DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE

UNIVERSITY MID LA UNION CAMPUS

La Union Philippines

COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Ergonomics and Facilities Planning

(HMGT 108)

EDREN F. RAMIREZ

Module I
2
 MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS

Lesson 1Ergonomics in an Office

Building Lesson 2 Managing Ergonomic

Stressors Lesson 3 Furnishing and

Standards Lesson 4 Effects of an

Ergonomics Program

Module I
 MODULE I


3
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS

This module gives you ideas about how ergonomics used by

professional in Hospitality Industry. It is hoped that you will learn to appreciate
ergonomics as the science of making the work environment fit the worker. An
ergonomically designed space can increase productivity and efficiency while
reducing stress and fatigue.

OBJECTIVES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. Define ergonomics.
2. Discuss ergonomics as a preventive strategy
3. Enumerate and explain ergonomic stressor.
4. Explain the effects of an Ergonomics Program

☝ DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

There are four lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities to find out how much you have benefited from
it. Work on these exercises carefully and submit your output to your tutor or to
the DOUS office.

In case you encounter difficulty, discuss this with your tutor during the
face-to-face meeting. If not contact your tutor at the DOUS office.

Good luck and happy reading!!!

Module I
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Lesson 1

Introduction to Ergonomics
Ergonomics in an Office Building

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of making the environmental work that fit the
worker. If we understand the human-factors requirements of work, we can
avoid illnesses and injuries.

Establishments are in business to bring a product or service to market,

and anything that makes it more complicated for workers to perform their
functions is likely to affect their capacity—and being productive means money.
A contradiction between the requirements of the job and the physical
capability of the worker can result in RSIs (repetitive stress injuries), and
CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders).

Ergonomic assessments define the possible risks for injury or illness in

a space, and ergonomic plans are set down to reduce those danger. An
ergonomically designed facility can increase work and efficiency while
reducing illness and injury.

https://www.viewsonic.com/library/business/office-ergonomics-the-complete-

guide/ Ergonomics in an
Office Building
In the 21st century to be successful, building management companies
and facilities management departments must offer a wide range of services
that match tenants’ business operations. And providing those services must
be done in a cost-effective manner. Satisfying a tenant’s needs means
ensuring that every factor of building services, including ergonomic concerns,
meets the needs of the tenant’s employees, no matter what the type of
business. Successful ergonomic design is reflected in the workers’ ability to
be productive and efficient, with a minimum of stress and fatigue.

Module I
5
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

Whether a business has guests or workers in a facility, a sound

ergonomic program makes good business sense. Ergonomic programs see to
it that people are comfortable, productive, and free from the risk of
occupational illness and injury. Further, reducing risk creates a corresponding
reduction in regulatory and insurance liabilities.
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

https://ohsonline.com/articles/2018/03/15/californias-housekeepers
standard.aspx?admgarea=ht.Ergonomics&m=1

Ergonomics and Facilities Management

Ergonomics should be a preventive strategy. Managers must
incorporate the elements of human-factors design if the environments they
create are to be safe, user-friendly, and OSHA compliant. Ideal office design
goes beyond the transient qualities of style to accommodate the vicissitudes
of life, such as aging, injury, disease, and disability. Facility managers should
collaborate with tenants, designers, and vendors to include ergonomics in
workplace designs. In addition, such collaboration should be employed when
attempting to balance costs, technologies, and the needs of workers. All
involved should try to provide adaptable and flexible environments that also
meet production and safety objectives. https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-
facilities-management/

Where ergonomics-related problems do arise, they may directly affect

profitability and productivity. Tenant workers and facility employees who suffer
from RSIs produce less, cost the tenant money in workers’ compensation
payments, and may initiate actions leading to OSHA penalties and litigation.
These factors can cause a tenant to default on lease payments or, worse still,
close business entirely. In addition, if the general workspace is not initially
designed to mitigate RSIs, managers of the leased space may incur liabilities
as a result of OSHA litigation. For example, if a workplace is created without
adequate lighting, the building owner or manager may be subject to legal
action by occupants who claim to suffer from RSIs such as eyestrain and
neckstrain.
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the

Workplace

Module I
6
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves, blood
vessels, ligaments and tendons. Workers in many different industries and
occupations can be exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy
items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working
in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks
repetitively. Exposure to these known risk factors for MSDs increases a
worker's risk of injury.

Work-

related MSDs can be prevented. Ergonomics --- fitting a job to a person ---
helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity and reduces the number
and severity of work-related MSDs.
Impact of MSDs in the Workplace

▪ Work-related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes of

lost or restricted work time.
▪ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2013, MSD cases
accounted for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases.1

A Process for Protecting Workers

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Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for
their workers. In the workplace, the number and severity of MSDs resulting
from physical overexertion, and their associated costs, can be substantially
reduced by applying ergonomic principles.

