Question

1.2. Discuss ergonomics as a discipline for improving human reliability.

Answer 1

ERGONOMICS was coined by a famous polish scientist named by B. W. Jastrzebowski. as a scientific field, it tries to understand the human interaction with other elements around it with related theories, data, principles & methods just to optimize human well-being and overall performances.

Discussion

The human behavior with machines can be easily understood by following the below image, which is also the fundamental block representation of Ergonomics. The TASK is the input that has to be completed by the system. The output which is also known as the result that takes place by the interaction of human and machines. The workload may vary as per the individual’s characteristics and capabilities, the resultant work is measured relative to the task, which is accomplished as a quality of work. The sum total of external workload and the performance prerequisites result in strain. When this limit goes beyond a limit chance of error happening may occur.

Therefore,

HEP (aka Human error probability) = amount of task A not fulfilled successfully/amount of all types of A

• Quality = result/task and
• Performance = quality/time

Concept of System Ergonomics

The source of human error can be many, one of which is an optimum adaptation of layout for a machine and man. The system ergonomics approach starts with a general description of every task, which is then compared to ergonomics recommendations for a partial aspect of a task. The basic idea is to use this knowledge between man and machine so as to design a task that is less error-prone and has an improved efficiency.