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Ergonomics

Course developers

Course abstract

Students get knowledges about ergonomics, its necessity, anthropometry, biomechanics, workplace and work environment, ergonomic assessment of workplace, determination of working capacity, energy consumption in different jobs, restoration of work ability, measures to prevent or reduce ergonomic risks. Students learn about human anthropological parameters and ergonomic requirements for designing things, machines and controls. Understand the system man - machine - environment model from ergonomics viewpoint, physical and psycho-emotional load assessment, ergonomic principles, and reconstructing, modernizing and equipping workplaces.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Students acquire in-depth knowledge of the place and role of ergonomics in the functioning of institutions and enterprises, and ergonomic requirements for job place design based on human anthropological characteristics. Knowledge is assessed by test results on the theoretical part of the course.
Students are able to evaluate the ergonomics of things and design projects according to ergonomic requirements. Able to formulate and recognize ergonomic risks, perform ergonomic assessment of the workplace in the company or institution. Skills are assessed by the results of practical work.

Students are able to independently analyze the design of complex engineering systems from an ergonomic point of view, create an ergonomic working environment and assess work risks in the company. Competence is formative assessed by the results of practical tasks and theoretical tests.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Definition and aims of ergonomics. System man - machine. (2 h)
2. The human body. Anthropometry. Basic principles of physical activity. (2 h)
3. Lighting and colour. The main prerequisites for visual comfort. Noise and vibration. Assessment of air quality. Machinery and work equipment. Design of ergonomic tools. Control devices and signals. (2 h)
4. First practical work. Anthropometric measurements. Determination of lighting and noise levels. (4 h)
5. First test. (1 h)
6. The company's design from ergonomics point of view. Ergonomics of organizations. (2h)
7. Basic principles of ergonomic workplace design. Microclimate of work and rest areas. Comfort zone. (2h)
8. Ergonomic workplace design of Computer Workstations. Workplace Design. Workplace Size Analysis. Working time from ergonomics view point. Nutrition and work. (2 h)
9. Second test. (2 h)
10. Basic principles of biomechanics from the viewpoint of ergonomics. Ergonomic techniques. (2h)
11. Physical work: effort, forced posture, and repetitive movements. Pathologies caused by physical work. (2 h)
12. Psycho-emotional load. Occupational disease risks in different jobs. (2 h)
13. Second practical work. Room arrangement.(4h)
14. Third test. (2 h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

• Successfully passed 3 tests;
• The tasks of 2 practical work been developed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During independent work, students need to study in-depth given topics on ergonomics and analyze their experience in various ergonomic aspects. The result should be presented as a report

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

• The level of knowledge shall be determined by:
knowledge of terms, definitons interpretation, knowledge of techniques, comprehension of regularities.
• The level of skills shall be determined by:
skill to operate with knowledge, skill to analyze and predict, skill of creative activity.
• The level of competence shall be determined by:
The ability to use the acquired knowledge and skills in creative activities.
The level of knowledge, skills and competence is determined using summative assessment.

Compulsory reading

1. Ergonomika darbā. Rīga: Labklājības ministrija, 2010.191 lpp.
Pieejams: http://www.lbas.lv/upload/stuff/201103/ergonomikadarba.pdf
2. Roja Ž. Ergonomikas pamati. Rīga: Drukātava, 2008. 190 lpp.
3. Berlin C., Adams C. Production Ergonomics: Designing Work Systems to Support Optimal Human Performance. [tiešsaiste] Ubiquity Press Ltd, London, 2017 [skatīts 24.01.2019.] Pieejams: DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/bbe

Further reading

1. Psihosociālā darba vide. Rīga, Labklājības ministrija, 2010. 157 lpp.
Piejams: http://stradavesels.lv/Uploads/2014/02/12/psihosocialadarbavide.pdf
2. Radwin R. G., Haney J. T. An Ergonomics Guide to Hand Tools. American Industrial Hygiene Association Fairfax, Virginia, 1996 (pieejams elektroniskā veidā e-studijās)

Periodicals and other sources

Darba aizsardzības ziņas: Valsts Darba inspekcijas izdevums. Latvijas nacionālais kontaktpunkts. Eiropas Darba Drošības un Veselības Aizsardzības aģentūra. ISSN 1407-2044