1. Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan Asim Zaheer 1, Dr. Rameez Khalid Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan 1 corresponding author: asimzaheer@neduet.edu.pk

2. Topics To be Discussed I.INTRODUCTION II.CONTEXT III.PROBLEM STATEMENT IV.RESULTS V.ERGONOMICS AWARENESS PROGRAM VI.CONCLUSIONS Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 2

3. I. INTRODUCTION  What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics, is derived from the Greek word ‘ergon’ which means work and ‘nomos’ means law [1-3] The Science of Work or the Study of Work Designing the job to fit the worker Improve the human well-being Optimize overall system’s performance 3 Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer

4. I. INTRODUCTION (Cont..) Focus on worker Physical and psychological capabilities Keep an eye on human limitations Harmonious relationship Enhancement of productivity and efficiency [2] This guy needs more than a new chair!!!! 4

5. II. CONTEXT  In Pakistan, knowledge of ergonomics is in its infancy Ignorance among employer & employee  Ergonomics include different scientific disciplines: [6, 7]  Physical stresses and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)  MSDs are also referred interchangeably as CTDs: [10, 11] Repeated trauma, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) and Occupational overexertion syndrome Physiology Biomechanics Psychology Anthropometry Industrial hygiene Kinesiology Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 5

6. II. CONTEXT (Cont..)  According to Cohen [8], MSDs result in: Delays, Absenteeism, Injuries, Illnesses  Risk factors associated with MSDs are: [11, 12] Repetitive motion Force-full exertion Vibration Mechanical compression Awkward body postures High noise Low lighting Extreme temperatures  Ergonomics reduce MSDs by more than 50% [9] 6 Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer

7.  MSDs affect [4] Upper limb Neck Back  Work place common MSDs are CTS and back injury [10]  Prolong working hours  Symptoms of MSDs: [11] pain numbness Tingling stiff joints difficulty in moving muscle loss paralysis Disorders II. CONTEXT (Cont..) Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 7

8.  Two law enforcing agencies: NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)  Human body is divided into three planes: [6,7,13] Sagittal plane, Coronal plane and Transverse plane II. CONTEXT (Cont..) Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 8

9.  Wrist movement classified as: Flexion Extension Radial Ulnar  Hand movements are classified as: [13] Abduction Adduction Supination Pronation II. CONTEXT (Cont..) 9

10. Industrial Examples 10

11.  Job analysis tools: Strain Index (SI), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Ovako Work Assessment System (OWAS) II. CONTEXT (Cont..) 11

12.  Strain Index (SI):[14] Number (score) Upper extremity disorders. Tool to evaluate the job, not the worker SI = (Intensity of Exertion Multiplier) × (Duration of Exertion Multiplier) × (Efforts per Minute Multiplier) × (Posture Multiplier) × (Speed of Work Multiplier) × (Duration per Day Multiplier) II. CONTEXT (Cont..) Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 12

13.  Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) [6, 17] Number (score) Upper limb disorders Wrist Forearms Elbows Shoulders Neck Trunk  Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) [18] Number (score) Entire body assessment II. CONTEXT (Cont..) Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 13

14. III. PROBLEM STATEMENT  Manufacturing Industry of two wheelers  OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vendor for famous companies of auto-bikes in Pakistan  Products include: 14

15. Selected Postures 15

16. III. PROBLEM STATEMENT (Cont..)  Analysis Tools and Procedures: Strain Index (SI) Exclusively focused on wrist and hand Recorded videos Critical analysis of working postures Gathered relevant data Taken snaps Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 16

17.  SI for Posture 1 Rating Criteria Table Multiplier Table [14] SI Calculation  Ergointelligence   Other Postures IV. RESULTS 17 S.NO.SI ParametersRatingMultiplier 1Intensity of effort23 2Percentage duration 31.5 3Effort per minute21.0 4Wrist Posture31.5 5Speed of work41 6Duration / day30.75 SI = 5.1

18. IV. RESULTS (Cont..) PostureProblems SI Risk Type Action Needed Mean Incidence Rate [14] 1 Wrist Flexion Abduction Force Neck flexion Hard grip 5.1 Some Risk Caution required 77 injuries per 100 worker per year 2 Wrist Flexion Abduction Grip force Neck flexion Trunk flexion 6 Some Risk Caution required 77 injuries per 100 worker per year 3 Wrist extension Abduction Force Hard grip 27 Hazardous Immediate action 77 injuries per 100 worker per year 4 Wrist flexion Abduction Force Neck flexion Trunk flexion 20.25 Hazardous Immediate action 77 injuries per 100 worker per year SI FOR POSTURES 18

19. PostureProblemsSIRisk Type Action Needed Mean Incidence Rate [14] 5 Wrist flexion Excessive reaching 2.6Safe situationNo action 2 injuries per 100 worker per year 6 Extreme bending Wrist flexion 4.5Uncertain Caution required 2 injuries per 100 worker per year 7 Wrist extension Force Hard grip Neck flexion 6Some Risk Caution required 77 injuries per 100 worker per year 8 Wrist flexion Neck flexion Trunk flexion 3Uncertain Caution required 2 injuries per 100 worker per year 9 Wrist flexion/extension Upper arm abducted Force Neck flexion 6Some Risk Caution required 77 injuries per 100 worker per year IV. RESULTS (Cont..) SI FOR POSTURES 19

20. V. ERGONOMICS AWARENESS PROGRAM  Proposed Ergonomics Awareness program: Phase 01: Analysis of work place Phase 02: Prevention and control of Hazards Phase 03: Personnel training and education Phase 04: Medical Management Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 20

21. V. ERGONOMICS AWARENESS PROGRAM (Cont..) 21

22. V. ERGONOMICS AWARENESS PROGRAM (Cont..) 22

23. VI. CONCLUSIONS  Findings Realities in Pakistani Industry Strain Index (SI) Worker is at risk; Awkward postures Poor environment; Injury prone jobs  Perspectives Awareness program RULA REBA Ergonomics: A work place realities in Pakistan - Asim Zaheer 23

24. Acknowledgment TTTTHANK YOU for your attention QQQQuestions  Contact: asimzaheer@neduet.edu.pk; +92 (0)321 2700850 24