WORKPLACE

ENVIRONMENT AND
ERGONOMICS

DEFINITION OF ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary activity
dealing with the interactions between a person
and their work environment.
Ergonomics is the science of designing the job,
equipment and workplace to fit the worker.
Proper ergonomic design is necessary to
prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can
develop over time and can lead to long term
disability

The goal of ergonomics is to ensure a good fit

between the workers and their jobs, thereby
maximizing workers comfort, safety and health,
productivity and efficiency.
From the Greek words

ergon work
nomos laws

Ergonomics literally means the law of the work

(Sluchak, 1992)

HISTORY OF ERGONOMICS IN MALAYSIA

Ergonomics

in Malaysia has been

introduced over a decade ago with
establishment of the ergonomics
division in NIOSH on 1st December
1992.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT: SECTION 15,

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT
(OSHA) 1994

The Occupational Safety and Health Act

1994 aims to secure the safety, health
and welfare of person at work, to protect
others against risks to safety or health in
connection with the activities of persons
at work, and to promote an occupational
environment for persons at work which is
adapted to their physiological and
psychological needs.

Ergonomics consider all the physical aspects of a person,

such as:
body size and shape;
fitness and strength;
posture;
the senses, especially vision, hearing and touch; and
the stresses and strains on muscles, joints, nerves.
Ergonomics also consider the psychological aspects of a
person,
such as:
mental abilities;
personality;
knowledge; and
experience.

OBJECTIVES OF ERGONOMICS
To facilitate the maximization both comfort and
productivity in the workplace.
To reduces the potential for accidents;
To reduces the potential for injury and ill health;
and
To improves performance and productivity.

ERGONOMIC HAZARDS

WORKPLACE

DESIGN
POOR LIGHTING
LAY-OUT OF WORKSTATION
EXCESSIVE MANUAL HANDLING
vibration
DESIGN OF TOOLS
REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

MANUAL HANDLING

Factories & Machinery Act 1967

Section 12 No one shall be

employed to lift, carry or move any
load that could cause bodily injury.

CORRECT & INCORRECT TECHNIQUES

12 ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES
1.
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Keep everything within easy reach

Work at proper height
Reduce excessive force
Work in good posture
Reduce excessive repetition
Minimize fatigue
Minimize direct pressure
Provide adjustability and change of posture
Provide clearance and access
Maintain a comfortable environment
Enhance clarity and understanding
Improve work organisation

THINK SAFETY, WORK SAFELY