Ergonomics elements

The second and more common hardware FMEA examines actual system assemblies, subassemblies, individual components, and other related system hardware. This analysis should also be performed at the earliest possible phase in the product or system life cycle. Just as subsystems can fail with potentially disastrous effects, so can the individual hardware and components that make up those subsystems. As with the functional FMEA, the hardware FMEA evaluates the reliability of the system design. It attempts to identify single-point failures, as well as all other potential failures, within a system that could possibly result in failure of that system. Because the FMEA can accurately identify critical failure items within a system, it can also be useful in the development of the preliminary hazard analysis and the operating and support hazard analysis (Stephenson 1991). It should be noted that FMEA use in the development of the O SHA might be somewhat limited, depending on the system, because the FMEA does not typically consider the ergonomic element. Other possible disadvantages of the FMEA include its purposefiil omission of multiple-failure analysis within a system, as well as its failure to evaluate any operational interface. Also, in order to properly quantify the results, a FMEA requires consideration and evaluation of any known component failure rates and/or other similar data. These data often prove difficult to locate, obtain, and verify (Stephenson 1991). 

While this process implies an ordered, structured process, it should be noted that the various stages overlap and it is frequently necessary to return to an earlier step in the process to modify or clarify information or decisions made in an earlier phase. The influence of the human factors aspects on design needs to be similarly integrated into the process design procedure. The particular human factors elements to be addressed at each phase are discussed below. These phases can be directly related to the human factors engineering and ergonomics (HFE/E) design approach described in Section 2.2. 

Equipment used for skiing and snowboarding have become much more lighter and ergonomic. The bottom of skies are waxed to deorease Motion. In mountain climbing, tools are now made very strong, light and resistant to the natural elements suoh as wind, sun and the rain. 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Elements of ergonomics programs. A primer based on workplace evaluations of musculoskeletal disorders. Centers for Disease Control (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-117. Atlanta, GA Centers for Disease Control, March, 1997. 

Participatory ergonomics sees end users contributions as indispensable elements of its scientific methodology. It stresses the validity of simple tools and workers experience in problem solution and denies that these characteristics result in nonscientific outcomes. Employees or end users are in most situations in the best position to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the work situations. Their involvement in the analysis and redesign of their workplace can lead to better designs as well as increase their and the company s knowledge on the process. 

Cohen, A. L., Gjessing, C. C., Eine, L. J., Bernard, B. P., and McGlotWin, J. D. (1997), Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati. 

Leplat, J. (1990), Relations between Task and Activity Elements for Elaborating a Framework for Error Analysis, Ergonomics, Vol. 33, pp. 1389-1402. 

The standard applies only to the jobs specified in Section 1910.901, not to the entire workplace or to other workplaces in the company. The standard does not apply to agriculture, construction, or maritime operations. In the proposed standard, a full ergonomics program consists of these six program elements ... 

It is critical that a proper fit be achieved among employees and other elements of the model. This can occur with proper hazard orientation, training, skill enhemcement, ergonomic improvements, and proper engineering of the tasks, technology, and environment. 

These are similar to the elements in the proposed safety and health program rule. The proposed ergonomics standard covers workers in general industry, though construction, maritime, and agriculture operations may be covered in future rulemaking. TTie proposal specifically covers manufacturing... 

The Cahfornia Ergonomic Standard (see website http //www.dir.ca.gov/1itle8/5110.html) went into effect on July 3, 1997. The standard targets jobs where a repetitive motion injury (RMI) has occurred and the injury can be determined to be work related and at a repetitive job. The injury must have been diagnosed by a physician. The three main elements of the CaUfomia standard are work site evaluation, control of exposures that have caused RMIs, and employee training. The exact language of the standard has been undergoing review in the CaUfomia judicial system. 

Figure 18 Precedence Diagram Showing the Sequence Required for Assembly. The lines between the circles are not drawn to scale. That is, elements 4 and 9 both must be competed before 6, but 9 could be done before or after 4. Precedence must be observed. Thus, elements 3, 4, and 9 could not be assigned to one station and elements 8 and 6 to another. However, 8, 9, and 10 could be done at one station. (From Work Design Industrial Ergonomics, 5th Ed., by S. Konz and S. Johnson. Copyright 2000 by Holcomb Hathaway, Pub., Scottsdale, AZ. Reprinted with permission)...

But, I need to say that emphasis on some of the safety system elements has varied over the past few years. For instance, we had a strong push for a while to overcome our ergonomics risks, and we ve come a long way. Now, we re concenuating on what we know to be the improvement needed in our accident investigation process, and on our high-risk jobs. 

Understandably, applied ergonomics has become a major element in the practice of safety, and effective safety practitioners will sense the opportunity that provides and acquire extensive knowledge in the field. 

Applied ergonomics has become a major element in the practice of safety. Because of the prominence of musculoskeletal injuries within the universe of occupational injuries and illnesses, safety practitioners must achieve broad knowledge in applied ergonomics. As ergonomics emerged to attain the prominence it now has, opportunities arose for achievement, recognition, and professional satisfaction far beyond what has been typical for safety professionals. 

After analyzing the data gathered, a communication to management proposing an ergonomics initiative would be prepared. That communication should include a plan that addresses the following elements and how they would be incorporated within the overall safety processes in place. 

In April 2002, OSHA announced a four-element plan with respect to ergonomics, partially in response to congregational demands after a previously issued ergonomics standard was rescinded by the new administration. This plan consists of... 

Excerpts representing about one-eighth of the document are included as Addendum A to this chapter since they embody the management elements of a good ergonomics initiative. 

Commitment and involvement are complementary and essential elements of a sound safety and health program. Commitment by management provides the organizational resources and motivating force necessary to deal effectively with ergonomic hazards. 

---