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IntroductionThis report is the first report of the human factors course laboratory, and it is an introductory laboratory to enhance the students general knowledge on human factor engineering as well as the definitions and applications of human factors and areas. The report will include the lab objectives, introduction about the human factors, human factors definitions, objectives, areas and applications. Then the report will explain some systems of the body (Circulatory system, Respiratory system, Skeletal system, Muscular system and Nervous system) and its relation with ergonomics. Moreover, the report will show ergonomics improvement. Finally the report ends with a conclusion to discuss what was learned of this lab session. Lab Objectives The objectives of this laboratory session are summarized in the following points: 1. Gaining a basic knowledge and understanding of the human factor engineering area. 2. Understanding the nature of experiments and laboratory exercises that are covered throughout the semester. 3. Reviewing and understanding the safety instructions that must be followed during each laboratory session. 4. Acquainting students with the major human body systems, particularly the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.What Ergonomics?Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them. Most people have heard of ergonomics and think it is something to do with seating or with the?design?of car controls and instruments – and it is… but it is so much more. Ergonomics applies to the?design?of anything that involves people – workspaces, sports and leisure,?health?and?safety. Ergonomics (or ‘human factors’ as it is referred to in North America) is a branch of science that aims to learn about human abilities and limitations, and then apply this learning to improve people’s interaction with products, systems and environments. Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimize risk of injury or harm. So as technologies change, so too does the need to ensure that the tools we access for work, rest and play are designed for our body’s requirements. [1]Definitions of Human Factors The?International Ergonomics Association?states that:?Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the 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.[3]The following definitions were developed by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society:Human Factors is concerned with the application of what we know about people, their abilities, characteristics, and limitations to the design of equipment they use, environments in which they function, and jobs they perform.[4]This definition is from?The Dictionary for Human Factors/Ergonomics?by James H. Stramler (Boca Raton, LA: CRC Press, 1993):Human Factors is that field which is involved in conducting research regarding human psychological, social, physical, and biological characteristics, maintaining the information obtained from that research, and working to apply that information with respect to the design, operation, or use of products or systems for optimizing human performance, health, safety, and/or habitability.[4]The National Academy of Sciences 1992 definition of?human factors?(found at ) is as follows:[A person] who is concerned primarily with the performance of one or more persons in a task-oriented environment interacting with equipment, other people, or both.[4]U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO)?, This definition is found at? study of human factors examines how humans interact with machines and other people (pilots, air traffic controllers, or design and acquisition personnel) and determines whether procedures and regulations take into account human abilities and limitations.[4]Objectives of human-factors The objectives of the study of ergonomics is to optimize the integration of man and machine so as to improve the work rate and accuracy.It involves the design of:(1) A work place be fitting the requirements of the work force.(2) Machinery, Equipment and control devices in such a manner in order to minimize physical and mental strain on the individuals/workers there by improving the efficiency.(3) A conducive “environment for the execution of the task most effectively.Though both Ergonomics and work study are complimentary and try to fit man to his machine or to fit the job to the workers, however, ergonomics in addition takes care of factors governing physical and mental strain.[5]Areas of ergonomicsDomains of specialization within the discipline of ergonomics are broadly the following: [2]3782695114300Physical ErgonomicsPhysical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity.? (Relevant topics include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.) 386461063500Cognitive ErgonomicsCognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. (Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system design.) 