...A Proposal to Research about Home Health Care Systems for Chronic Disease Management based on Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) Principles Introduction The time patients spend in clinical institutions has become significantly shorter. There was a shift from hospitalization to home health care for chronic diseases management in the U.S. einmid-1980s due to the employment growth (Carayon, 2011, p.743). According to the 2010 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth in hospitals is expected to be 10% while employment in smaller home health services is expected to grow at a rate of 46% (cited inCarayon, 2011, p.743). At the same time, chronic diseases, which can only be controlled but not cured at current level of medical research, are making greatly negative impacts on the society. About half of the adults in the U.S. suffer from at least one chronic illness such asdiabetes, asthma and a range of disabling neurological conditions (Haddad &Chetty, 2012, p. 285), and about 70% of the deaths in the U.S. can be account of chronic diseases (CDC, 2012).Because of the shortage medical staff at hospitals and clinics, and the long term care requirement of chronic disease patients, home health care is regardedas the best option to manage patients’ health. A home healthcare system typically consists of patients, medical contact centers and medical staff. Medical Contact Centers (MCCs) perform as the communication link between medical staff and patients with chronic...
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...Importance of Ergonomics in Human Resource During the last years, ergonomics has been one of the mentioned sources in managerial theory and practice. Ergonomics is a major component of the human resources management and also, it is an important factor of performances. It is the link between efficiency, effectiveness, security and heath within an organization. Ergonomics contributes to the development of Human Resources Management in many ways. Therefore, ergonomics must become one of the major interests of the managers. Ergonomics, from the Greek word ergo means work and nomos means laws. Simply, it means “fitting the job to the worker”. Appropriate function to fit a suitable job of worker is a key importance that a human resource management should look after. As we talk about corporate world, there is gradually increasing pressure on companies to start to behave socially responsible as a response to social, environmental and economic requirements. The society faces a period of changes that have occurred since the beginning of the crisis and revealing weaknesses in the economy. We become witnesses of rapid changes and challenges posed by globalization, lack of resources, demographic structure and innovation. Objective necessity becomes a corporate social responsibility (CSR) already at the companies’ level. One of the possible appliance through which we can contribute to the sustainability of CSR are sustainable ergonomic programs. Ergonomics The IEA defines ergonomics like...
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...Ergonomics, human engineering or human factors engineering is the science of creating products or designing machines which maximize safety, comfort or efficiency of people who use them. People who work with ergonomics apply general principles of industrial engineering, psychology, anthropometrics, which is the science of human measurement, and even biomechanics to adapt certain designs of products or workplaces to peoples constitution, strengths and limitations. This science also takes into consideration peoples reactions and the amount of time they need to process a specific task or information received from their environment, as well as the capacity of dealing with certain psychological factors, mainly stress and isolation. Once a study about a certain group of peoples reactions to their environment has been made, people who design with ergonomics attempt to develop the best possible design for a system or product. Ergonomists view people and a the object or machine they will use as a sole unit, and the ergonomic approach to design blends the persons abilities with those of the machine. When designing one must take into account the several limitations of both the mechanical and the human factor involved in a certain workspace. Human beings need to rest or experience less stress when realizing a certain task or they will spend their energies quickly and begin making mistakes when working, they are also subject to illness, accidents and the need of rest. The...
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...Ergonomics Nov 29, 2011 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss ergonomics. How important proper ergonomics can be to both the employer and the employee. To talk about some of the education and training options available to companies for its employees. Some employer responsibilities and how OSHA enforces them. And finally, a look at a few organizations created to influence ergonomics. Introduction Ergonomics is basically the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. Throughout this paper I will go over the importance of proper ergonomics, along with a certain medical disorder that can result from ergonomic hazards. Then discuss different types of ergonomic education and training, as well as the delivery options available. Look at some basic employer responsibilities as well as OSHA Enforcement. And briefly go over two organizations that influence human factors and ergonomics around the world. Importance of Proper Ergonomics The science of fitting workplace conditions and demands of the job to the capabilities of the working population is Ergonomics. Ensuring effective and successful ergonomic practices will help generate higher productivity, greater avoidance of illness and injury, and even a possible increase in job satisfaction among the workforce. The avoidance of illness and injury is extremely important in today’s workplace as many companies are dealing...
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...ERGONOMICS Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as follows: Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. Ergonomics is employed to fulfil the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. Ergonomics: the science of designing user interaction with equipment and workplaces to fit the user. Applications Physical ergonomics is important in the medical field, particularly to those diagnosed with physiological ailments or disorders such as arthritis (both chronic and temporary) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure that is insignificant or imperceptible to those unaffected by these disorders may be very painful, or render a device unusable, for those who are. Many ergonomically designed products are also used or recommended to treat or prevent such disorders, and to treat pressure-related chronic pain. Design of ergonomics experiments ...