Implementing an ergonomic process is effective in reducing the risk of

developing MSDs in high-risk industries as diverse as construction, food
processing, firefighting, office jobs, healthcare, transportation and
warehousing. The following are important elements of an ergonomic process:

▪ Provide Management Support - A strong commitment by management

is critical to the overall success of an ergonomic process. Management
should define clear goals and objectives for the ergonomic process,
discuss them with their workers, assign responsibilities to designated
staff members, and communicate clearly with the workforce.
▪ Involve Workers - A participatory ergonomic approach, where workers
are directly involved in worksite assessments, solution development
and implementation is the essence of a successful ergonomic process.
Workers can:
o Identify and provide important information about hazards in their
workplaces.
o Assist in the ergonomic process by voicing their concerns and
suggestions for reducing exposure to risk factors and by
evaluating the changes made as a result of an ergonomic
assessment.
▪ Provide Training - Training is an important element in the ergonomic
process. It ensures that workers are aware of ergonomics and its
benefits, become informed about ergonomics related concerns in the
workplace, and understand the importance of reporting early symptoms
of MSDs.
▪ Identify Problems - An important step in the ergonomic process is to
identify and assess ergonomic problems in the workplace before they
result in MSDs.
▪ Encourage Early Reporting of MSD Symptoms - Early reporting can
accelerate the job assessment and improvement process, helping to
prevent or reduce the progression of symptoms, the development of
serious injuries, and subsequent lost-time claims.

Module I
8

▪ Implement Solutions to Control Hazards - There are many possible

solutions that can be implemented to reduce, control or eliminate
workplace MSDs.
 ▪ Evaluate Progress - Established evaluation and corrective action
procedures are required to periodically assess the effectiveness of the
ergonomic process and to ensure its continuous improvement and
long-term success. As an ergonomic process is first developing,
assessments should include determining whether goals set for the
ergonomic process have been met and determining the success of the
implemented ergonomic solutions.

Note: An ergonomic process uses the principles of a safety and health

program to address MSD hazards. Such a process should be viewed as an
ongoing function that is incorporated into the daily operations, rather than as
an individual project.
Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

▪ Carpal tunnel syndrome

▪ Tendinitis

▪ Rotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder)

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 ▪ Epicondylitis (affects the elbow)

▪ Trigger finger

▪ Muscle strains and low back injuries

https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics

Module I
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Activity No.1

1. Discuss the importance of ergonomics in the hospitality industry.

2. Case: A hotel guest walk through a lobby and slipped because of the
wet floor. The wet floor is due to a housekeeper that mopped the area.
During the investigation the housekeeper put a traffic control device or
sign that the floor is wet. The hotel guest was busy looking at his phone
and did not see the sign. The hotel guest suffered a leg injury and
confined at the hospital for one month. The guest would like the
management to pay all the hospital bills and his salaries that was loss
during the hospitalization. If you are the facility manager what would
you do? Answer the question in one sentence, briefly but concisely.

Module I
11

Lesson 2
 Managing Ergonomic
🕮 Stressors

Plenty of elements that can be found in the company’s can make

imminent danger and threats if their placement and functions are not
evaluated attentively.

As an example, slips, trips, and falls on frayed rugs, thresholds, and

uneven or slippery surfaces are the number one recognized office “near
misses.” A “near miss” is an OSHA target statistic that refers to the accident
that almost happens. Tripping over extension cords, being cut on sharp
edges, and having a top-heavy file cabinet tip over are also recognized office
hazards. https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

As such, these hazards are considered environmental as opposed to

human-factor related. They should receive attention quickly because they
affect everyone equally and are easily controlled. Some standard risks that a
facility manager should consider when assessing ergonomic stressors in the
workplace include: https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities
management/

▪ Workstation design: Improper placement of office equipment and

materials can result in worker strain and discomfort. The design of an
office and the density of space are critical to efficiency. Having a
central location for shared services (copiers, library, and office
supplies) reduces the steps—and therefore the stress—taken to
accomplish these tasks. The shorter the distance to resources, the
more productive workers can be.

https://www.samtell.com/blog/principles-of-commercial-kitchen-floor-plans-for
efficient-flow

▪ Workstation furnishings: Office furniture must be carefully selected to

provide the most flexibility and adaptability for workers.