370840035560Organizational Ergonomics Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. (Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.) Applications of ergonomicsErgonomics, in practice, is found to be applied over the field of working environment and deals with various aspects such as:Anatomical factors in workplace layout, including the placement of machines/equipment and components to suit human body measurements and design of seats etc. In order to help accurate perception of various display panels and presentation of all types of instrument dials to deal with layout of the work place.The design of wheels and control levers in order to suit human mental and physical characteristics. Climatic conditions such as lighting and noise at the workplace. Adaptation of the designs of machines/equipment, tools and work place layout to suit human beings was under taken by work study engineers. But these engineers relied mostly on their intuition and practical knowledge in that field.The other sources of information were human experience of fatigue plus stress felt by his subjects. All this was a generalistic approach which has been discarded in current ergonomic practice. Current ergonomic practice is emphasis on a systematic research into all human aspects of the system under investigation.Studies were conducted in the areas of air craft, military space vehicle systems and electronics initially. Presently the design of various systems such as, automobile, production equipment, transportation systems, consumer products, architectural design, computers, housing, town and country planning public Utilities and agriculture equipment etc. are being studied to determine their ergonomic suitability. Likewise service system have also been investigated.Ergonomics is profitably applied in following three areas:?1. Design of Man-Machine Systems:A man-machine system is a system where one or more workmen/ human beings work in relation with one or more machines, devices or equipment. Thus a worker drilling a hole in a job or a person using a hammer to drive a nail in a wooden job (an article being manufactured is an example of a man- machine system as far as ergonomics is concerned.Such systems could be productive systems as well as service systems such as a post office or fire fighting system or a dispensary etc. Ergonomics is applied to adapt such systems so as to provide maximum job satisfaction and comfort and minimum physiological and mental load to the operator of the system.2. Design of Consumer Goods and Service Systems:Ergonomics is applicable in the design of consumer goods starting from design of tooth brush and other items such as dinning set; sofa set; kitchen ware, house hold fittings table and shoes etc. Similarly protective equipment such as safety goggles, adverse weather and space clothing, gloves, crash helmets, fire fighting and industrial hazard protection and appliances etc. should also be economically sound.3. Design of Working Environment:While designing a proper working environment for work force/workers at work, the various factors related with ergonomics such as human endurance of illumination, pollution, noise heating and ventilation should be taken into consideration. This aspect should be taken into consideration at each stage right design up to real utilization or actual service.The field of this applicable unlimited. All factors concerned with environments such as design of work benches, public transport, road systems, town and country planning, personnel, neighborhood, as well as airports etc. should be subjected to ergonomic analysis. The users of ergonomics information such as engineers (may be civil, electrical, mechanical, production, industrial, space and biomedical) can utilize behavioral scientists (i.e. anthropologists, psychologists and sociologists) as sources of information. Likewise other users have relevant sources of information. [6]SYSTEMS OF THE BODY The human body is a complex organism with ten essential body systems,? including the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, nervous, immune, reproductive, urinary digestive, and integumentary systems. A body system is defined as a group of organs working together to provide a specific function. While all systems are clearly important to overall function of the body,? only five will be focused on this lab report as follows:? Circulatory and cardiovascular systems (subsystem of the circulatory system), Respiratory system, Skeletal system, Muscular system and Nervous system. [9]CIRCULATORY SYSTEM The circulatory system consists of the organs and tissues involved in circulating blood and lymph through the body.? The cardiovascular system can be considered a subsystem of the circulatory system.? The cardiovascular system in its simplest form is a closed loop system,? meaning that the blood never leaves the network of the blood vessels,? this system begins and ends at the heart.? The blood is in a continuous flow as it circulates through the loop repeatedly.? The cardiovascular system transports vital materials throughout the body carrying nutrients,? water,? and oxygen to the cells and carrying away waste products such as carbon dioxide.? arteries,? The cardiovascular system comprises five major components:? the heart,? system is arterioles,? capillaries,? and veins.?[9] Cardiac workloadCardiac workload is how hard your heart has to work to pump blood throughout the body. It is influenced by the strength and frequency of muscle contractions in the heart, the amount of blood being pumped from the left ventricle, and arterial resistance. Blood is pumped from the left ventricle to the aorta and then into the arteries throughout the body. Cardiac workload is a measure of the demands placed on your heart and can be an indicator of coronary heart disease, or CHD. According to the University of Michigan Health System, if left untreated, a high cardiac workload can eventually lead to the veins, lungs and tissues becoming full of backed up fluid. Avoiding work stress and regularly changing hardly repetitive tasks will help to reduce the risk of having cardiac workload. [14]RESPIRATORY SYSTEM The function of the respiratory system is to facilitate gaseous exchange to take place