OHSE6040Ergonomics

Course handbook

Description

Introduces the student to the scope of ergonomics and the application of ergonomic principles to workplace design and work organisation.

The course is organised in modules:

Worker:

-Psychological models of ergonomics,

-Work physiology,

-Anatomy and biomechanics in ergonomics,

-Anthropometry.

Workstation:

-Task analysis, workspace and workstation design and the workplace

-Ergonomic assessment of the work environment,

Organisation:

-Work organisation and ergonomics.

Availability

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Identify, explain and evaluate the impact of various personal attributes (anatomical, physiological, anthropometric and psychological) on proper safe working practice;

2. Assess the effect of physical environment factors on comfort and performance;

3. Apply principles of good ergonomic design of work areas and equipment to a range of occupational settings;

4. Explain the influence of ergonomic principles on work organisation and culture.

Content

Major topics include:

1. An introduction to the scope of ergonomics;
2. Physical environmental factors, heat, light and vibration and their measurement;
3. Psychological abilities relating to memory, perception of danger, attention and boredom and their relevance to work design and organisation;
4. Anthropometrics as related to the work environment.
5. Task analysis, workspace and workstation design in the workplace.
6. The physiology of work
7. Anatomy and biomechanics in relation to ergonomics.
8. Physiological, psycho-social and organisational aspects of shiftwork;
9. Impact of ergonomic issues on work attitude, culture and organisation.

Requisite

Pre-requisite - successful completion of OHSE6010 and OHSE6020

Assessment items

In Term Test: On-line Test

Written Assignment: Essay/Written Assignment

Formal Examination: Exam

Online Learning Activity: Online Discussions

Contact hours

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