Introduction
The ergonomics involves the study and design of tools and equipments that fit the human body, movements and the cognitive capabilities of human beings. The tools used for performing different tasks should be adapted to the human requirement conditions so that operating with them can be easy and convenient.
In our study, I have chosen the ICT department of Airtel Mobile services
ICT Department
In the department, there are a series of interactions between humans and machines, interpersonal interactions and interactions between different platforms of machines (Machine –machine interactions). All these interactions are put in a way that communication can be facilitated and such that the users of the different types of machines can use the machines conveniently without straining or undergoing health challenges (Bridger, 2008).
Computer human interactions
There are several devices that make up the human computer interfaces which are used to facilitate the interactions. The devices include:
i. Monitor
The monitors in the ICT department are equipped with antiglare glasses which help to protect the users from harmful emissions from the monitor.
ii. Keyboard
The keyboards used are ergonomically deigned so as to help user avoid straining when using them. The keyboards have two sets of numbers and special keys are replicated so that left-hand users and right-hand users can use them conveniently. The keyboards are also equipped with an inclining stand which helps in changing the angle of elevation for easier and convenient use.
iii. Mouse
The department uses optical mice which are very light and small. This makes it easy for the users to handle them conveniently without encountering operational problems.
Human environmental interactions
There are several computers used in the department. These computers dissipate a lot of heat and produce a lot of noise. There are some measures that have been taken in order to take care of the mishaps that may occur as a result of the usage of the computers. They include:
The thermal environment
There are fans that are placed strategically inside the offices so as to drive out hot air and drive in cool air. This helps in cooling the environment thus making the rooms very convenient to work in.
Noise
There are sound absorbers that are placed on the walls of the offices so as to avoid any form of interference from the external environment and also help in reducing the noise produced by different computers in the offices.
Ventilation
The department has two sets of windows. The lower ones are the traditional window types with handles and the upper windows are made of louvers. The louvers are always kept open so as to ensure that there is proper ventilation in the rooms.
Lighting
There are two sets of lights used in the department. The dim lights are used when the external environment is very bright. Otherwise the bright fluorescent tubes are used. These lights are used to neutralize the glares coming from the monitors so that they do not affect the eyes of the users.
Workspace and workplace layout
The workplace is well designed to help the users operate with as much comfort as possible. The ICT department is centrally located so that accessing services from the department by other departments can be easy. The seats have a backrest and they are adjustable. This helps in taking care of the workers especially when they have to work long hours seated. The desks are also adjustable so that a person can adjust the heights of the tables at their convenience.
The ergonomic factors that have the most impacts are the computer related ones. Since all the workers in the organization access computers on a daily basis, the management has to ensure that the usage of these computers is convenient to the users. The computers are well adapted so that the workers can use them for a long period of time without being exposed to health risks.
Recommendations
The organization has tried to put a lot of resources so as to meet the ergonomics needs of different users across all the departments in the company. However, there are some improvements that need to be made in order to optimize the human input and ensure that working in the organization does not put the health of the workers in jeopardy. The keyboards need to be more ergonomic. The management should also organize for recreational facilities which can be used by the staff and their families. This can help them relax after spending long periods of time at work (Bridger, 2008).
References
Jan Dul and Jan Dul (Author)
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Bernard Weerdmeester. Ergonomics for Beginners: A Quick Reference Guide
CRC Press, 2008.
R.S. Bridger. Introduction to Ergonomics. CRC Press, 2008
