1. ERGONOMICS AT WORK By Anne Bader & Olivier Horseau Saimaa University of Applied Sciences Human Resources Management February 2009

2. Topics  Introduction and definition  The different types of ergonomics Job safety Job safety Monetary, physical, mental, social aspects Monetary, physical, mental, social aspects  A concrete example  Conclusion and questions

3. How you should understand ”ergonomics”  Definition The science which links work and health… Prevent accidents and improve employees comfort…  Concept development Developed in the middle of XX century Takes care of workers/employees needs and not only profitability Associations:   International Ergonomics Association

4. Different ergonomics I) Job safety:   Ensure all employees have safe working conditions   nature and place of work require various regulations   Be aware of special machine, the wet floor…   layout of office equipment   Legal protection from governmental regulations

5. Different ergonomics II) Monetary aspects:   Implement safety regulations represents a investment not a cost   Employee would have to pay premium wages to compensate the lack of protection   Compensation of sick leave   Avoid futur money waste by preventing accidents

6. Different ergonomics III) Physical aspect:   One of the biggest ergonomics fight   health problems caused by improper postures   2 dimensions: Poorly Adjusted Equipment Manual Handling

7. Different ergonomics IV) Mental aspect: ”A satisfied employee is a more productive one”   worker’s mental ability, knowledge, experience ensure the work is done by the right person   Causes: excessive demand, permanent under stimulation inadequate training time pressure   Improving the working conditions fights against stress, absenteeism, rivarly...

8. Different ergonomics V) Social aspect:   Closely related to mental aspect   Less stress, less rivarly, respectful atmosphere leads to better production…

9. But in reality what does that mean ? A concrete example The cashier example   Before: Cashier had to move to take the product, Had to find the bar code, Had got stress due to noise, inconfortable position, rate…

10. But in reality what does that mean ? A concrete example   What the company has to think about: (1)   How the product comes, is it easy for the cashier to take it   Does the chair is comfortable and easy to move   Does the cashier need to push the product or is it automatic and efficient   Does the place under the office is enought to stretch the legs

11. But in reality what does that mean ? A concrete example   What the company has to think about: (2)   The optic player should be modern (360° => it’s easier and faster for the cashier)   Is there any fresh current ? (thermic aspect)   Does the noise is not too loud? Important because the cashier has to hear the ”Bip” (sound aspect)   The working place should be well lighted but not too much (light aspect) 

12. To conclude… Ergonomics is not only a way to improve employees comfort, it’s also an idea to put them in a good position. Consequently they are more productive, more satisfied, It represents an advantage for the company to develop ergonomy.

13. Thank you for your attention !