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Design aids for designers: an effective role for ergonomics
1Ergonomics Branch, Institute of Occupational Medicine, c/o Mining Research and Development Establishment, National Coal Board, Ashby Road, Stanhope Bretby, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs.
Applied Ergonomics
|September 1, 1983
Summary
This study demonstrates how ergonomics can provide valuable design aids for the mining industry. Implementing these aids ensures wider adoption of ergonomics principles in machine and workplace design.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Engineering
- Human Factors Engineering
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Ergonomics knowledge is often not widely implemented in practical design.
- The mining industry presents complex design challenges requiring human-centered solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the role of ergonomics in providing practical design aids for designers.
- To showcase specific applications of ergonomics within the mining sector.
Main Methods:
- Development of ergonomics design guidelines for machine families.
- Utilization of expert panel subjective assessments for evaluating design alternatives.
- Creation of a computer-based simulation for performance potential analysis of new designs.
Main Results:
- Ergonomics design guidelines offer a systematic approach for machine families.
- Expert panels provide valuable subjective evaluations for design proposals.
- Computer simulations effectively assess the performance of new coal face designs.
Conclusions:
- Ergonomics design aids are crucial for effective implementation of ergonomics knowledge.
- Targeted ergonomics support for designers can significantly improve design outcomes.
- This approach promises wider adoption of ergonomics in industrial design practices.