Monday, January 13, 2014

Ergonomics and Productivity...!!!



Ergonomics and Productivity

Dear Readers,
Today I want to discuss another topic i.e. ERGONOMICS. The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics or human factors as follows:
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
Now what is the relation of Ergonomics in management or HR Department?
Ergonomics can also reduce the potential for ill health at work, such as aches, pains and damage to the wrists, shoulders and back, noise-induced hearing loss and work-related asthma. Consider the layout of controls and equipment – they should be positioned in relation to how they are used. Place those used most often where they are easy to reach without the need to stoop, stretch or hunch. Making sure protective measures such as extraction hoods or respirators are easy and comfortable to use means they are more likely to be effective at reducing exposure to hazardous substances. If you don’t follow ergonomics principles, there may be serious consequences for people and whole organizations. Many well-known accidents might have been prevented if ergonomics and human factors had been considered in designing people’s jobs and the systems they worked in.
Applying ergonomics to the workplace can:

  1. Reduce the potential for accidents;
  2. Reduce the potential for injury and ill health.
  3. Improve performance and productivity.

According to my favorite Wikipedia, Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the goals of health and safety and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines and equipment. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.
So it can be concluded that Ergonomics is about making things more efficient. By increasing the efficiency of a tool or a task, you tend to shorten the length of time it takes to accomplish your goal.

That is all for today. OPEN UP…!!! Stay Happy and Good Night

Comments and suggestion are welcome…

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