The word “ERGONOMICS” is derived from the two GREEK words: ERGO (means work) and NOMOS

(means rules or laws). Thus; Ergonomics is the scientific discipline mainly concerned with understanding of the
interaction of humans, and the scientific design profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to
design and improve the work system involving machine or job with human (i.e. operator) as an integral system.
This should not be confused with Agronomy.

Ergonomics is the design and engineering of human-machine systems for the purpose of enhancing human
performance

Human factors

The human has a limiting capability as a power of source in comparison to the engine/ machine. However, it has
a distinct advantage in terms of its intelligence and decision making as per need. The operator acts as a core of
the system. Operator uses his sensory system to perceive the environment, takes decision based upon
information available, and finally takes appropriate action for desired output. If the task is new and not well
known to operator then the decision making process is very slow. For routine and well known task, decisions are
very quick and accurate. Stress is one of the variables that affect operator decision making, and response
selection. Many factors including operator‟s age, training, motivation, etc. affect the success of task
performance.

Machine Factors

The machine characteristics that are involved in the system are its features, controls, displays, power
availability, speed of operation, seat, vibrations, noise, exhaust, visibility, safety features, etc. Workspace,
controls layout and display arrangement affects the operator capability to a large extent. For example, a tractor
seat is designed for comfort of operator and easy accessibility of controls like brake, steering, gears, clutch,
[Link] the Ergonomics application,

Environment factors :

“Environment” is used to conceptualize the task as well as the context in which it is performed. The ambient
environment is only one of the factors covered under this. Noise, vibrations, dust, smoke, field conditions, are
some of the other major environmental factors that come into play, thereby affecting task performance.
Job fit is a concept that refers to how well an employee is suited for his or her position.
Hiring employees who are the best fit for their positions is a great way for an organization to
decrease turnover (both voluntary and involuntary) and to improve employee retention rates.
In general, employees who are well-suited for their positions will be happier and more
productive, which can have a positive impact on company morale and ultimately benefit a
company’s bottom line.

There are endless factors that can influence job fit, or job suitability. Personality, for instance,
can have a major effect on how happy or content an individual will be in a particular position.
Job candidates who are non-assertive may be unhappy in a managerial position, while
extroverted individuals may be dissatisfied working in a role that involves minimal human
interaction. Employment personality tests can be used to assess a wide range of personality
traits associated with job fit so that companies can feel more confident that their employees
will be content in their positions.

Person-job (PJ) fit is defined as the compatibility between individuals and the job or tasks
that they perform at work. This definition includes compatibility based on employee needs
and job supplies available to meet those needs, as well as job demands and employee
abilities to meet those demands

Job fit vs. organization fit is the two ways in which a company chooses to hire people. While
there may be somewhat of a mix, employers tend to favor one over the other. To figure out
which method you lean toward, ask yourself a few questions:

• Does the person you hire need to have all the skills to do the job?
• Does a person’s personality need to fit well with the culture of your company?
• Do you have the time to train someone who doesn’t have all the skills but you like
who they are?
• If you had to choose between someone’s skills or someone’s ability to work well and
fit in with the team, which is more important?

If you found yourself answering those questions with answers such as: “Yes, they need the
skills. No, I don’t have time to train them. I don’t care what their personality is. I just need
the job done.” Then you are probably more of a job fit hiring manager. However, if you
answered the questions with: “The skills are needed, but I could train them. I really need
them to work well with a team. I can teach technical skills but not the innate leadership
ability they have.” Then you probably hire more with an organizational fit in mind.

Human-machine models
Cognition is the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through
thought, experience, and the senses. Cognition describes how humans process thoughts to
communicate with one another.

To understand, reason, learn, and naturally interact, there are five elements of human thinking
and communication that cognitive systems must be able to recognize, understand, analyze,
and simulate:

• Perception
• Motivation
• Reasoning
• Learning
• Knowledge
Anthopometry

The purpose of man machine interaction in an industry is to improve the productivity which is
defined as the output to input.

Anthropometry comes from the Greek words, anthropos (man) metron means (measure). Put
together the words mean, measurement of man or in today’s terms measurement of humans.

The measurement done through anthropometry concentrates on bodily characteristics like body
composition and body shape, which is known as static anthropometry

Measurement of the body’s movement and strength capacities and how space is used is known as
dynamic anthropometry.

The most important categories of workplaces are sitting, standing and sit/stand .

Sitting workplaces are used in situations when all items needed in the short-term task cycle can be
easily supplied and handled within the seated workspace, and those items do not require the hands
to work at an average level of more than 15 cm above the work surface. Weights that are being
handled with need to be less than 4.5 kg and also when workers are doing assembling or writing
tasks for the majority of the shift they need to be in a sitting position.

Neutral sitting posture for 5th and 95th percentiles Sitting head height for 5th and 95th percentile.
Sometimes you can't accommodate all your users because there are conflicting solutions to your
design. In this case, you will have to make a judgment about what is the most important feature. You
must never compromise safety though, and if there is a real risk of injury, you may have to use more
extreme percentiles (1%ile or 99%ile or more) to make sure that everyone is protected (not just 95%
of people). Can you see that in the last section of the table above, 1%ile and 99%ile would be safer?

Standing workplaces are used in situations if there is no knee clearance for the seated operation, if
objects that are being handled weight more than 4.5 kg. They are also used when reaches are
frequent and high, low or extended such as those in front of the body.

What is it that you are

Examples of measurements Users that your design
aiming for with your Design examples:
to consider: should accommodate:
design?
Easy reach Vehicle dashboards, Arm length, Smallest user: 5th
Shelving Shoulder height percentile
Adequate clearance to Manholes, Shoulder or hip width, Largest user: 95th
avoid unwanted contact Cinema seats Thigh length percentile
or trapping
A good match between Seats, Knee-floor height, Head Maximum range: 5th to
the user and the product Cycle helmets, circumference, Weight 95th percentile
Pushchairs
A comfortable and safe Lawnmovers, Elbow height, Maximum range: 5th to
posture Monitor positions, Sitting eye height, 95th percentile
Worksurface heights Elbow height (sitting or
standing?)
Easy operation Screw bottle tops, Grip strength, Smallest or weakest
Door handles, Hand width, user: 5th percentile
 Light switches Height
To ensure that an item Machine guarding mesh, Finger width Smallest user: 5th
can't be reached or Distance of railings from hazard percentile
operated Arm length Largest user: 95th
percentile
 • Postures and motions generated by the human body are very difficult to simulate
since the human body has so many interrelated muscles that produce movement.
They are affected by factors such as muscular strength, fatigue, general health or
state of mind

Posture

• The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting.
• 20-20-20 rule for people working on computer.
• If you find yourself gazing at screens all day, your eye doctor may have mentioned
this rule to you. Basically, every 20 minutes spent using a screen, you should try to
look away at something that is 20 feet away from you for a total of 20 seconds.