Ergonomics

AVIA 4000, Special Projects: Human Factors in Aviation

Raymond E. Cain, Jr., Ph.D., Instructor

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit of instruction, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Define the term ergonomics

• Explain ergonomics and discuss its application to aviation systems

• Describe the musculoskeletal injuries related to aviation

• Enumerate and explain several workplace design and control issues

2

Ergonomics versus Human Factors

• Ergonomics – How we interact with our work environment

– Matching the job to the worker and product to the user

– Focuses on how work affects workers

• Human Factors – How we interact with our environment

– Emphasizes designs that reduce the potential for human error

3

Ergonomics versus Human Factors

In aviation, a fine line exists between ergonomics and human factors; often they are used interchangeably

4

What is Ergonomics?

• Derived from the Greek

– Ergon Work/Effort

– Nomos Law

• The Law of Work

5

Ergonomics looks at:

• Work stations

• Tools

• Motions

• Physical conditions

• Physical limitations

• Environment(s)

6

1

Reasons for Ergonomics

• WC costs (Medical + wages)

• Medical/health insurance

• Productivity

– Non–value added material handling

– Product spills (slips & falls, environmental, material costs)

7

Reasons for Ergonomics

• Fines

• Litigation

• Regulations (OSHA, EPA, ADA...)

• Employee well–being

8

Injury Categories

• Traumatic (instantaneous)

– Safety programs usually address these injuries

• Cumulative (long term)—Musculoskeletal

– IH and/or ergo programs address these injuries

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Musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal Disorders = MSDs

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2a

MSD symptoms

• Dull, aching sensation

• Discomfort with movements

• Tenderness to the touch

• Burning sensation

• Pain

• Tingling

• Cramping

• Stiffness

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2b

Common MSDs

• Tendinitis

• Tenosynovitis

• Trigger finger

• Raynaud’s syndrome

• De Quervain’s disease

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

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2c

Airline Industry Ergonomic Hazards

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http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/airline_industry/hazards.html

Workplace risk factors

• Repetitive motions

• Fixed/awkward postures

• Vibration

• Force

• Twisting/bending

• Elevation of elbows

• Lifting

14

3a

Workplace risk factors

• Inappropriate tools

• Continuous contact

• Restricted clearance

• Improper seating/support

• Bad body mechanics

• Nonadjustable equipment

15

3b

Identify risk factors

• Management/employee involvement

• Audit work stations

• Audit procedures

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4a

Engineering controls

• Preferred method

• Work station design

• Tool design

• Equipment design

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5a

Work station design

Provide adequate…

• Work space

• Work height

• Support

• Storage space

• Machine controls

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6a

Work station design

• Reduce static loading

• Raise/lower working height

• Remove hard/sharp edges

• Provide mechanical advantages

• Insulate heat/cold

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7a

Work station redesign

• Provide seating/support

• Improve material orientation

• Improve layout

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7b

Tool selection should minimize …

• Awkward, bent grip

• Vibration

• Excessive grip strength

• Awkward positions to exert force

• Repetitive motions

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8a

Administrative controls

• Job rotation

• Shift length

• Overtime management

• Rest breaks

• Production rates

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9a

Work practice controls

• Use proper techniques

• Avoid unnecessary steps

• Job training

• Exercise/conditioning

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10a

Medical management

• Early reporting & treatment

• Symptoms survey

• Medical treatment

• Recordkeeping

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11a

Back disorders

• Sprains

• Strains

• Ruptured/slipped disks

• Muscle spasms

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12a

Back pain factors

• Improper posture

• Poor physical condition

• Improper lifting

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12b

Proper lifting

• Size up the load

• Bend your knees

• Do not twist

• Clear path

• Lower slowly

• Push carts/dollies

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12c

The costs of ergonomic injuries

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