Ergonomics in the Design Process Author : Justin O'Sullivan

Given the type and nature of injuries in underground mining, the key roles and necessary independence of operators and the very difficult environment, ergonomics plays a fundamental role in the design of underground mining equipment. It is clear that optimal performance, minimal fatigue and minimisation of errors are crucial to a productive and safe process. Ergonomics plays a key role in all of these areas by ensuring that the dimensions, clearances, space, layout, efforts, visibility and other factors, incorporated in the equipment design, are matched to human capabilities and limitations.

Engineers work hard to ensure that the equipment is designed for the purpose, is capable of withstanding the stresses, is productive and cost effective. However, in many cases, the design is a slight modification or progression of existing designs and without a significant focus on the human factor. In my experience engineers often see the human as the weak link in a good design and one element which is difficult to control and can involve unpredictable outcomes.

Ergonomic data, about humans and their interactions with tasks, can help take some of the mystery out of the human factor and provide engineers with useful specifications to be incorporated in the equipment design. This presentation discusses the types of contributions ergonomics can make to the design of underground equipment, along with some examples.

According to the International Ergonomics Association ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. Ergonomists, in practice, have to address real world problems and seek the best compromise under difficult circumstances while aiming to provide cost effective solutions, according to Stanton et al.1

In my experience ergonomists also have other goals, particularly in regard to assisting with design:

* Find and apply data on human performance relevant to the design and demands;
* Assist the designer/engineer by way of ergonomic specifications;
* Assess risk quantitatively, comparing current and intended designs;
* Set clear solution goals and specifications which can act as a design standard;
* Often provide a neutral or objective opinion utilizing ergonomic data.