in the lungs and tissue cells of the body. The respiratory system integrates with other systems,? particularly the circulatory system,?to accomplish its goal.?The respiratory system includes the mouth,? nose,? trachea,? lungs,?and diaphragm. Consider the respiratory system interacting with the external environment to receive oxygenated air at the beginning of the process. The following steps summarize the activities that this system utilizes to accomplish the respiratory goals:?The mouth and nose allow oxygen to enter the respiratory system.?This path continues through the larynx, followed by the trachea. The oxygen then enters the bronchi,?which are two smaller tubes that branch from the trachea. The bronchi are then further divided into bronchial tubes,?which flow into the lungs and disperse into even smaller branches that connect to the alveoli. These are tiny, air-filled sacs that number as high as 600 million in the average adult. The oxygen enters the alveoli and is diffused through the surrounding capillaries.? It then enters the arterial blood completing its course. At the same time, the alveoli absorb carbon dioxide from waste-rich of This carbon dioxide exits the lungs upon exhaling.[9] Basic functions of the respiratory system are: 1. provides oxygen to the blood stream and removes carbon dioxide 2. enables sound production or vocalization as expired air passes over the vocal chords 3. enables protective and reflexive non-breathing air movements such as coughing and sneezing, to keep the air passages clear 4. control of Acid-Base balance 5. control of blood PH. [12]Work stress hormones affect the respiratory systems. During the stress response, human breathe faster in an effort to distribute oxygen and blood quickly to the body core. If the human have preexisting respiratory problems like asthma or emphysema, stress can make it harder to breathe.[13] Moreover, studies show that polluted work environments can worsen allergy symptoms and heighten the respiratory system's sensitivity to both allergens and infection.New evidence has found a relatively strong relationship between poor air quality and new episodes of runny nose (rhinitis), both in terms of initiating symptoms and prolonging episodes.[15]SKELETAL SYSTEM This part will discuss the function, types and disorders of the skeletal system: [7]FunctionsThere are more than 206 bones that support the body, most of these bones are in your hands and feet. The bones of the skeleton act like a frame to which?muscles?are attached. These skeletal muscles allow the body to move; they are attached to bones by bands of tough elastic tissue, called tendons, and it is by means of tendons that they exert their pull. Another important task of bones is to produce blood cells. Finally, the bones provide a store of chemicals such as?calcium?salts, which are released into the bloodstream, as they are needed.Bones have two main purposes. Some, like backbone that provides structure which let the human stand up straight. Other bones protect the organs of the body, such as the ribs which protect your heart.Different types of bonesHumans are made with bones specialized into four main types, each one of them with a different role.1. The long bones: in the limbs, are thin, hollow and light, they play a big, important role in all types of movements.2. Flat Circular bones: the bones that form the?spine?or?vertebral?column3. Long Circular Bones: The ribs are strong but elastic and gives the chest the flexibility it needs for breathing.4. Flat irregular bones: The shoulder blades, hips and skull are strong but light and protect the delicate organs such as the brain.Disorders of the skeletal systemOne of the most common types of disorders is called a fracture. A fracture is when the a bone has either cracked or broken. There 6 different types of fractures, closed, open, multiple,?comminuted,?greenstick, and spiral.Other common disorders are Leukemia (a type of bone cancer), Osteoporosis (loss of bone tissue), and Arthritis (a swelling of the bone).Some less frequent ones, yet still effective include Scoliosis, Talipes equinovarus, Tendinitis, Kyphosis, Poliomyelitis, Scurvy, Spina bifida, and Bursitis.MUSCULAR SYSTEM The muscular system is responsible for the movement of the human body. Attached to the bones of the skeletal system are about 700 named muscles that make up roughly half of a person’s body weight.There are three types of muscle tissue: Visceral, cardiac, and skeletal. Visceral Muscle. Visceral muscle is found inside of organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. The weakest of all muscle tissues, visceral muscle makes organs contract to move substances through the organ. Because visceral muscle is controlled by the unconscious part of the brain, it is known as involuntary muscle—it cannot be directly controlled by the conscious mind.Cardiac Muscle. Found only in the heart, cardiac muscle is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle tissue cannot be controlled consciously, so it is an involuntary muscle. While hormones and signals from the brain adjust the rate of contraction, cardiac muscle stimulates itself to contract.Skeletal Muscle. Skeletal muscle is the only voluntary muscle tissue in the human body—it is controlled consciously. Every physical action that a person consciously performs (e.g. speaking, walking, or writing) requires skeletal muscle. [8]Work performance strategies A risk factor for overloading the musculoskeletal system results from the method of performing the work by the worker. There are risky and less risky strategies to execute