Collecting data on ergonomic measurements
Collecting ergonomic data, like any research, needs to be planned in order for the data collection to efficient, effective, and relevant.
Follow these steps to determine the type and scope of ergonomic data you need to gather.
1. What is the main characteristic of the task?
Identify the types of movements involved in the task as well as the frequency. Consider the following questions.
Does the task involve hand-arm intensive work?
Does it involve lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying?
Is it a heavy, intensive task, or a light but constant load?
Some tasks involve large forces, times or postures. Is one of these aspects dominant over the others?
2. Risk Factors
Identifying risks factors will help you determine which ergonomic and anthropometric data is important to consider. Consider the following questions:
Where do we predict that problems of incorrect working use will arise?
Is the problem caused by motion or static postures?
Is the task particularly intensive for a certain part of the body?
3. What can we measure in this task?
After understanding the nature of the task and risk factors involved, the designer can determine what data to gather to inform their design decisions. Some areas to begin with are:
joint angles
time it takes to complete a task
forces or weights involved
distances travelled
Observing the person performing the task can also provide valuable feedback on their comfort, posture, etc.
Notes About Data Sources
Anthropometric data can be gathered as either primary (you do the measurements) or secondary (from databases, etc.).
Make use of the online databases and printed resources available to you in the classroom.
(Google Sheet)
Use this sheet to organize your research plan and understand the ergonomic considerations of your design context.
Adapted from: Production Ergonomics
Berlin C. & Adams C. 2017.Production Ergonomics: Designing Work Systems to Support Optimal Human Performance. London: Ubiquity Press. DOI:https://doi.org/10.5334/bbeA detailed, and free, eBook on ergonomics.
Calculators and Resources
Manual Material Handling Table, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Use this to calculate weights and forces for lifting, pulling, and pushing materials.