WORKPLACE

ENVIRONMENT AND

ERGONOMICS

DEFINITION OF ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary activity

dealing with the interactions between a person

and their work environment.

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job,

equipment and workplace to fit the worker.

Proper ergonomic design is necessary to

prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can

develop over time and can lead to long term

disability

The goal of ergonomics is to ensure a good fit between the workers and their jobs, thereby maximizing workers comfort, safety and health, productivity and efficiency.

From the Greek words

ergon work

nomos laws

Ergonomics literally means the law of the work (Sluchak, 1992)

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HISTORY OF ERGONOMICS IN MALAYSIA

Ergonomics in Malaysia has been

introduced over a decade ago with

establishment of the ergonomics

division in NIOSH on 1st December

1992.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT: SECTION 15,

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT

(OSHA) 1994

The Occupational Safety and Health Act

1994 aims to secure the safety, health

and welfare of person at work, to protect

others against risks to safety or health in

connection with the activities of persons

at work, and to promote an occupational

environment for persons at work which is

adapted to their physiological and

psychological needs.

Ergonomics consider all the physical aspects of a person,

such as:

body size and shape; fitness and strength; posture; the senses, especially vision, hearing and touch; and the stresses and strains on muscles, joints, nerves.

Ergonomics also consider the psychological aspects of a

person,

such as:

mental abilities; personality; knowledge; and experience.

OBJECTIVES OF ERGONOMICS

To facilitate the maximization both comfort and

productivity in the workplace.

To reduces the potential for accidents;

To reduces the potential for injury and ill health;

and

To improves performance and productivity.

ERGONOMIC HAZARDS

WORKPLACE DESIGN

POOR LIGHTING

LAY-OUT OF WORKSTATION

EXCESSIVE MANUAL HANDLING vibration

DESIGN OF TOOLS

REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

MANUAL HANDLING

Factories & Machinery Act 1967

Section 12 No one shall be employed to lift, carry or move any load that could cause bodily injury.

CORRECT & INCORRECT TECHNIQUES

12 ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES

1. Keep everything within easy reach

2. Work at proper height

3. Reduce excessive force

4. Work in good posture

5. Reduce excessive repetition

6. Minimize fatigue

7. Minimize direct pressure

8. Provide adjustability and change of posture

9. Provide clearance and access

10. Maintain a comfortable environment

11. Enhance clarity and understanding

12. Improve work organisation

THINK SAFETY, WORK SAFELY