Lab5

 Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace equipment to fit the worker’s physical needs. It is employed in work equipment so that the worker efficiency and well-being can be maximized. Ergonomics entails designing workplace equipment in such a way that each worker’s needs are met regardless of whether they have a physical limitation. Ergonomics can be divided up into 3 categories: Physical ergonomics which is purely a science making sure that extended work periods don’t cause the workers physical stress such as an prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable chair causing back aches and such. Cognitive ergonomics is related in the area that the mental stress is not taking a toll on the worker. And lastly, organizational ergonomics is concerned with the socio organized systems such as teamwork, organization culture.

Ergonomics is concerned with worker safety, both long and short term. It reduces costs by improving safety. It also keeps workers more focused on work rather than being distracted by pain or mental stress. Gilbreth system of motion analysis is recognizing redundant motions during physical work which can cause unnecessary fatigues and to simplifying these motions in order to make a worker more efficient while not causing them physical pain of any sort. Frank Gilbreth was an analyst who believed in a faster process time. In turn he developed a system which decreased the workers’ motions which in turn caused the workers to be more efficient in their jobs. He used motion study by analyzing the workers laying bricks as Frank Therblig worked as a bricklayer himself at one point in his life. He recorded the workplace task and analyzed the unnecessary movements and proposed an elimination of them in order to optimize the manual labor.

The three categories that Frank Gilbreth uses in the Therbling checklist are reduction of physical stress,reduction of mental or cognitive stress and reduction of organization space stress. The checklist consists categories such as reach and move, grasp, hold which essentially ask questions about task that require the worker to physically move or lift stuff which have the potential to hurt the worker physically.

Categories such as position, search are related towards the mental stress. It asks questions such as should labels or color could be utilized to identify objects? Not being able to identify objects properly can make the job that much harder and can cause needless mental stress.  Lastly, the third category consists of asking questions about the organizational structure of the workplace, which can cause both physical and mental stress. It consists questions such as is proper lighting being used or would a magnifying glass facilitate the inspection of small parts. These things can cause a lot of stress on the vision and can be a cause of migraines and other related health issues.  