Lab+5

__**Lab #5: Human Scale Ergonomics and Frank Gilbreth's 'Therbligs'**__

**Define the term “ergonomics”**

Ergonomics customizes the workplace to fit the worker. It allows the worker to manipulate the workplace to enhance comfort and eliminate injury. Ergonomics is necessary because it allows workers to concentrate solely on their tasks. If an environment was not customized to fit a worker’s needs, their work would suffer as a result.

Ergonomics focuses on the needs of workers, while paying close attention to the needs and requirements of individual workers. What is comfortable for some workers may not be comfortable for everyone. Ergonomics allows for customization, enabling all workers to fit their individual needs at all times.

An example of this is the type of chair one would use at the office. Some chairs are not adjustable. The armrests may be stationary while the backrest does not have the same contour of a worker’s back. The chair may not even allow workers to adjust their height. All of these factors are part of ergonomics, and are important to the health, safety, and productivity of workers.

**What is the “Gilbreth system of motion analysis?”**

The Gilbreth system of motion analysis studies the movement and processes of workers while performing a task. The Gilbreth system was first implemented by examining the unnecessary movements of bricklayers. The system analyzes tasks and movements and eliminates those that are unnecessary or strenuous. By doing so, workers are able to save energy and become less fatigued. This allowed them to save time and improve performance.

**Who was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize “motion study?”**

Frank Gilbreth was a bricklayer who wanted to find ways to make bricklaying more productive and time efficient. He questioned the numerous methods of bricklaying and sought to find the perfect way.

Gilbreth utilized motion study by examining the number and type of processes a worker took in order to complete a task. Gilbreth would then change the process(es) in order for the worker to work more efficiently. He also developed the Therblig Analysis Checklist, which determines the ergonomics of a job in relation to the worker.

**Describe three categorizes Frank Gilbreth used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist**

Three categorizes that Gilbreth used in this Therblig Analysis Checklist are: Reach and Move, Search, and Rest to Overcome Fatigue.

Reach and Move describes the use of certain body parts (i.e. fingers, shoulders, etc.), or devices that are used for transporting or moving materials. The category describes how materials may be brought into a place of work, and how materials or waste can be removed from a site. It looks at whether certain processes can be eliminated and whether distances for transporting these materials can be shortened.

Search describes the ability to locate and recognize tools, articles, and the environment around a worker. It describes the lighting conditions of a work area and the ability for workers to easily identify tools. It can also describe the cluster and organization of a workplace, determining whether workers are able to find what they need with ease, or after several minutes (or hours) of searching.

Rest to Overcome Fatigue deals with allowing workers to relax when exhausted and whether the working conditions are comfortable. This can include temperature, noise, ventilation, etc. The category also examines whether tools, such as trolleys, ramps, lifts, etc., are used in order to prevent excessive strain on workers and minimize fatigue.