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IOP2603NOTES
, Study unit 1
Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics
(HFE)
In your own words, explain what Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) is
The word ergonomics is derived from the Greek word ergo (work) and nomos (laws). European ergonomics
has its roots in work physiology, biometrics and workstation design. Human factors, on the other hand
originated from research in experimental psychology, where the focus was on human performance and
systems design. Despite the differences between human factors and ergonomics in the type of knowledge
and design philosophy, the two approaches are coming closer. The primary purpose of human factors and
ergonomics is design.
Helander defines human factors and ergonomics as:
- Considering environmental and organisational constraints,
- Use knowledge of human abilities and limitations,
- To design the system, organisation, job, machine, tool, or consumer product
- So that it is safe, efficient, and comfortable to use.
Explain the two principles or guidelines, namely that the primary purposes of HFE are the design of
tools and workstations and that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary in the design and analysis
of tools or systems.
Interdisciplinary knowledge is required in HFE design for the following reasons:
- To formulate systems goals
- To understand functional requirements
- To design a new system
- To analyse a system
- To implement a system
Discuss the focus of HFE
Ergonomics is that applied field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology that focuses on the interaction
between human beings and the:
- Products
- Equipment
- Facilities
- Procedures
- Physical environment and
- Psychological environment
Used at work and in everyday living.
Page 1 of 51
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, Discuss the goals of HFE
The main objective of HFE is to change (improve) the facilities people use and the environments in which they
use them to correspond with their capabilities, limitations and needs. The three sub-objectives of ergonomics
can be distinguished, namely:
- Increased safety of the user or operator
- Enhanced productivity
- Operator satisfaction
The goal of safety – with regards to the goal of safety, the limitations of the operator should be taken into
consideration when designing tools, equipment or systems.
The goal of productivity – increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which work and other activities are
performed, thereby increasing productivity. Safety must be considered when focusing on productivity; there is
usually a trade-off between the two.
The goal of operator satisfaction – The ultimate goal of ergonomics is to improve and maintain the wellbeing
of the individual worker. At the same time, the wellbeing of the organisation will also be improved and
maintained. Ergonomics has certain advantages for the individual worker, such as an improvement in the
following:
- Health
- Safety
- Comfort
- Satisfaction
- Convenience
For the organisation, there will be an improvement in:
- Performance
- Productivity
- Effectiveness
- Efficiency
- Quality of the product or service
Explain the holistic approach followed in the design of work environments and facilities
A holistic approach, where all aspects in the work environment are addressed, should be followed when
ergonomics is applied to the design and layout of work environments and facilities.
Page 2 of 51
, Explain with the aid of an applicable illustration the human-technology-workspace-environment model
and relate this to practical settings
Whenever a person uses a product, equipment or tool, this interaction is referred to as a human-technology
system.
- A system comprises a number of parts or components that interact with each other so that movement
in one part of the system leads in a predictable way to movement in other parts.
- Systems are open to environmental inputs and as a result are continually fluctuating
Given the two points above about what a system is an example of a human-technology system, is a person
working on a computer. From a mechanical point of view, the person receives information, based upon which
he or she takes certain actions.
The interaction between person and technology always takes place in a certain workspace which is located in
a certain physical and psychological environment; Illustrated below. The characteristics of the workspace and
the environment will affect the task performance of the person.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
WORKSPACE
HUMAN TASK TECHNOLOGY
The workspace is described in terms of the size and layout of chairs, tables, desks, consoles and other
equipment. Factors like size and layout will have an effect on the body position, body posture and reach
distances of the expected user population and consequently on their comfort and efficiency.
The environment can be described in physical terms such as temperature, lighting, noise and vibration, or
ambient environment. The ambient environment may also include the presence and effect of chemical and
biological agents. The organisational environment can also include psychological aspects such as teamwork,
management structure, shift conditions and psychological factors.
The human-technology-workspace-environment model is useful in identifying the factors that will have an
effect on comfort, task performance and safety.
Page 3 of 51
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