Module I
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https://www.archdaily.com/916803/lodbrok-restaurant-da-architecture-bureau

▪ Lighting: Light sources should be chosen to reduce glare and to

improve the contrast on working surfaces (paper or furniture), not on
computer screens. Computer monitors should be adjusted to increase
displayed contrast, brightness, and character resolution. No work areas
should be over-illuminated.

https://www.techradar.com/news/the-philips-hue-lighting-system-now-includes
funky-edison-filament-bulbs

▪ Noise: High-speed printers, shredders, copiers, fans, and other office

equipment contribute to background noise. Some experts feel that
these noises may adversely affect the quality of the work environment.
Equipment should be masked or isolated whenever its operation makes
it difficult to carry on a normal conversation. (Normal speech is usually
between sixty and seventy decibles.)
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

Proper Ergonomics in Restaurants

In the restaurant industry, workers face a variety of factors that can

impact their overall safety. Slips and falls, burns and scalds, and cuts and
punctures are all common causes of restaurant employee injuries. In fact,
according to recent Restaurant Risk Report, at five years of workers’
compensation claim data, it was discovered that the two leading causes of on
premise injuries in commercial kitchens are slips and falls and muscle strain
or injury from holding or carrying.

However, restaurant workers also face muscle strains due to

ergonomic hazards. On average, strain injuries can account for $12 million
Module I
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in paid losses, causing increased absenteeism, decreased productivity and

potential for higher insurance premiums. Repetitive movements, standing in
one place for long periods of time, awkward postures or improperly designed
work stations and equipment can all lead to a higher risk of injury among
employees in the restaurant industry.

Common Types of Ergonomic Injuries Restaurant Employees Face

Standing, reaching and repetitive movements can strain the body and
cause ergonomic injuries, such as muscle strains in the back and upper
extremities, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other musculoskeletal
injuries. When not detected in the early stages, these types of injuries may not
heal completely and lead to chronic, painful conditions. This is why early
detection is so important to help reduce the potentially severe effects these
injuries can cause to restaurant workers. Employers establish safe work
practices and provide proper equipment to all kitchens staff and servers to
help decrease the risks of these ergonomic injuries.

Preventing Ergonomic Hazards and Injuries for Restaurant Workers

Attention to proper restaurant ergonomics helps to create a safer work

environment by allowing employees to work as efficiently as possible,
matching the tools, physical settings and equipment to each worker’s specific
needs. Ergonomic hazards for restaurant workers also include the health and
safety concerns involved with having scheduled shifts that tend to be longer
than a normal workday.

Things employers should keep in mind when it comes to restaurant

ergonomics that help improve the safety of their workers:

1. Invest in ergonomic, anti-fatigue mats and step stools ⮚ Restaurant

staff often spend extended periods of time standing in one place
which can lead to issues like general muscle and lower back pain,
sore feet, stiff neck and shoulders and other health problems. Even
if workers are required to wear quality shoes with good arch
support, standing can cause discomfort after a long day. Placing
anti-fatigue mats at standing work stations can help reduce some of
that discomfort. However, it’s important to make sure these mats
are also anti-slip to help eliminate the risk of slips and falls.
Additionally, step stools or footrests allow workers to shift body
weight from both legs to one or the other to help relieve some
pressure.
Module I
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2. Allow for breaks from repetitive movements

⮚ Food preparation often involves a lot of chopping, slicing, stirring
and other repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, elbows,
shoulders and necks of employees. While these motions are
considered harmless in everyday life, the continual repetition in
a forceful and quick manner with little recovery time between
movements can make them an ergonomic hazard in commercial
kitchens. Make sure employees are allowed to take frequent
breaks from repetitive tasks, and that these tasks are rotated
among staff members to help avoid injury.

3. Encourage employees to avoid awkward positions

⮚ The human body is most comfortable when it’s in a neutral
position, but restaurant workers often find themselves engaged
in tasks that lead them to hunch over a work station in an
awkward posture. Make sure the height of the work surface is
appropriate to both the employee’s height and the task involved.
For instance, for forceful chores like chopping ingredients, the
workstation should be at waist level, while for more detailed
tasks like preparing pastries the workstation should be at elbow
height.
Module I
15

4. Provide properly-designed tools and equipment to decrease

employee exertion
⮚ When employees are given tools and equipment that can help
decrease some of the force needed to complete their daily
duties, it relieves some of the strain on the muscles they’re
regularly using. Knives should be kept sharp, and utensils
should have good, padded handles with sufficient grip.

https://amtrustfinancial.com/blog/loss-control/ergonomics-tips-prevent
injuries-restaurant-worker

Activity:

⮚ Make one (1) policy in your future restaurant or establishment on

how your staff will be benefited from the ergonomics in the
workplace.
Module I
16

Lesson 3

🕮 Furnishings and Standards

To properly manage ergonomic stressors, it is paramount to recall not

only that the work area that would place the employee, and also that
employees must be taught to do convertible equipment properly. Convertible
features should be uncomplicated to use and trouble free.

