Ergonomics

Ergonomics can be defined as the study of the relation between Man and his occupation, the equipment and the environment where his professional activity takes place and the application of knowledge based on human sciences in order to achieve work humanization.

Figure 1: Ergonomics analysis of a job

The reference dimensions of the ergonomic analysis of a job are based on the wording of figure 1. It is orientated towards the identification and comprehension of different dimensions, but also the existing relations between the organizational, technical, social and human conditions in which the job is included (Table 1).

Man	Machine	Workplace	Physical Environment	Organization of the Work
Characterization of the population (age, gender, health status); Training and professional qualification; Biographilcal characteristics (accidents, redeployments); General physical characteristics; Cognitive capacities; Interests; Motivations; Etc.	Signalling; Location of the controls; Power supply; Maintenance; Work resources and equipment; Raw material and products; Tanks and operational sequences; Structure and dimensions; Etc.	Routes and access road; Floors; Storage areas; Signals and viewing resources; Work plans; Dimensions; Walls and ceilings; Doors and windows; Stairs; Loading and unloading ramps; Etc.	Thermal environment (humid, dry and relative temperature of air velocity); Noise climate (noise pressure, noise emissions frequency, time of exposure); Luminous environment (Illuminance, luminance, glare); Vibrating environment (frequency, intensity and direction of vibrations); Etc.	Team Work; Collective work; Nocturnal work; Shift work; Schedules; Breaks; Imposed rhythms; Rotation Plans; Safety; Polyvalence; Etc.

Table 1: Dimensions of the ergonomic analysis of a job
(Adapted: Barreiro,2009)

Prevention of occupational risks

Information and training

Ergonomics

Protection equipment

Contractors