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...Implementing An Ergonomic Program In Workplace Introduction To Health And Safety System Dated 04/22/2015 Introduction: Ergonomics is a scientific discipline, which is concerned with improving the productivity, health, safety and comfort of people, as well as promoting effective interaction among people, technology and the environment in which both must operate. In a more practical sense, ergonomics is the science of human comfort. When aspects of work or the workplace challenge or stress the human body beyond its capabilities, the result is often a musculoskeletal injury (MSI). O/E (overexertion injury) RSIs (repetitive stress or repetitive strain injuries) ASTDs (activity-related soft tissue disorders) CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders) Whatever name is used, these injuries belong to a group of sprain and strain injuries that can affect muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood vessels, or spinal discs in the body. To help avoid MSIs, work demands should not exceed the physical capabilities of the worker. A proactive initiative will be described in the following case study is how to implement an ergonomics program into a workplace of 20 employees. Human Resources Department’s support beside management in executing the ergonomics program will increase workers productivity and proficiency. In this case study there are five steps that will be used to develop and implement the program called ‘The Leadership Activities For Managing Control Model’...
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...Level of Organization Awareness on the Importance of Ergonomics to Health and Safety at the Workplace Zafirah Ab Muin1 Dr. Maimunah Sapri2 Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia 1 Email: zafirah.hjabmuin@gmail.com 2 Email: maimunahsapri@utm.my Abstract In Malaysia, ergonomics has been introduced on December 1, 1992 through the establishment of ergonomics division in the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); while its provision has been stated under Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994. Although ergonomics has been carrying out by the government almost centuries ago, but it is not widely implemented and practiced in Malaysia. Besides, occupational disease consists of human organs tends to happens mainly due to lack of ergonomics awareness among the people at the workplace. Ergonomics awareness is the first step to implement ergonomics effectively. Without ergonomics awareness, effort to endorse ergonomics practice can be tough and lead to injuries and illness; and directly affects the workers’ productivity, performance and cost. Therefore, this study was attempted to identify the level of organization awareness on the ergonomics provision under OSHA 1994 and to evaluate the level of organization awareness on the importance of ergonomics to health and safety at the workplace in University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). A quantitative and survey research design was used. 230 questionnaires...
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...Mr. Average – Assignment 1 A little about human factors and ergonomics as many people refer to, is the aim to design or change products and environments, which people use and operate to better match their capabilities, limitations, and needs. This improves the efficiency and effectiveness with which humans work and certain human values such reduce stress, increase comfort, increase job satisfaction, and user acceptance. In summary, ergonomics makes the work station or environment more user friendly for the individual. On the other hand, designing for Mr. Average is not a good thing when it comes to human factors and ergonomics. Designing for the average means that not all people will be comfortable or satisfied. This is the reason why anthropometric data is collected. Anthropometric data refers to the measurements of the human being, which deals with the body size and shape. The goal to designing in human factors is creating something that fits and comforts the needs of most people. In more detail, it is also important to keep in mind that collecting gender distribution is significant to human factors. Even though males and females are both human bodies, there are characteristics that distinguish them apart. For example, a general view is clothes. Most males have wider bodies compared to females. Also, jeans are made tighter for females since they do not have genitals. An over view so far of human factors and ergonomics is basically meeting satisfaction, optimization,...
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...The Library Ergonomics of the Automated Workstation of the Library Staffs in Angeles City Remedios DL. Baking Holy Angel University Graduate Department Library Science February 2008 Abstract The library is considered an important educational system in which the library staffs are the key persons in the provision of unquantifiable information services to library patrons and community of users. Poor working conditions affect the physical well-being of the library staffs. In line with this, the researcher attempted to find how the workstations of the library staffs and workers of the seven (7) academic institutions and eleven (11) schools institutions in Angeles City are ergonomically designed. The researcher used the descriptive method and inferential statistics such as T-test to check the significant differences between the library ergonomics of the academic and school institutions and also percentage distribution and weighted mean of the responses of the research respondents. Findings of the study showed that library staffs in both academic and school libraries were not fully ergonomically aware on the different physical factors that strain their bodies when staying in their workstation. The respondents indicated uncertainty on the comfort they have on their workstation. They also indicated that they experienced less stress on the eyes but they experienced much pain on the wrist and neck. These pains that were brought by the unergonomic...
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...The College of Engineering [IEG350] Ergonomics Work Analysis Introduction to Ergonomics Source: Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work by Groover, M. P., Pearson Education, 2007 Dr. Suat Kasap Physical and Cognitive Demands Most work activities require a combination of physical and cognitive exertions Ergonomics • An applied scientific discipline concerned with how humans interact with the tools and equipment they use while performing tasks and other activities • Derived from the Greek words ergon, meaning work, and nomos, meaning laws • The word ergonomics was coined by British scientist K. F. H. Murrell and entered the English language in 1949 IEG 350 Lecture 2- 3 Human Factors • Human factors is synonymous with ergonomics • Ergonomics emphasizes work physiology and anthropometry Europe – industrial work systems • Human factors emphasizes experimental psychology and systems engineering U.S. – military work systems IEG 350 Lecture 2- 4 Objectives in Ergonomics Greater ease of interaction between user and machine Avoid errors and mistakes Greater comfort and satisfaction in use of the equipment Reduce stress and fatigue Greater efficiency and productivity Safer operation Avoid accidents and injuries IEG 350 Lecture 2- 5 Ergonomics Application Areas • Work system design Objectives: safety, accident avoidance, improved functional performance Also...
