Work Station Design

INSY 3020

Dr. Rob ThomasSpring 2005

Industrial & Systems Engineering DepartmentAuburn University

Goals of Workstation Design

• Optimize use of energy and thus maximize productivity

• Avoid musculo-skeletal problems

• Enhance safety

Key Issue-----

“Adjustability”

Principles of Work Design

• Determine work surface height by elbow height

• Adjust the work surface height based on the task being performed

• Provide a comfortable chair for the seated operator

• Provide adjustibility in the seat

Text: pp 187-200

Principles of Work Design(Contd)

• Encourage postural flexibility

• Provide antifatigue mats for standing operators

• Locate all tools & materials within normal working areas

• Fix locations for all tools & materials to permit the best sequence

Principles of Work Design(Contd)

• Use gravity bins and drop delivery to reduce reach and move times

• Arrange tools, controls and other components optimally to minimize motions

Guidelines for Workstation design

• Avoid static loads and fixed work postures• Reduce Musculoskeletal disorders

( CTD’s)• Set work height at 50 mm below elbows• Furnish every employee an adjustable chair• Use the feet as well as the hands

Ref.: Konz Text, Chp. 13

Guidelines for Workstation design (con’d)

• Use gravity, don’t oppose it• Conserve momentum• Use two-handed motions rather than one-handed

motions• Use parallel motions for eye control of two-

handed motions• Use rowing motions for two-handed motions

Ref.: Konz Text, Chp. 13

Guidelines for Workstation design (con’d)

• Pivot motions about elbow

• Use preferred hand

• Keep arm motions in normal work area

• Let the small person reach; let the large person fit

Ref.: Konz Text, Chp. 13

Resources

• http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html

• http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/

• http://hsc.usf.edu/~tbernard/ergotools/

• http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/ReduceHazards/ErgoBank/default.asp

• http://www.ergoweb.com/