Rationale

This course will introduce students to the concept of ergonomics and how their application to the workplace is critical to ensure the appropriate layout of the workplace, the work organisation, production lines and systems. The students will learn to identify those physical characteristics that might potentially affect an individual’s needs, competencies and limitations at work. Furthermore, students will understand the importance of by adapting the working environment to the employees’ competencies it will enhance their comfort, productivity and sense of safety and health. Students will also gain knowledge on performing ergonomic assessments of working environments and based on their findings, provide appropriate recommendations.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Analyse the ergonomics concept.
(ii)   Apply appropriate ergonomic design for work spaces and systems.
(iii)  Apply the most suitable solution to ergonomic problems.
(iv)  Explain how work organisation and culture is affected by ergonomic principles.
(v)   Describe the relation of anatomical and anthropometrical features to the ergonomic design of the workplace.
(vi)  Explain how workplace stressors can be minimised by designing workspaces based on the needs of the physical body.
(vii) Evaluate the relation of various personal characteristics based on anatomy and physiology with proper safe working practice. 
(viii) Apply suitable assessment tools in ergonomics.