Ergonomics, Productivity, and Standards of Living

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Table of Contents

Why it is more important to work smart than to work hard
Why we need to learn about Anatomy and Physiology while studying Ergonomics
Productivity, Ergonomics, Metabolism, and Biomechanics
The relationship between productivity and the standard of living
The main application areas of ergonomics
Why time is important in work?
The objectives and benefits of ergonomics as applied to human-machine systems

Why it is more important to work smart than to work hard

Working smart is more important than working hard for a number of reasons. First, it increases the potential for improved efficiency and in an unlimited way. By working hard, the potential for improved efficiency is only 20%. Second, working smart boosts the productivity of any process leading to heightened standards of living. This is in addition to lowering the resources required in the process. To that end, it is important to work smart as opposed to working hard. However, working smart and hard could lead to more efficiency and productivity.

Why we need to learn about Anatomy and Physiology while studying Ergonomics

When studying ergonomics, it is important to explore the concepts of human anatomy and physiology. The rationale is that the body is a unit that consists of numerous processes working in harmony to enhance productivity. The synchronization of the forces that work in the skeletal system facilitates the comprehension of ways in which the body could achieve optimum productivity. Similarly, such efficiency and utilization of forces to achieve productivity is a central element of work design.

In addition, physical ergonomics entail human physiology that highlights ways in which the important processes carried out by living organisms. This way, the study of human anatomy and physiology provides insights on the capabilities of an individual to fulfill specific tasks. As such, the study of human physiology is a key aspect of ergonomics.

Productivity, Ergonomics, Metabolism, and Biomechanics

Productivity

It refers to the total output of any process divided by all resources used. In other words, a process refers to services operation or an individual production. Productivity measures ways in which a certain process achieves its efficiency and uses the available resources to produce the optimum benefits. As such, it is an intrinsic part of any work system where increase in output does not always imply a consequent increase in input.

Ergonomics

It refers to a scientific discipline that revolves around human interactions with equipment during work processes. It seeks to establish the ways in which people utilize various tools to perform specific activities and tasks. Ergonomics has the objectives of increasing efficiency of humans when using tools. This is in addition to reducing errors, increasing satisfaction when using the equipment, decreasing strenuous and stressful activities that lead to fatigue, enhancing safe operations and reducing avoidable accidents and injuries when carrying out activities.

Metabolism

It refers to a combination of all biochemical processes that occur in cells of all living things. Metabolism has the functions of providing the body with energy for critical processes that include movement and locomotion. In addition, the process incorporates new source of energy and organic materials into the bodies of living things. Various types of metabolism include basal, activity and daily metabolism. They all fulfill the functions of the body’s energy requirements.

Biomechanics

It refers to the study of actions of skeletal systems in living organisms. It seeks to unravel both external and internal forces of the skeletal systems and their effect on the organism’s ability to fulfill tasks. It involves the study of the spine, upper and lower extremity, joints, tendons, muscles and nerves.

The relationship between productivity and the standard of living

Productivity and standards of living are two concepts that relate to each other. Productivity leads to efficient utilization of labor and other resources to bring about optimum benefits. As such, improved productivity leads to increased benefits including cheaper goods (in the context of a national economy) and efficient usage of energy by individuals. This way, increased productivity translates to increased benefits that do not only improve the quality of life but also enhances improved standard of living. Further, it is important to consider that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the measure of the standard of living for many economies.

GDP refers to all economic output within an economy implying that productivity is essential in increasing the standards of living. The rationale is that heightened levels of output in an economy lead to increased ability of individuals to access goods and services some of which are important in enhancing the standards of living. To this end, productivity is positively correlated to the standards of living. High productivity leads to high standards of living.

The main application areas of ergonomics

Apparently, ergonomics has two application areas. They include work system and product design. On the one hand, work system design involves the ability to come up with an occupational environment that is safe and free of accidents.

It also aims at having an improved functional performance by ensuring that work context is conducive for optimum productivity. It may also involve such things as appropriate lighting within the occupational context. On the other hand, product design involves the externalities that an organization requires to make the work place attractive and satisfactory to the workers. Comfort and friendliness of the workplace are major objectives of product design. This is in addition to mitigating risks such as lawsuits and other factors that may make the context of work to be ‘user unfriendly’.

Why time is important in work?

Time is very important during work for a myriad of reasons. Indeed, it is the standard measure of work in numerous contexts. In other words, organizations measure work by allocating specific number of hours needed to accomplish a specified task. Further, it is through calculation of time that workers receive their wages. Wage rate is the amount of hours that an individual allocates in fulfillment of duties and tasks. The average working hours according to International Labor Organization is eight. As such, workers ought to be time-conscious and punctual in the workplace. The rationale is that time is an important factor that facilitates computation of labor and staffing requirements.

The objectives and benefits of ergonomics as applied to human-machine systems

Ergonomics has various objectives and benefits. The objectives include creating easier interaction of machines and users. This entails avoidance of errors and mistakes that might result to low productivity during task performance. Besides, ergonomics also has the aims of increasing comfort and satisfaction for workers when using equipment to accomplish designated activities. It also entails reducing strenuous activities and fatigue. This facilitates completion of tasks with increased efficiency and productivity. To that end, ergonomics enhances safe conditions for operations and reduces accidents and other risks associated with work.

The benefits of ergonomics include improved productivity. This implies that workers are able to accomplish their tasks using minimum resources and achieve highest output possible. Besides, efficient use of resources such as time and labor is a major benefit of the scientific discipline. It is important to notice that ergonomics allows people to understand physiology and understand ways to optimize their productivity.

Further, utilization of principles of ergonomics leads to improved standards of living not only for the workers but also for the entire society. As such, ergonomics is an important discipline that promises to bring about benefits for all stakeholders and more importantly, for an organization.

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