Prepared By: Satyam Garg (0722913041)
Nikhil Chaudhary(0722913023)
Vibhu Agarwal(0722913055)
Cognitive Ergonomics
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 Cognitive ergonomics studies cognition in work
settings, in order to optimize human well-being and
system performance. It is a subset of the larger field of
human factors and ergonomics.
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Ergonomics = human engineering = human factors
The definition of the field
Ergonomics = the science of fitting the job to the worker
A multidisciplinary science that seeks to conform the workplace and all of
its physiological aspects to the worker
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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International Ergonomics Association:
Domains of ergonomics
Physical ergonomics
human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as
they relate to physical activity
(working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related
musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.)
Cognitive ergonomics: mental processes
such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions
among humans and other elements of a system
(mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction,
human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system design.)
Organizational ergonomics: the optimization of sociotechnical systems
including their organizational structures, policies, and processes
(communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times,
teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work
paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.)
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Prevention of injuries and diseases
The “role” of ergonomics in OSH
Ergonomics
Better workplaces and workprocesses
Minimizing the work-related stress and fatigue
Reduces the possibility of human error and
wrong decisions
Prevents occupational diseases, first of all,
muscular-skeletal disorders (MSDs)
Contributes to the prevention of workplace
accidents and industrial accidents
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Workplace design and work organisation
The “traditional” application
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Work related heath problems by diagnosis group (EU-15, 1999)
Muscular-skeletal disorders (MSDs)
Musculoskeletal disorders, 52%
Stress depression, anxiety, 18%
Lung disorders, 8%
Cardiovascular disorders, 4%
Headaches, visual fatigue, 3%
Hearing disorders, 3%
Infectious diseases, 3%
Skin problems, 3%
Other, 6%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH Percentage
35
40
45
50
55
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The situation in Europe
Economic costs of MSDs
 Although precise figures do not exist, estimates from Member States
of the economic costs of all work related ill-health range from 2,6 to
3,8% of GDP.
 A high proportion - maybe up to 40-50% - of the costs will be for
musculoskeletal disorders.
 Available cost estimates of MSD put the cost at between 0,5% and 2%
of GDP.
 More than 600 million working days are lost due to work related ill-health
each year in Europe.
 The costs to European business include: lost production; staff sickness,
compensation and insurance costs; losing experienced staff and costs of
recruiting and training new ones; effect of discomfort or ill health on the
quality of work of employees.
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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What is MSD? An “umbrella term”
Dealing with MSDs 1/10
Work-related MSDs are impairments of bodily structures (muscles, joints,
tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and the localised blood circulation
system), which are caused or aggravated primarily by work and by
effects of work environment.
Most MSDs are cumulative disorders, resulting from repeated exposure
to high or low intensity loads over a long period of time. However, MSDs
can also be acute traumas, such as fractures, which occur during an
accident.
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Factors contributing to the development of MSDs (1/3)
Dealing withPhysical
MSDs
2/10
factors:
 Force application, e.g. lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, use of tools
 Repetition of movements
 Awkward and static postures, e.g. with hands above shoulder level,
or prolonged standing and sitting
 Local compression of tools and surfaces
 Vibration
 Cold or excessive heat
 Poor lighting, e.g. can cause an accident
 High noise levels, e.g. causing the body to tense
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Factors contributing to the development of MSDs (2/3)
Dealing
with
MSDs
3/10
Organisational and psychosocial factors:
 Demanding work, lack of control over the tasks performed, and low
levels of autonomy
 Low levels of job satisfaction
 Repetitive, monotonous work, at a high pace
 Lack of support from colleagues, supervisors and managers
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Factors contributing to the development of MSDs (3/3)
Dealing with
MSDs
4/10
Individual factors:





Prior medical history
Physical capacity
Age
Obesity
Smoking
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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European prevention approach
Dealing with MSDs 5/10
1. Avoid MSD risks & evaluate MSD risks which can not be avoided
2. Combat the MSD risks at source
3. Adapt the work to the individual, especially the design of workplaces,
the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production
methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous work and
work at a predetermined work-rate and to reduce their effect on health
4. Adapt to technical progress
5. Replace the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous
6. Develop a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology,
organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the
influence of factors related to the working environment
7. Give collective protective measures priority over individual
protective measures
8. Give appropriate instructions to workers
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Example 1: solutions to manual handling risks
Dealing with MSDs 6/10
Lifting cast parts before and after the introduction of lifting/tipping
containers
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Example 2: work at a pharmaceutical plant
Dealing with MSDs 7/10
Before and after adjustments were made to a workstation
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Example 3: operator at assembly line for transformers
Dealing with MSDs 8/10
Before - working with raised arm
and elevated shoulder
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
After - automated conveyor of
adjustable height
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Example 4: awkward work posture in construction
Dealing with MSDs 9/10
A special device introduced to protect knees. The device also functions
as a stool
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Example 5: manoeuvring trolley
Dealing with MSDs 10/10
Altering the handle height on this trolley improves posture and
reduces effort required to push it
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Prevention of accidents
The “role” of ergonomics in OSH
Ergonomics
Better workplaces and workprocesses
Minimizing the work-related stress and fatigue
Reduces the possibility of human error and
wrong decisions
Prevents occupational diseases, first of all,
muscular-skeletal disorders (MSDs)
Contributes to the prevention of workplace
accidents and industrial accidents
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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The origin of the problem
Control room ergonomics 1/3
The control room at Västerås old power plant (around 1920)
E. R. Vaidogas, Lectures on OSH
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Control room ergonomics 2/3
Increasing amount of information
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Concentrating the operator’s information
Control room ergonomics 3/3
Cube display wall
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To end of part eleven
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