Ergonomics

ergozone — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 02:04:54 +0000

Ergonomics is a systematical science in exploiting the information of characteristics, capacity, and limitation of human to design a work system. By Ergonomics, it is expected that the use of physical project and facility can be more effective and give the work satisfaction. One definition of ergonomics, which emphasizes in the design adjustment toward human, was stated by Annis and McConville (1996). It implements the information based on human characteristics, capacity, and limitation of work design, machinery and its system, work place, and the environment; so that human can live and do the activity healthily, safe, comfort, and efficient. While Pulat (1992) offered the concept of product design in order to support the efficiency and safety in the use of it. This concept is a design for reliability, comfort, duration of utilization, ease and efficiency of use.

From the engineering side, information resulted from the ergonomics research can be classified into 4 areas:

1. Research of Display

Display is equipment providing information about the environment which being communicated in the form of signs and symbols. It is divided into two parts, static and dynamic display. Static display gives information without the influence of the variable of time, such an example is a map. While dynamic display is influenced by the variable of time, taking example as a speedometer which gives information about the speed of motorcycle in every condition.

2. Research of Human Physical Power

This observes the measurement of human physical power or strength while doing the work. It also studies about the way a tool works and how it should be designed to be suitable with human physical capability in doing such related activity. This is a part of Biomechanics.

3. Research of Work Station Dimension/Measurement

This is aimed to get a work place fits with human body dimension. It is studied in Anthropometry.

4. Research of Physical Environment

It is related with the design of physical environment condition of an area and facilities where human do the

activity. This includes the design of lighting, sound, color, temperature, humidity, smells, and vibration of a

work facility.

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Ergonomics