JAIME JR, B.

CORTIDOR, BSIE
IE 313
RESEARCH WORK
1. Man - Machine Relationship

A "man-machine system" denotes a mutually beneficial partnership

between a man and his machine. A man is essentially a one-channel gadget,
although a time-sharing one. A system that is designed with ergonomics in
mind performs at its best by utilizing the advantages and disadvantages of both
its human and mechanical components. Good designers have always done this
intuitively, but systems ergonomics strives to make sure that it is done
systematically.

Characteristics of Man-machine System Are as follows:

1. The man-machine system consists of the man, the machine and system
environment.
2. It is essentially artificial by nature and is specifically developed to fulfil
some purpose or specific aim.
3. It has specific inputs and outputs which are appropriately balanced.
4. It is variable in size and complexity and is dynamic in performance.

5. Subsystems of man machine system interact with and effects the other
parts.

6. The man-machine system becomes more efficient when inputs and out
puts are adequately balanced.

7. Environmental factors or system environment effects system

performance.

Classification of Man-Machine Systems:

 Manual Systems
In essence, these systems are human-directed. These are compact and
flexible in design. Simple tools and equipment are employed, and the
human component determines how effective they are. In a manual
system, a lot of variation is available because every employee may
choose a different way to complete the same task.
  Mechanical Systems
They are less customizable and more complex than manual systems. The
machine component is powered by electricity, while human involvement
involves information processing, decision-making, and controlling.
Semi-automatic systems occasionally have well-integrated components.
This characteristic makes these systems rather rigid. Good examples of
this type include an automobile and a machine tool driven or operated
by an operator.
 Automatic Systems
The term "automatic system" refers to a complicated system in which all
operational tasks are carried out by automatic devices. Sensing,
information processing, decision-making, and action are operational
functions. It cannot be used for purposes other than those for which it was
intended because of its rigid character.

2. Control members ( 7 types of Controls )

After identifying the ergonomic risk factors of each job, an organization generally
uses three forms of controls to protect employees performing these tasks:
engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
Engineering Controls
  Engineering controls are the most preferred and reliable approach for
reducing the risk of ergonomic-related illnesses and injuries. These
controls focus on modifying job tasks, workstations, tools and processes,
taking into account the physical capabilities and limitations of workers.
 An example of engineering controls is improving employee
workstations by adding height-adjustable workbenches or providing
ergonomic-friendly office equipment that a worker can adjust to maintain
a neutral posture and avoid awkward positions.
Administrative Controls

 Administrative controls are policies and practices introduced by

management to reduce ergonomic risk factors, such as exertion,
repetitive motion and awkward postures. While administrative
controls do not eliminate workplace hazards, they can be effective
when engineering controls aren’t feasible.
 Examples include scheduling more breaks for strenuous jobs,
rotating job tasks to reduce exertion and repetition and establishing
more efficient job procedures.
Personal protective equipment

 PPE, is another control that is provided to workers by the employer

in an effort to reduce the risk of ergonomic problems. It is not
designed to take the place of engineering or administrative
controls, but rather serve as a barrier between the worker and
hazard source.
 Examples of ergonomic PPE are gloves that reduce vibration from
tools and equipment, thermal gloves that allow materials to be
handled easily in cold conditions and kneepads or padding that
reduces direct contact with hard, sharp or vibrating surfaces.
Types of control
The first three strategies focus on doing something with the hazard.
1. Elimination: The best solution is to totally eliminate the need to lift, lower,
push, pull, or carry heavy loads. It may also be impossible to complete projects
without placing workers in unusual postures, overreaching, or overexertion.
2. Substitution: Substitution is the next-best solution. For instance, the employer
might replace large heavy containers with smaller containers.
3. Engineering Controls: Redesign or modify equipment and
 The last three strategies focus on doing something with behaviours to reduce
exposure to the hazard.
4. Warnings: Warnings may be visual, audible, or both. They may also be tactile.
Visual warnings include signs, labels, tags, and lights. Audible warnings
include alarms, bells, beepers, sirens, horns and announcement systems.
Tactile warnings may include vibration devices or air fans.
5. Administrative Controls: The primary focus is to develop and incorporate
safer behaviours and work practices through written safety policies and rules,
supervision, and training. This strategy is a challenge because supervisors
must regularly monitor their employees as they perform tasks. Bottom line,
these controls work only so long as employees comply with safe practices.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The use of PPE is probably the most
common strategy use for all hazards. PPE forms a barrier between workers and
hazards. For instance, knee pads might be used to protect the knees when
laying carpet processes. For instance, processes that require heavy lifting,
lowering, or carrying heavy objects might be revised.

3. Design of Display ( 2 types display)

A display design is a method of conveying data about things, happenings, and
circumstances to people through their eyes. In other cases, information
gleaned from direct observation of the event or circumstance is employed in
addition to the visual display.

2 Types of display
 Visual display
Visual displays are representations that transmit information using
components other than just text. Diagrams, maps, and computer
interfaces are a few examples. The element that unites all of these is
relying on humans' "visual intelligence" to arrange graphically
presented data information in a way that facilitates comprehension.
 Auditory display
As a signal, sound is used in the auditory displays. The frequency and
intensity/amplitude of sound are two of the key characteristics in a
human-machine interface. The human ear is typically receptive to sound
waves with a frequency range of 20–20,000 Hertz (Hz). In general,
decibels are used to quantify sound intensity or sound pressure level
(dB).
4. Ergonomics and Fatigue(2 types of fatigue)
The problems brought on by excessive working hours or improperly
planned shift schedules are referred to as fatigue. It is typically understood to
be a deterioration in mental and/or physical performance brought on by
 extended activity, sleep loss, and/or internal clock disruption. Additionally, it
is connected to workload because difficult, monotonous, or machine-paced
labor causes workers to become more readily exhausted.
KEY PRINCIPLES IN FATIGUE
1. Fatigue needs to be managed, like any other hazard.
2. It is important not to underestimate the risks of fatigue. For example, the
incidence of accidents and injuries has been found to be higher on night shifts,
after a succession of shifts, when shifts are long and when there are inadequate
breaks.
3. The legal duty is on employers to manage risks from fatigue, irrespective of any
individual's willingness to work extra hours or preference for certain shift
patterns for social reasons. Compliance with the Working Time Regulations alone
is insufficient to manage the risks of fatigue.
4. Changes to working hours need to be risk assessed. The key considerations
should be the principles contained in HSE's guidance. Risk assessment may
include the use of tools such as HSE's 'fatigue risk index'.
5. Employees should be consulted on working hours and shift patterns. However,
note that employees may prefer certain shift patterns that are unhealthy and
likely to cause fatigue.

2 TYPES OF FATIGUE

 Physical fatigue
Muscles temporarily lose their ability to function at their best due to physical
tiredness, is a physical fatigue, also known as muscle fatigue. The rate at which a
person's muscles begin to tire during physical activity gradually increases with their
level of fitness; additional considerations include lack of sleep and general health.
 Mental fatigue

When the energy in your brain is drained, a feeling of exhaustion known as

mental fatigue develops. Long-term stress is typically the cause of mental tiredness.
Numerous things, such as a difficult life event, a hard work, or procrastination, can
result in long-term stress.

REFERENCES

 Bridger R.S. 1995. Introduction to Ergonomics. Mc Hill Corporation, New York.

 Kroemer K.U.E. and Grandjean E. 2001. Fitting the Task to the Human: A
textbook of Occupational Ergonomics. Taylor and Francis.
 Salvendy G.1997. Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics. John Wiley and
Sons, Inc.