Application of Ergonomics, Human Factors and OHS in Workplace Environment

This research investigates the application of ergonomics, human factors and OHS in the workplace environment, with a focus on the aviation industry. It explores the benefits of implementing these concepts, such as cost-reduction, increased quality of output, employee morale and the firm's reputation. The article also discusses various methods of managing human factors and OSHA, including paperwork, constant assessment of risk factors, administrative interventions, safety marshals, incident reports and safety plans.

THE INVESTIGATION OF THE APPLICATION OF ERGONOMICS, HUMAN FACTORS
AND OHS IN WORKPLACE ENVRIONMENT
Assignment Number
Name
RESEARCH CONDUCTED AT AEROCARE COMAPNY

Acknowledgement
I would sincerely like to thank everyone who made this research work a success through both
participation and resource providence. Much appreciation to the management of Aero Care
Company for their support and allowing this study to be conducted smoothly and the objectives
achieved

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
2.0 Definition..............................................................................................................................................2
3.0 Methods of data collection.....................................................................................................................2
4.0 Application of human factors in the workplace.....................................................................................3
4.1 Roles of procedures...........................................................................................................................3
4.2 Ergonomics risk factors.....................................................................................................................3
4.2.1 Ergonomics Assessment.............................................................................................................4
4.2.2 Ergonomics controls...................................................................................................................4
4.2.3 Administrative control................................................................................................................4
4.2.4 Paperwork worth having.............................................................................................................4
4.2.5 Cementing a safety culture..........................................................................................................4
4.3 Management of Ergonomics and human factor.................................................................................4
5.0 Workplace Management of OSHA........................................................................................................5
6.0 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................7
7.0 Reference..............................................................................................................................................8
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1.0 Introduction
The aviation industry is a highly risky and activity-packed environment that requires the highest
levels of occupational health and safety systems to deliver objectives and results. The
ergonomics and human factors are critical for the safety and efficiency in the aviation industry in
dealing with passengers, cargo and military operations. The human factor prominently features
in this field as a critical element that can control and impact on performance as the workers
interact with the environment. A close observation reveals that the human factor can be linked to
the cause of many aircraft accidents and incidents in the premises which necessitates the need for
imparting the knowledge to the workers and application in the daily activities. Other benefits
accruing the company will include cost-reduction due to eliminated risks, increased quality of
output, employee morale and the firm's reputation. Application and strict adherence to
occupational health and safety greatly helps in managing workplace accidents and risks
2.0 Definition
Ergonomics is essentially the science of designing the work environment to allow optimum
interaction between the workforce and equipment or technologies while considering the
capabilities and limitations of the employees. The concept of human factor ensures that the
workers are treated to the best environment that stimulates their morale and productivity by
eliminating accidents and other factors frustrating their efforts at the workplace (Balogh,
Ohlsson, Nordander, Björk & Hansson, 2016). Essentially, the human factors entail gathering
information about the human characteristics including strengths and limitations and marrying to
tools, systems, job, and environment ensuring safety and productive output.
3.0 Methods of data collection
The research employed certain methodologies to collect data from the field for study. The most
utilized methods were personal observation of the activities and process on the work
environment coupled with interviews held with managers and the workers. Few questionnaires
were issued to both the internal and external stakeholders present.
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4.0 Application of human factors in the workplace
The human factors entail the environmental, organizational, job aspects and individual
characteristics which impacts the work behavior and consequential health and safety at the
workplace. Therefore, the concept of the human factor is critical and companies have inscribed
in their work environment in different dimensions. (Chowdhury, 2012) Examples, organizations
set out job descriptions for different positions considering the nature of duties or tasks and seek
the capabilities and skills that will match the job.
4.1 Roles of procedures
In a workplace environment, organizations have outlined the roles and duties of their employees
to promote ownership and accountability of their work. In a high-paced work environment,
various visualization methods are used to increase awareness of processes and procedures
including signage and posters which also acts as controls.Individual promotions are also guided
by the concept of human factors whereby mental strengths among other targeted strengths are
used as criteria for promoting employees to higher ranks.
4.2 Ergonomics risk factors
An organization can undertake to investigate the human factors posed to its workforce and
device measures to counter the adverse effects (Engkvist, 2010). There are several risks at the
workplace which impedes the ability of the workers to be highly productive. The employer and
management need to identify such factors and strive to eliminate them to procure a safe, sound
and motivating environment for its employees. (Eklöf & Hagberg, 2006) Some of the risks
include the repetition of tasks whereby an activity is performed in cycles. Nature of jobs also
impacts on the worker’s productivity in case of forceful exertions and uncomfortable working
stations that renders the workers unproductive.
Some of the practical measures for management of ergonomics would include assessment and
control of these factors as discussed below.
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4.2.1 Ergonomics Assessment
Ergonomics assessment is the practice of identifying the ergonomics risk factors, quantifying
them and making improvements towards bettering work condition and environment to the
workforce within their capabilities and limitations (Honan, 2015).
4.2.2 Ergonomics controls
The organization will also procure the relevant useful technology in a bid to improve its
workforce efficiency and morale. Further efforts will demand the company to upscale its
technology to minimize user movements and repetitions.