Tenants or employees may request that you adhere to one or both of

these standards: ANSI/HFS 100-1988 (American National Standards
Institute/Human Factors Engineering for Visual Display Terminal
Workstations), currently under revision; or ISO 9241-5 (International
Organization for Standardization), titled “The Ergonomic Requirements for
Office Work with Visual Display Terminals.” The following aspects of those
standards apply specifically to workstation furnishings, particularly for office
areas that house computers and related equipment.
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

▪ Desks and tables: The height of desks and tables should be

adjustable. Many typing desks or tables are designed to be lower to
allow for the body-neutral position. Desks and tables should allow for
height, depth, and width clearance of legs and feet. This is important
for both standing and seated postures. If it is not possible to adjust the
desk or table height, use an adjustable chair to achieve the proper
alignment.

https://www.upliftdesk.com/

▪ Work surfaces: The work surface should be a size that allows

personnel to comfortably reach—forward and to both sides—in order to
perform their work. The work surface should also be large enough to
accommodate files, equipment, machines, instruments, and tools.
Module I
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http://www.fellingproducts.com/office_surfaces.html

▪ Keyboard and mouse trays: Adjustable keyboard trays that slide in

and out from underneath the desk or table are common sources of
ergonomic problems. The tray should allow the user to maintain neutral
alignment of the wrist to the keyboard and mouse. Ideally, the surface
for the mouse is adjusted approximately one inch below the keyboard.
This prevents shoulder and wrist strain.

https://www.tested.com/tech/pcs/456792-living-room-pc-part-2-keyboard-and
mouse-problem/

▪ Chairs: Although many types of chairs and seats are available, the main
features to look for are adjustability and ease of use. Seat pans should
adjust in height, depth, length, and angle. The lumbar support should fit
the lower back. The chair should be on a five-caster base for stability
and have the correct “roll” for the contact surface; for example, not too
fast on cement or rubber surfaces. Ideally, armrests should be
adjustable from side to side, allowing the worker to move easily in and
out of their chair and workstation. They should likewise move up and
down to accommodate forearms. They should be removable for some
applications. On some chairs, neck rests are advisable for computer
users who multi-task and must view many panels of instruments and
computer screens at the same time. This is common in quality labs and
at security stations.
Module I
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https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/15606-selecting-an
ergonomic-chair-for-your-workspace

▪ Footrests: Be careful not to allow shorter workers’ feet to dangle.

Angled footrests can be purchased to alleviate this problem. In
addition, the desk or tabletop should have a wide enough opening to
allow ample legroom and posture adjustments.

https://www.officeinteriors.ca/blog/ergonomic-footrests/

▪ Special devices: Equally important is accommodating necessary aids,

such as a headset or speakerphone, to minimize head and neck
movement during high-intensity phone demand with concurrent
keyboard operation.

https://axonim.com/solutions/special-devices.html

▪ Other accommodations: If workers must stand for long periods, it is

advisable to provide an energy-absorbent floor surface to reduce
worker fatigue. Stools may also help, provided they are sufficiently
high. A bar rail on a standing workstation allows the worker to rest his
or her feet alternately. This reduces hip, knee, and foot fatigue
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/
Module I
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Activity:

Dining attendants stand at the restaurant for long hours

including over time, if you are the manager what strategy that
will benefit your employees to lessen the fatigue from standing?
Defend your answer.
Module I
20

Lesson 4
🕮 Effects of an Ergonomics Program

The objectives of an ergonomics program are to save tasks and assets

and to protect against liability. Moreover, it is unadvisable to use economic
factors and convenience issues to wave decisions about commanding your
ergonomics program, it is important to understand the potential bottom-line
effects of particular actions or conditions.

Consider that for every dollar spent on ergonomics, the return on

investment is tenfold, as reported by the Insurance Association of America.
Further, properly addressing ergonomics helps to retain valued employees.
The application of ergonomics to the office environment is critical to the
success of any business mission. The direct benefits of an ergonomics
program are: /

∙ reduced occupational illness and injury

∙ reduced number of lost workdays
∙ reduced number of workers’ compensation claims
∙ reduced premium payments for workers’ compensation insurance ∙
reduced number of complaints of discomfort
∙ reduced instances of eyestrain

∙ reduced incidents of localized pain

https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management

The indirect benefits of an ergonomics program

include: Effects on productivity:

∙ Projects are completed.

