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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 assessed by the results of practical tasks.

Course Content(Calendar)

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

Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

The test with a mark. The test consists of:

successfully passed tests,

the tasks of practical work in the form of a report on the given topic have been developed and defended.

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

Practical work must be completed and evaluated before the final test is completed. The assessment of the study course test depends on the assessment of practical work of the study course and the cumulative assessment of the knowledge test.

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