ENGR. YOSHIKI B. KURATA, CIE, AAE, MSc.
IE, CLSSGB
Course Instructor
CONTENTS
Origins and Development
History of Human Factors &
Ergonomics
Human Error Analysis
Human Information Processing
ORIGIN & DEVELOPMENT
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
Source: International Ergonomics Association (IEA)
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
❑ Ergonomics is the scientific study and body of knowledge of human
abilities, limitations and characteristics for the appropriate design of the
living and work environments.
❑ It is concerned with ensuring that the work system is conducive to
good performance and work effectiveness, and consequently that the
work environment is compatible with the health, safety and comfort of
the individual. (BCPE, 1993)
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
ORIGIN OF ERGONOMICS
❑ Comes from Greek words ergon which means “work” or “effort” and nomos
which means “natural laws of” or “study of”.
❑ Developed into a recognized field during World War II, when for the first time,
technology and the human sciences were systematically applied in a
coordinated manner.
❑ Interest in the approach grew rapidly, especially in Europe and in the U.S.,
leading to the foundation in England of the first ever national ergonomics
society in 1949, which is when the term ergonomics was adopted.
❑ A succinct definition would be that ergonomics aims to design appliances,
technical systems and tasks in such a way as to improve human safety, health,
comfort and performance.
ORIGIN OF ERGONOMICS
HUMAN FACTORS ERGONOMICS
❑ Traditionally emerged from a ❑ Focuses on the safety and
military background and comfort of workers.
concentrates on human
performance. ❑ More prevalent in Europe and
the rest of the world, including
❑ Preferred term in the United the Philippines.
States and several other
countries.
DEVELOPMENT OF ERGONOMICS
✓ Simple tools and utensils
✓ Purposeful shaping of the tools
✓ Organizational and managerial challenges
✓ Training and selection
✓ Military
✓ Space applications
✓ Aviation applications
✓ Design of workplace and products
Ergonomics draws knowledge from various fields in the
human sciences and technology.
FIELDS OF ERGONOMICS
PHYSICAL ERGONOMICS
Concerned with human anatomy, and some of the anthropometric, physiological and bio
mechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. Physical ergonomic principles have
been widely used in the design of both consumer and industrial products.
COGNITIVE ERGONOMICS
Concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response,
as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.
ORGANIZATIONAL ERGONOMICS
Concerned with the optimization of socio-technical systems, including their organizational
structures, policies, and processes.
FIELDS OF ERGONOMICS
Physical Cognitive Organizational
Ergonomics Ergonomics Ergonomics
• Visual • Usability • Human
Ergonomics • Human- Resources
• Environmental Computer Management
Ergonomics Interaction • Organizational
• Anthropometry • Mental Behavior
Workload • Virtual
• Human Error Organizations
• Work Stress • Work Design
BENEFITS OF ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics has existed as a profession for over 50 years, helping people
to succeed in their jobs by means such as:
❑ Reducing human error in the system performance
❑ Reducing hazards to individuals in the work environment
❑ Improving system efficiency
❑ Designing systems with a user focus
❑ Improve quality of life
WHY ERGONOMICS?
❑ Economic Advantages
❑ Minimizing fatigue and overexertion
❑ Minimizing absenteeism and labor turnover
❑ Improving quality and quantity of output
❑ Eliminating or minimizing injuries, strains and sprains
❑ Minimizing lost time and costs associated with injuries
and accidents
WHY ERGONOMICS?
❑ Progress in Knowledge and Technology
❑ Learning about human desires, capabilities and
limitations
❑ Developing and applying new theories and practices
❑ Moral Imperative
❑ Maximizing safety, efficiency, comfort and productivity
❑ Improving human condition and quality of life
HUMAN SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Anatomy Systems Engineering
Biomechanics Industrial Hygiene
build of the human body
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
build of the human body
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Bones Orthopedics
Physiology Sociology
skeletal system
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
skeletal system
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Safety Engineering Systems Engineering
Physiology Industrial Hygiene
functions and activities of the human body
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
functions and activities of the human body
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Bioengineering Medicine
Biomechanics Psychology
illnesses and their prevention and healing
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
illnesses and their prevention and healing
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Sociology Organizational Behavior
Psychology Psychiatric
mind and behavior
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
mind and behavior
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Sociology Military Engineering
Labor Relations Organization
development, structure, interaction and
behavior of individuals and groups
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
development, structure, interaction and
behavior of individuals and groups
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Anatomy Physiology
Biomechanics Anthropometry
physical dimensions of the body
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
physical dimensions of the body
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Anatomy Physical Mechanics
Biomechanics Chemechanics
physical behavior in terms of mechanics
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
physical behavior in terms of mechanics
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
Work Measurement Body System at Work
Work Physiology Industrial Work Hygiene
physiological knowledge applied to the body
at work
HUMAN SCIENCES & TECHNOOGY
physiological knowledge applied to the body
at work
IN SUMMARY, ERGONOMICS IS:
Human Centered
Multi-disciplinary
Application Oriented