∙ Client deadlines do not lapse.
 ∙ Client relations stay positive
∙ Workers are more productive

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Effects on cost:

∙ The cost of producing a piece of work does not increase because there
isn’t a need to replace the previous worker and train a new one.
∙ Insurance costs do not go up.

∙ Regulatory liability is reduced.

A sound ergonomics program is a win-win situation.

https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

Benefits of a Workplace Ergonomics Process

1. Ergonomics reduces costs.

⮚ By systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can
prevent costly MSDs. With approximately $1 out of every $3 in
workers compensation costs attributed to MSDs, this represents
an opportunity for significant cost savings. Also, don’t forget that
indirect costs can be up to twenty times the direct cost of an
injury.
⮚ 59% average reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders

⮚ 65% average reduction in incidence rate

⮚ 75% reduction in lost workdays

⮚ 53% reduction in restricted days

⮚ 68% reduction in worker’s compensation costs

⮚ 39% reduction in cost per claim

⮚ 43% decrease in labor costs

Module I
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2. Ergonomics improves productivity.

⮚ The best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity. By
designing a job to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer
motions and better heights and reaches, the workstation
becomes more efficient.
⮚ 25% increase in productivity

3. Ergonomics improves quality.

⮚ Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers that
don’t do their best work. When the job task is too physically
taxing on the worker, they may not perform their job like they
were trained. For example, an employee might not fasten a
screw tight enough due to a high force requirement which could
create a product quality issue.
⮚ 67% average reduction in scrap/errors

4. Ergonomics improves employee engagement.

⮚ Employees notice when the company is putting forth their best
efforts to ensure their health and safety. If an employee does not
 experience fatigue and discomfort during their workday, it can
reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and
increase employee involvement.
⮚ 48% average reduction in employee turnover

⮚ 58% average reduction in employee absenteeism

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5. Ergonomics creates a better safety culture.

⮚ Ergonomics shows your company’s commitment to safety and
health as a core value. The cumulative effect of the previous four
benefits of ergonomics is a stronger safety culture for your
company. Healthy employees are your most valuable asset;
creating and fostering the safety & health culture at your
company will lead to better human performance for your
organization.
 ✍ LEARNING ACTIVITY

Watch the video presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ergonomics+in+the+workplace

Explain the quote in not more than five sentences

“ A sound ergonomics program is a win-win situation..”
https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/

Module I
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🗐 MODULE SUMMARY

In module I, you have learned about the meaning of Ergonomics. You

have learned human-factors requirements of work. ergonomic assessments
define the potential risks for injury or illness in a facility, and ergonomic plans
are written to mitigate those risks.

There are four lessons in module I. Lesson 1discussed that Ergonomics

should be a preventive strategy. Managers must incorporate the elements of
human-factors design if the environments they create are to be safe, user
friendly, and OSHA compliant.

Lesson 2 deals with the standard risks that a facility manager should
consider when assessing ergonomic stressors in the workplace.

Lesson 3 is Furnishings and Standards in which managing ergonomic

stressors properly, it is important to remember not only that the workstation
should fit the worker, but also that workers must be trained to set up
adjustable furnishings correctly. Adjustable features should be easy to use or
they may be ignored.
 Lesson 4 tackled the goals of an ergonomics program are to protect
jobs and assets and to guard against liability.

Congratulations! You have just studied Module I. now you are ready to
evaluate how much you have benefited from your reading by answering the
summative test. Good Luck!!!

✍ SUMMATIVE TEST

1. As a future hotelier or restaurateur discuss the benefits that an

employee might get in applying ergonomics in the hospitality industry.

2. What are the common malpractices of employees in hospitality industry

that can lead to accidents or injuries? Site five examples.

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📂
REFERENCES

https://fmlink.com/articles/ergonomics-and-facilities-management/
https://www.viewsonic.com/library/business/office-ergonomics-the
complete-guide/
https://ohsonline.com/articles/2018/03/15/californias-housekeepers
standard.aspx?admgarea=ht.Ergonomics&m=1
https://www.samtell.com/blog/principles-of-commercial-kitchen-floor-plans for-
efficient-flow
https://www.archdaily.com/916803/lodbrok-restaurant-da-architecture
bureau
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-philips-hue-lighting-system-now
includes-funky-edison-filament-bulbs
https://www.upliftdesk.com/
https://www.tested.com/tech/pcs/456792-living-room-pc-part-2-keyboard and-
mouse-problem/
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/15606-selecting-an
ergonomic-chair-for-your-workspace
https://axonim.com/solutions/special-devices.html
https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics

Module I