In simple terms, ergonomics is the science of making furniture or a workspace more comfortable. Specialists design such furniture and equipment keeping in mind that the person using it may be in the same position or making repetitive movements while at the workspace. Ergonomic design is important in the home, but it is equally important (if not more important) in the work environment where employees spend long times in a small area.
People have become more aware of the importance of ergonomically designed furniture. Research show that ergonomically well designed furniture and decent work environment boost employee productivity. In addition to this, ergonomically designed machinery and equipment reduce injuries, stress, and other health complications.
Easy to access lockers; comfortable chairs; head height shelving; well placed computer keyboard, mouse and monitors; robotics; conveyor belt systems etc. are all part of ergonomic design and functionality.
1. 0.0 Introduction to Course (1 hour)
1.1) 0.1 Course Content, Course Outcomes, Program Outcomes (CO-PO)
1.2) 0.2 Methods of Assessment for the Course
1.3) 0.3 Rubric and Evaluation Form of Assessments
1.4) 0.4 Teaching Plan & Student Learning Time (SLT)
2. 1.0 Introduction to Ergonomics (2 hours)
2.1) 1.1 Goals of Ergonomics
2.2) 1.2 The Development of Ergonomics
2.3) 1.3 Ergonomic Knowledge Base
3. 2.0 The Anatomical and Physical Structure of the Human Body (4 hours)
3.1) 2.1 Anthropometry and Human Body
3.2) 2.2 Anthropometric Statistics
3.3) 2.3 Human Biomechanics
4. 3.0 Designing to Fit Body Posture (8 hours)
4.1) 3.1 Evaluation of “Suitable” Positions at Work
4.2) 3.2 Body Postures at Work
4.3) 3.3 Recording and Evaluating Postures at Work
4.4) 3.4 Designing for Standing Operator and Sitting Operator
4.5) 3.5 Designing for Foot Operation and for Hand use
4.6) 3.6 The use of Tables of Exerted Torques and Forces
4.7) 3.7 Avoiding Posture Overuse Disorders in Shop and Office
4.8) 3.8 Biomechanical Strains of the Body
4.9) 3.9 Occupational Activities and Related Disorders
4.10) 3.10 OD-Prone Activities and Postures
4.11) 3.11 Ergonomic Means to Counter ODs
5. 4.0 Handling Loads (3 hours)
5.1) 4.1 Strains associated with Load Handling
5.2) 4.2 Assessing Body Capabilities Related to Material Handling
5.3) 4.3 Back Injury and Pain
6. 5.0 Ergonomic Design and Analysis (6 hours)
6.1) 5.1 Ergonomic Design
6.2) 5.2 Facility Layout
6.3) 5.3 Ergonomic Design of Workstation and Work Task
6.4) 5.4 Permissible Loads for Manual Material Handling
6.5) 5.5 Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Ergonomic Analysis
6.6) 5.6 Limits for Lifting and Lowering
6.7) 5.7 Lifting and Lowering Ergonomic Analysis
6.8) 5.8 Ergonomic Rules for Industrial Manual Handling Tasks
6.9) 5.9 NIOSH 1981, NIOSH 1991 and Snook/Cariello Guidelines
6.10) 5.10 Pushing and Pulling Ergonomic Analysis and Carrying Analysis
7. 6.0 Occupational Safety & Health Aspects (4 hours)
7.1) 6.1 Safety Equipment for Occupational Safety & Health
7.2) 6.2 NIOSH Regulations and Guidelines for Occupational Safety & Health
7.3) 6.3 Case Studies on Occupational Safety and Health
8. Safety Briefing (3 hours)
8.1) • Safety and Health in the Laboratory
8.2) • Dos and Don’ts in the Laboratory
8.3) • Dress Code
8.4) • Safety Shoes
8.5) • First Aid
8.6) • Assessment
8.7) • Preparation of Technical Reports
9. Laboratory: Sound Level Meter (5 hours)
9.1) Laboratory
10. Laboratory: Indoor Air Quality Meter (5 hours)
10.1) Laboratory
11. Laboratory: Lux Meter (5 hours)
11.1) Laboratory
12. Laboratory: Hand Dynamometer (5 hours)
12.1) Laboratory
13. Laboratory: Pinch Gauge (5 hours)
13.1) Laboratory