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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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…

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

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) 

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.

Thank you for your attention !