Derived from two Greek words, ‘ergon’ meaning work and ‘enomos’ meaning laws, Ergonomics is the study of the effects of work system on workers. The objective of this science is to fit the work to the men doing the job, with a view to increase their efficiency, comfort and satisfaction. ILO defines Ergonomics as:
The application of human biological sciences, in conjunction with engineering with sciences, to the worker and his working environment, so as to obtain maximum satisfaction for the work which, at the same time, enhances productivity.’
A contextual analysis of the ILO definition provides a more meaningful basis of understanding Ergonomics. An Ergonomist tries to integrate the work system (which would include the tasks, working equipment, working conditions and working space) with the capabilities and requirements of work. In this process, he tries to ensure job satisfaction for the workers, which increases their productivity.
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Ergonomics can be applied to all schemes of human enterprise, like offices, factories, shops, ships, air and even in space. Some areas where Ergonomics have been successfully applied are:
i. Design of equipment, power and hand tools
ii. Design of displays and warning systems
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iii. Design of furniture, seats, rests and steps for operators
iv. Design of tools, jigs and fixtures
v. Plant layout
vi. Improvement in working conditions and environments
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vii. Computation of relaxation allowances for workers
viii. Selection, training and placement of personnel
ix. Motivation of workers
To understand the subject better, let us group the areas of Ergonomic investigation of a work system as follows:
1. Human Characteristics:
Health, physique, anthropometrical data, personal background, education, training, experience, age, sex, intelligence, aptitude, reaction time, interest, personality characteristics, temperament, attitude to work and motivation.
2. Work:
Physical loads, perceptual loads, mental loads, displays and warning systems, controls, compatibility of inputs and outputs.
3. Working Conditions:
Workplace layout, postures, motion and movements, fatigue, monotony and relaxation allowances, comfort, safety and health, working hours and shifting working conditions.
4. Environments:
Illumination, ventilation, temperature and humidity, colour dynamics, fumes, dust, odour and smoke, landscape, scenery and garden, cleanliness and sanitation.
There are many alternative terms to name this discipline like, Human Engineering, Human Factors in Engineering, Engineering Psychology, Applied Experimental Psychology, Applied and Human Engineering Research, Man-Machine System Analysis, etc. This subject was developed during World War II with the synchronized efforts of physiologists, psychologists and design engineers.
Its earliest application is traced to Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915). Taylor’s experiments were aimed at developing optimum design of equipment for specific types of work and also to train the workers to suit each kind of task. Frank Bunker Gilberth (1869-1924) and his wife Lillian elaborated the Principles of Motion Economy and introduced rest pauses and spacing out in the work environment to reduce fatigue and eliminate stresses.
Since then, with the advance of Experimental Physiology, Psychology and Method Study, the subject delved deeper into the human make-up for better and scientific understanding of the effects of working conditions and environment on the human body and mind.