IE 309 - Human Factors & Ergonomics
Industrial Engineering Department
Project (1)
1. Introduction
2. Problem statement
3. Proposed solution
4. Data gathered
5. Data analysis
6. Conclusion
Dr.
INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS AS A CONCEPT
Ergonomics is applied as a science to fit the workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. The goal of the current paper is to make the workplace more comfortable and to improve both health and productivity. To meet the goal stated above, the capabilities and limitations of workers and their tools, equipment and furniture are considered in conjunction with how they relate to particular tasks. Ergonomics when it comes to actual life is something to do with seating or with the design of car controls and instruments. It is much more, and thus the paper will look in more in-depth. Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use, thus ergonomics comes into everything which involves people. Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety all embody ergonomics principles and are as a must well designed According to International Labor Organization, it is the application of the human biological sciences in conjunction with engineering sciences to the worker and his working environment. The overall aim is to obtain maximum satisfaction for workers and enhance productivity.
ORIGIN OF ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is a relatively new branch of science which celebrated its 50th anniversary in1999, but relies on research carried out in many other older, established scientific areas, such as engineering, physiology and psychology. It originated in World War 2, when scientists designed advanced new and potentially improved systems without fully considering the people who would be using them. It gradually became clear that systems and products would have to be designed to take account of many human and environmental factors if they are to be used safely and effectively. This awareness of people’s requirements resulted in the discipline of ergonomics
WORKSTATION ERGONOMICS
The goal for each worker should be to maximize productivity and efficiency with minimal stress and injury. In Dental care offices, the modern day office the centre of the worker's activity in this case the doctor and doctor’s assistant) revolves around a computer, desk and chair. The application of ergonomics is most important to the activities that make up the bulk of the workers time.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Ergonomics might positively impact dentists throughout their professional lifespan.The term has been used with most professions but increasingly in the dental profession. This discipline studies workers and their relationship to their occupational environment. This includes many different concepts such as:
How dentists position themselves and their patients
How they utilize equipment
How work areas are designed
How all of this impact the health of dentists
More than 70% of dental students reported neck, shoulder and lower back pain by their third year of dental school, as they often assume awkward physical positions while providing treatment. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) include: Low back pain -Tendonitis - Epicondylitis - Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Factors that contribute to Work-related musculoskeletal disorders:
Repetitive motions ex Scaling, polishing
Static neck, back and shoulder postures
Grasping small instruments for prolonged periods
Prolonged use of vibrating hand tools
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Applying Ergonomics principles to Dental Work
Ergonomic Design Goals:
1. Improve job process by eliminating unnecessary tasks, steps & effort.
2. Reduce potential for overexertion injury.
3. Minimize mental/physical fatigue potential.
4. Leverage workers ’skills/knowledge of their jobs to increase their satisfaction, comfort and fulfillment.
Tools/ Instruments:
Aim: reduce force exertion; Maintain hand/wrist in neutral posture.
Consideration:
Overall shape/size
Handle shape/size
Maneuverability
Ease of operation
Ease of maintenance
Workstations:
Aim: Improve neck posture, provide clearer vision.
Consideration:
Working distance
Depth of field
Declination angle
Convergence angle
Magnification factor
Lighting needs
Ensure:
Instruments, materials, medications are accessible while seated
Hoses are positioned away from the body
Set up can be adapted for different operators
Operator chair:
Goal: promote mobility and patient access; accommodate different body sizes.
Look for:
Stability (5 legged base w/casters)
Hands-free seat height adjustment
Adjustable food rests
Adjustable, wrap around body support
Patient chair:
Goal: Promote patient comfort; maximize patient access.
Look for:
Stability
Pivoting or drop down arm rest (for patient ingress/egress)
Supplemental wrist/forearm support (for operator)
Articulating headrests
Hands free operation
Posture/Positioning:
Goal: Avoid static and awkward postures.
Potential Strategies:
Position patient so that operator’s elbows are elevated no more than 30 degrees.
Adjust patient chair when accessing different quadrants
Alternate between standing and sitting
Work practices:
Goal: Maintain neutral posture, reduce force requirements
Potential Strategies:
Ensure tools are sharpened, well-maintained
Use automatic handpieces instead of manual instruments where possible
Use full arm strokes rather than wrist stroke
Scheduling:
Goal: provide sufficient recovery time for staff to avoid chronic muscular fatigue
Potential Strategies:
Increase treatment time for more difficult patients
Alternate heavy and light calculus patients within a flexible scheduling system
Vary procedures within the same appointment
Shorten patient’s recall interval
TABULATED DATA & ANALYSIS:
CONCLUSION
Through ergonomic advances made over the years, dental professionals have been able to modify and optimize their working environments. Ergonomic improvements in seating and instrumentation have offered a proactive measure for ensuring a proper balance between job requirements and worker capabilities.
Preventing chronic pain in dentistry may require a paradigm shift within the profession regarding clinical work habits including proper use of ergonomic equipments, frequent short stretch breaks and regular strengthening exercise. As mentioned in the above report analysis, various effective prevention strategies design alternatives have been discussed that dental operators can use to manage discomfort and prevent MSDs. Early symptoms of the discussed MSDs present pain, swelling, and loss of strength for dental workers who are employed full-time. To sum up, posture is crucial and it refers to the position of various parts of the body, especially during an activity of providing dental services. For human most joints, a “neutral” is revisited and means that the joints are active almost near the middle of their range. For highly satisfactory results, ergonomic design should meet the goals stated in the paper, including but not limited to reduction of potential for overexertion injury, minimization of mental and physical fatigue, and lastly leveraging workers ’skills to finally increase their satisfaction, and task fulfillment.