the task.? The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association continues to develop new services to meet members' ergonomic needs. The following is a list of the latest ergonomic and MSD programs IHSA has to offer. [10]Ergonomic Change TeamErgonomics for Computer Users – Practical Guidelines and TipsErgonomics for Skilled Trades – Practical Guidelines and TipsErgonomics for Transportation – How to Prevent Strains, Sprains, and OverexertionErgonomics: Implementing into the WorkplaceErgonomics: Manual Material Handling WorkshopMSD Prevention WebinarMSD Prevention Workshop – OfficeMSD Prevention Workshop – TradesNERVUOS SYSTEMThe nervous system has several divisions: the central division involving the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral division consisting of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has a direct role in physical response to stress and is divided into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).When the body is in work stress, the SNS generates what is known as the "fight or flight" response. The body shifts all of its energy resources toward fighting off a life threat, or fleeing from an enemy. The SNS signals the adrenal glands to release hormones called adrenalin and cortical. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster, respiration rate to increase, blood vessels in the arms and legs to dilate, digestive process to change and glucose levels (sugar energy) in the bloodstream to increase to deal with the emergency.The SNS response is fairly sudden in order to prepare the body to respond to an emergency situation or acute stress, short term stressors. Once the crisis is over, the body usually returns to the pre-emergency, unstressed state. [14] Ergonomic improvementsThe studies of ergonomics always improving to access the safety and reduce work stress on workers. These are some examples of the improvements on the workplace:? Table 1 improvements examplesThe “Inverted V-curve” creates an even greater strain on your back.? Even without lifting a load, bending over like this creates a great deal of pressure on the spine.442595-11430One common improvement is to use a lifter or tilter.? Or there may be other ways of making improvements depending upon the situation.387350-4445The neck bones are part of the spinal column and thus are subject to the same requirements of maintaining the S-curve. Prolonged twisted and bent postures of the neck can be as stressful as its equivalent for the lower back.The best way to make changes is usually to adjust equipment so that your neck is in its neutral posture.Here’s an example of how this principle applies to tool design. Working continuously with the pliers as shown in the left-hand picture can create a lot of stress on the wrist. By using pliers with an angled grip, however, the wrist stays in its neutral posture. ConclusionThis was the first lab repot of human factors course and it was an introduction lab. The report shows lab objectives, introduction about ergonomics, its definitions, objectives, areas and applications, some systems of the body (Circulatory system, Respiratory system, Skeletal system, Muscular system and Nervous system) and its relationship with ergonomics. After that the report shows some improvements examples. This report helped the students to have the necessary knowledge of human factors definition, applications and areas. It also acquainted students with the major human body systems, particularly the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.References[1] Dohrmann Consulting, "What is Ergonomics? - Dohrmann Consulting", 2014. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[2] , "Definition and Domains of Ergonomics | IEA Website", 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[3] .au, "Definitions - Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia", 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[4]H. Society, "Human Factors and Ergonomics Society: Educational Resources", , 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[5] : The Next Generation Library, "Ergonomics: What are the Objectives and Importance of Ergonomics?", 2014. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[6] : The Next Generation Library, "Ergonomics: Scope and Fields of Application of Ergonomics", 2014. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[7] 8salembodysystems., "Body Systems - Skeletal System", 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[8]G. Alshahiri, "Ergonomics", , 2015. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[9]ergonomics foundational principls, 6th ed. 2012.[10] Ihsa.ca, "Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics", 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[11]M. Elino, "Ppt respiratory system- physiology", , 2012. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[12]O. Edsall, "???Presentation "2011 ANATOMY (B) 2011 ANATOMY (B) Karen Lancour Patty Palmietto National Bio Rules National Event Committee Chairman Supervisor - A & P karenlancour@."", , 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[13]T. Body, "The Effects of Stress on the Body", Healthline, 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[14] , 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[15] Hc-sc.gc.ca, "Respiratory Effects of Air Pollution - Environmental & Workplace Health - Health Canada", 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016].[16] , "10 Principles of Ergonomics", 2016. [Online]. Available: . [Accessed: 09- Feb- 2016]. ................
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