st guideline – explore together is that design is the primary purpose of ergonomics 2 nd guideline – we should explore is that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary in the design and analysis of tools or systems. Interdisciplinary knowledge is required in ergonomics in HFE design for the following reasons:  formulate system goals  understand functional requirements  design a new system  analyze a system  implement a system In your own words, explain what Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) are: Helander define human factors and ergonomics as:  Considering environmental and organizational constraints  Use knowledge of human abilities and limitations  To design the system, organization, job, machine, tool or consumer product  So that it is safe, efficient, and comfortable to use. Word ergonomics is derived from the word Greek words ergo (work) and nomos (laws). Main purpose is design. Primary purpose is to understand and model human behavior – but not to design. Definition: Ergonomics is scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. The focus of ergnomics HRE is the applied field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology that focuses on the interaction between human beings and the  Products  Equipment  Facilities  Procedures  Physical environment and  Psychological environment Used at work and in everyday living. The emphases is on people and how the design and laytout of above aspects influence them. Discuss the 3 major systems goals of HFE (15) Use relevant examples to illustrate your answer (15) x 3 Three goals of HFE are:  Increased safety of the user or operator  Enhanced productivity  Operator satisfaction Goal of safety –  Make a comparison between performance requests of the environment with the performance restriction of the operator.  Limitations of the operator should be taken into consideration when designing tools, equipment or systems. Ergonomics is a design methodology that used to arrive at safety, productivity and satisfaction.  Injuries and accidents are relatively rare in some workplaces. Rather than waiting for accidents to happen, it can be analyzed by other indicators such as operator errors subjective assessments, physiological response variable. Example: construction and mine workers wearing helmets, protective head cover against falling bricks and rocks. The goals of productivity –  Design a system which improves performance affordances through efficient design as the system, the operator can excel in exercising his or her skills.  Such system design makes it possible to perceive quickly, make fast decisions, and exercise efficient control.  Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which work and other activities are performed, thereby increasing productivity.  Safety must be considered when focusing on productivity; there is usually a tradeoff between the two. Example: upgrading the memory of employee’s personal computers so that processing time improves. The goal of operator satisfaction –  The work satisfaction as well as user satisfaction. The ultimate goal of ergonomics is to improve and maintain the wellbeing of individual worker.  The wellbeing of the organization will also be improved and maintained. Different people have different needs and different expectations and vary substantially between countries and cultures. Example: power steering in a vehicle of reducing fatigue and increasing comfort. Give a simple definition and explain the focus and objectives of Ergonomics. Make us of appropriate diagram of the objectives of ergonomics to show advantages for the individual worker and the organization (15) x 2  The ultimate goal of ergnomics is to improve and maintain the well-being of the individual worker.  Same time the well-being of the organisation will also be improved and maintained.  Ergnomics has certain advantages for the individual worker, such as an improvement in the following: o Health o Safety o Comfort o Satisfaction o Convenience  For the organisation, on the other hand, there will be an improvement in the following: o Performance o Productivity o Effectiveness o Efficiency o Quality of the product or service  In this process there will be a drop in absenteeism and labour turnover, an increase in worker involvement, more commitement to change, as well as increase in work motivation and purcahse of the companys products or services. OBJECTIVES OF ERGONOMICS EMPLOYEE ORGANISATION Improvement in: Improvement In: Health Performance Safety productivity Comfort effectiveness Satisfaction efficiency Convenience quality Less: Absenteeism, labour turnover More: Involvement, commitment to change Increased: motivation, purchase WELLBEING OF EMPLOYEE WELLBEING OF ORGANISATION Explain what is meant by holistic approach. Illustrate your answer with 2 practical examples (5) A holistic approach, where all aspects in the work environment are addressed, should be followed when ergonomics is applied to the design and layout of work environments and facilities