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Ergonomics

Ergonomics is about ensuring a good 'fit' between people and the things they use. People vary enormously in height and weight, in physical strength, in ability to handle information and in many other ways. Ergonomics uses information about human abilities, attributes and limitations to ensure that our work equipment, work and workplaces allow for these variations. For example a car built for 'average' sized drivers might require larger people to crouch, while smaller people might be unable to reach the pedals. Designers use information on variations in size, reach etc. to produce cars that most people can operate comfortably and conveniently. Ergonomics can make work safer, healthier and more productive.

What kinds of problems can ergonomics help to solve?

Some of the most obvious examples are to do with body size, for instance, work surfaces that are uncomfortable to sit at because they don't allow enough clearance for users' Iegs. There is, however, guidance available for designers and installers of equipment, to help them to avoid such problems.

Hand tools

Many hand tools require a wide grip. Such tools can impose severe strain if used frequently, particularly for people with small hands. The handles of tools with a hand span, such as pliers, should be between 50mm and 67mm apart, for the user to exert the necessary force with maximum efficiency.

High hand forces should be avoided where possible and handles should be designed so that they do not dig into the palm but spread the load over the largest possible area. Ergonomically designed hand tools can reduce injuries and increase productivity.

Control panels

The layout of controls and displays can influence the safety of a system.

Typical problems are:

Switches that can be inadvertently knocked on;

control panel layouts that are difficult to understand;

displays that force the user to bend or stretch to read them properly;

badly identified controls that the operator could select by mistake;

emergency stop buttons that are difficult to reach

How can I tell whether something is ergonomically satisfactory?

Consider all the ways and circumstances in which the equipment or system may be used and then ask yourself;

does it suit your body size?

does it also suit all other users?

can you see and hear all you need to easily?

do you understand all the information that is presented?

do errors occur frequently, and is it easy to recover from them?

does the equipment or system cause discomfort if you use it for any length of time?

is it convenient to use?

is it easy to learn to use?

is it compatible with other systems in use?

could any of these aspects be improved?

do other users have similar reactions?

Such questions can help to identify possible mismatches between the abilities and physical attributes of people and the demands of the equipment with which they work.

How do I know when something is wrong?

If the job, the equipment and the workplace are not designed to fit the people who work with them, mistakes are more likely and some of these could lead to accidents. If you examine the circumstances surrounding incidents and near-misses in your workplace you may find inadequacies such as people being:

unable to see important displays;

unable to reach controls;

unable to work in a comfortable position;

overloaded with too much information at one time;

inattentive because there is too little to do.

The people who do a particular job are in a good position to identify especially awkward or difficult tasks, but remember that they may have become used to poor design over time. Some jobs may be known to be excessively tiring, or liable to cause aches and pains. Makeshift adaptations to machines - for example lengthened levers, extra labels on switches, blocks of wood or cushions used to alter working positions can be an indication that the design of the equipment or the job needs attention.

Working with VDU's

Long periods of use may result in headaches eye strain and back problems. Well designed work areas comfortable seating and a properly adjusted screen should minimise these symptoms There is no evidence at present that users of VDUs need to take special precautions to protect against radiation emissions.

Adjusting the VDU to suite you

Make sure your screen is sharp and individual characters can he read easily.

The characters should not flicker or move.

There should be no reflections on the screen.

Use the brightness control to suit the lighting conditions in the room.