Ergonomics is a body of knowledge about human abilities, human limitations and other human characteristics that are relevant to design. Ergonomic design is the application of this body of knowledge to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs, and environments for safe, comfortable and effective human use.

'The Science of Work', deriving the word 'ergonomics' from the Greek words ergon, meaning work, and nomos, meaning principle or law. The word "ergonomics" is often used synonymously with "human factors engineering".

Many people view ergonomics as the science and applied science of fitting tasks and equipment to people, rather than forcing people to adapt to designs that neglect the unique capabilities and limitations of the human. Designs that consider human abilities often make human work more productive, efficient, reliable, and safe. These factors often translate into significant bottom-line competitive strategies for the companies that choose to implement ergonomic principles into the design and operation of their workplaces, and the design of their own products.

How do I Know if a Product is Ergonomically Designed?

There is no such thing as an "ergonomic product". This may seem like an unusual statement, but the truth is that the method in which a product is used defines whether that particular product is "ergonomically designed" or "ergonomically correct". When selecting a product, you must have a particular use in mind before you can determine which product will be best fitted for the task. This includes such considerations as population of the people that will interact with the product, and the physical and cognitive abilities the product and tasks will require. A product may be designed for a specific application but only if the product matches the characteristics of the required operation and the characteristics of the people that will be using the product.

Some products are designed to specifically reduce one or more commonly understood ergonomic risk factors. Ergonomic risk factors include such things as high forces, awkward postures, physical strain, repetition, vibration, etc. Then, for example, a tool that has been designed to reduce serious injury from lifting could be considered "ergonomically correct" but only in terms of the lifting characteristics.

Used correctly, TWISTARP helps eliminate awkward work positions and high repetitive forces. No more working bent over shoveling dirt. Trips up and down ditches and slopes are reduced. This is how TWISTARP reduces strains and sprains, physical exhaustion, and potentially dangerous injuries and lost time accidents.

TYPICAL WEIGHTS OF SOIL REMOVED FROM HOLES AT 130 LBS. PER CUBIC FT. *

*unexcavated soil weighs 130lbs. per cubic ft., after excavating it weighs 100 lbs. per cubic ft.

These are examples of sensible ergonomic solutions

A. The effects of the extremely heavy weight of soil are inflicted on the body when the soil is compacted, embedded in vegetation or put on the end of a 5 ft. shovel. By using the hydraulic power of machines, we can cut the foot-pounds of work to a small fraction. Imagine saving 1680 lbs. of work while setting a single 40 ft. pole. Simply place the dirt on the tarp and hoist one end up to form a chute that the dirt can be pushed or pulled down. Shoveling the 1680 lbs. with the shovel 3 ft from the body and lifted 1 feet is over 5,000 foot lbs of work. This does not allow for extra weight on ones back because of awkward work position.

B. Hoisting soil or gravel from one place to another requires no physical effort other than operating the machine. Pictures

WEIGHTS OF CONICAL STOCKPILES OF EXCAVATED MATERIALS

Formula .2618 x Diameter x Diameter x Height

Weight is approximate 100 pounds per cubic foot

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