Health and Safety Ergonomics

1. Ergonomics

2. What is Ergonomics?
The study of relationship between workers

and their environment
 Ensuring a good “fit” between people, the
work they do and the things they use
 Fitting the job to the worker, rather than the
worker to the job

3. Ergonomic Factors to Consider
Consider all ways in which the equipment

or system may be used and then ask:
– Does it suit your body size?
– Does it also suit all other users?
– Can you see & hear all you need to easily?
– Do you understand all information 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?

4. Ergonomic Factors to Consider cont.
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?

5. Identifying Problems
Causes of accident & near misses may be

attributable to 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 or
too little variety

6. Identifying Problems
Make shift adaptations to machines – e.g.

lengthened levers, extra labels on witches,
blocks of wood or cushions used to alter
working positions – can be an indication
that the design of the equipment or job
needs attention
 Medical and absence records may also
reveal problems with particular jobs or tasks

7. Solutions
Risks can be reduced by changes to designs

of workstations, tools and work
organisation
 Simple solutions are often better
 Involve and consult the workforce
 Monitor remedial actions to ensure
effectiveness

8. Example Solutions

9. Example Solutions

10. Example Solutions

11. Example Solutions