4.2.3 Administrative control
The company can also manage human factors by employing administrative controls which seeks
to reduce the risk of injuries as well as rejuvenating the team. Some of the effective methods
which can be employed would include job rotation for different work experience and
counteractive breaks to reduce strain on the body
4.2.4 Paperwork worth having
Paperwork is as proper as its usage. The presence of visual displays placed in strategic places in
the organization for high visibility helps in the management of ergonomics. The team will
memorize and refresh their knowledge on workplace safety on seeing the visual displays
4.2.5 Cementing a safety culture
Additionally, the essence of human factors has been stressed more by companies adoption
of safety culture that directs workers to document safety reports on incidents indicating the
activity leading to the accidents and devising. Organizations have also created a team of safety
ambassadors cutting across departments who own the responsibility of sharing with its team
information regarding safety incidents and solutions which adds on its workforce knowledge and
understanding of the importance of the human factors.
4.3 Management of Ergonomics and human factor
(i) Workplace Design
Workplace design is one fundamental aspect of human factor which is manifested through the
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workplace set up and design of equipment dictating the way people will interact with the tools
and technology (Hovanec, 2016). Engineers and architect come handy to ensure an optimum
enterprise design and tools and technology adopted are user-friendly and can prevent any kind of
incident.
(ii) Equipment design
The aspects pertain the assessment of the effectiveness of the tools availed to the workers
whether they are user-friendly and rightful for the assigned job. Organizations utilize their
engineering and information technology to avail the right tools and technology to its team as well
as optimize their functionality. Safety has also been stepped up by the provision of safety wears
and gears to the workforce especially in risk environments that could cause physical injuries to
people.
(iii) Counselors/outdoor games
Application of agronomics is also evident in companies counseling and outdoor activities to deal
with personal factors that might affect their productivity at work, including stress and frustration.
These activities are undertaken to manage the psychological safety in the human factor which
impacts on an individual's ability to be focused or distracted. Also safety pieces of training and
seminars
5.0 Workplace Management of OSHA
The management of Occupational health and safety is a vital aspect in any organization for the
wellness of its operations and workforce attitude. Companies have variant methods to manage
OSHA depending on the nature, size, and culture of the firm and as well as its financial
strengths. Some of the strategies and methods are discussed below
(i) Safety marshals
The safety marshals are a cross-departmental team which the organization forms to manage
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safety issues and enlighten on safety practices and procedures. The team is often trained and
developed with sponsorship from the top management to ensure a success in the program of
keeping the company safe.
(ii) Use paperwork
The importance of paperwork in safety management is critical because of the impact its visibility
will have on the team. However, it is not-nonsensical to invest in paperwork and have the same
locked. Paperwork forms a strategic medium for helping the team memorize and internalize the
outlined workplace safety.
(iii) Incident reports
Incident reports are a vital element in monitoring accidents in the workplace and instituting
action plans to curb future occurrences. The organization should also become proactive by
measuring and evaluating the risks people are exposed to while in the workplace. Further, the
safety marshal team can encourage other employees to give bad news on any occurrences.
(iv) Safety plan;
It is a strategic action plan for the company which analyzes the future hazards and plans for
managing potential risk events through mobilization of resources and taking the necessary
actions and steps.
(v) Policies, procedures, and processes;
Policies, procedures, and processes are acceptable standards of the rules and regulations
documented by the company for the guidance and directing the workforce on relations,
engagement and terms of employment. Inscribing OSHA standards in a firm's policies and
procedures forms an effective method of having them consumed and commanding compliance
and adherence.
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(vi)Training and induction;
Training and induction are ideal methods to impart knowledge to employees empowering them
to discharge their duties with efficiently and cautiously. The firm will invest in resources to
enlighten its workers on how to operate safely and secure their workplace from risks or enable
them to manage hazards.
6.0 Conclusion
Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace, keeping in mind the capabilities and
limitations of the worker. A systematic ergonomics improvement process removes risk factors
that lead to musculoskeletal injuries and allows for improved human performance and
productivity. The concept of human factor in the aviation industry is of equal importance
because of the nature of the industry.
Ergonomics can be cost-effective to an organization through the reduction of human error,
injuries and accidents thereby boosting the productivity of the workforce. Consequently, the firm
will gain from increased profits and positive reputation due to increased employee morale. The
firm can control human factors using several systems including the use of paperwork, constant
assessment of risk factors and rectifying, administrative interventions like work shifts, break
times, reviewing roles and responsibilities of individuals making them appropriate.
OSHA is also a vital concept in a work environment ensuring accidents are curbed and risky
environments and events are managed. Organizations manage OSHA through using paperwork,
safety marshals, incident reports and safety plan.
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7.0 Reference
Balogh, I., Ohlsson, K., Nordander, C., Björk, J., & Hansson, G. (2016). The importance of work
organization on workload and musculoskeletal health – Grocery store work as a model. Applied
Ergonomics, 53, 143-151. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.09.004
Chowdhury, I. (2012). Writing human factor research papers: a guidebook. Ergonomics, 55(12),
1621-1622. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2012.740821
Eklöf, M., & Hagberg, M. (2006). Are simple feedback interventions involving workplace data
associated with better working environment and health? A cluster randomized controlled study
among Swedish VDU workers. Applied Ergonomics, 37(2), 201-210. doi:
10.1016/j.apergo.2005.04.003
Engkvist, I. (2010). Working conditions at recycling centres in Sweden – Physical and
psychosocial work environment. Applied Ergonomics, 41(3), 347-354. doi:
10.1016/j.apergo.2009.06.008
Honan, M. (2015). Mobile work: Ergonomics in a rapidly changing work
environment. Work, 52(2), 289-301. doi: 10.3233/wor-152164
Hovanec, M. (2016). Digital factory as a prerequisite for successful application in the area of
ergonomics and human factor. Theoretical Issues In Ergonomics Science, 1-11. doi:
10.1080/1463922x.2016.1159355
Sverke, M. (2009). The importance of the psychosocial work environment for employee well-
being and work motivation. Scandinavian Journal Of Work, Environment & Health, 35(4), 241-
243. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.1336