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...Ergonomics deals with the application of information about human behaviour, capabilities and limitations to the design of systems, machines, tools, tasks or jobs and environments for productive, safe and effective human use. The goal of ergonomics is to ensure a good fit between the workers and their job, thereby maximizing worker comfort, safety and health, productivity and efficiency. Ergonomics literally means the laws of the work. To assess the fit between a person and their work, ergonomists have to consider many aspects. These include: ■ the job being done and the demands on the worker; ■ the equipment used (its size, shape, and how appropriate it is for the task); ■ the information used (how it is presented, accessed, and changed); ■ the physical environment (temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, vibration); and ■ the social environment (such as teamwork and supportive management By assessing these aspects of people, their jobs, equipment, and working environment and the interaction between them, ergonomists are able to design safe, effective and productive work systems. Applying ergonomics to the workplace: ■ reduces the potential for accidents; ■ reduces the potential for injury and ill health; and ■ improves performance and productivity. Ergonomics can reduce the likelihood of an accident. For example, in the design of control panels, consider: ■ the location of switches and buttons - switches that could be accidentally knocked on or off might start...
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...discuss on ergonomic risk factors for working at height that were found in previous studies. According to Min (2012), working at height is a place that a person could be injured when falling from it, even if it is at or below of ground level. Working at high level, means there are risks due to height from which a person may fall to the ground. In determining the distance that a person may fall, no obstruction that may delay or stop the fall unless there is no possibility of the fall continuing after the obstruction is reached. The consequences of not applying ergonomics or wrongly applying ergonomics may increase risks of ill-health and injury, dissatisfaction and discomfort to the workers. Besides that, many...
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...| | |It is known that there are ergonomic issues regarding the use of computers in the workplace. People sit at computers for many hours and | |repetitive motion and other bodily strains result. One particular problem involves neck and back strain as people adjust the angle of | |their neck/and or their sitting posture to view the computer screen as the cursor makes its way from the top to the bottom of the screen. | |There are literally 100s of millions of people who now spend more than half their day sitting in front of a computer screen and experiencing| |all of the strain associated with this endeavour. | |We propose an innovation in computer screen design which keeps the cursor at a constant level relative to the user by either automatically | |adjusting the height through motor adjustment or through an automatic scroll feature embedded within the software. | | | |This prevents the user from having to adjust the angle of their head to view the point of data entry as it moves down the screen until there| |is a screen refresh or a page break occurs. ...
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...background of project, objectives, problem statement, scope of project. i. Project Title Car Jack with pneumatic system. ii. Abstract The students design a new model car jack with pneumatic system. Pneumatic system is a power transmission system that uses the force of flowing gases to transmit power. A problem statement about car jack is a lot of people need an ergonomics design to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders can affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendond, ligament, and nerves. Such as the discs in back bones. The scope of the project is the students have to design a car jack with the ergonomics design based on the human body. There are three main parts of the product. The first parts is spiral balloon. The second part is one way control valve. The third part is hose lock. iii. Keyword Carjack, ergonomics, design, pneumatic system, human body. iv. Background of Project The project is an assignment of the Industrial Design and Ergonomics. Based on the ergomics and human function, the student must design a car jack with ergonomics to help human. In this time, car jack help people to change tire. But a lot of the car jack, use a lot of energy from operator the car jack. So, we design a new model car jack with pneumatic system. Pneumatic system is a power transmission system that uses the force of flowing gases to transmit power. So, we don’t use a lot of energy to lift the car. There are three main parts of the product...
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...2012 Ergonomics Ergonomics is the study of designing a workplace to fit the human body. By custom making a workplace especially for the human body one eliminates the probabilities of musculoskeletal disorders as discussed in the article by the United States Department of Labor. The risks include but aren’t limited to, jobs that require repetitive lifting or moving heavy object or holding an awkward posture for long periods of time. By not designing a workplace to fit the functional movements of the human body you create room for error. Errors that include lawsuits, constant work-related injuries that causes need to miss work, and high employee turnover. In 2002, ergonomics-related injuries accounted for a third of all workplace injuries. It is in the best interest of the company to investigate any workplace caused injuries to eliminate the problem from happenings again. This USDL article us a four step process to measure, analyze, improve, and control all ergonomic related problems. Step 1: Measure Once the Six Sigma project team developed its charter and defined its task, it then began by defining the current process. First, the team outlined the sequence of events from workstation assignment to task performance and potential injury. They next identified a series of key variables affecting the process outcome that included: user attributes (such as daily time at workstations); user behaviors (including posture, force, and duration of use); and environmental factors. In...
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