A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
In
HPC 109

ERGONOMICS AND FACILITIES PLANNING FOR THE

HOSPITALITY
 
 
 

 
College of Business and Management
BSHM
 
 
 
 
 Module No. 1

Introduction to Ergonomics

2nd Semester 2020-2021

EDEL MIKEL ALI P. MAUTE

Instructor - I

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Table of Contents
Instruction to the User .………………….……………………………………………..4
Introduction ………….………………………………………………………5
Chapter 1 ………………………………………………………………….6
Title of the Chapter: ………………………………………………………………….6
Overview ………………………………………………………………….6
Learning Outcomes ………………………………………………………………….6
Lesson 1 ………………………………………………………………….7
A. Learning Outcomes ………………………………………………………………….7
B. Time Allotment ………………………………………………………………….7
C. Discussion ………………………………………………………………….7
D. Activities/Exercises ………………………………………………………………….15
E. Evaluation/Post-test ………………………………………………………………….16

References ………………………………………………………………….19

Privacy Notice ………………………………………………………………….20

Vision, Mission and Core Values ………………………………………………………………….21

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as well
to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It covers
the topic about Ergonomics

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be learned
about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social media
platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue amidst
this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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Introduction

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of

interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that
applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human
well-being and overall system performance, International Ergonomics Association.

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 Module 1
Chapter I – Introduction to Ergonomics

Overview

Ergonomics is a science-based discipline that incorporates n • as anatomy and

physiology, expertise from other subjects, such 1 anatomy and physiology,
psychology, engineering and statistics, to ensure that designs match people's
strengths and abilities and minimize the impact of their shortcomings. Ergonomists
and human factors experts strive to consider how a product, workplace or structure
can be built to accommodate the individuals who need to use it, rather than requiring
people to conform to a design that requires them to work in an inconvenient,
stressful or unsafe way.

Learning objectives

1. Define what is ergonomics;

2. Describe the different scope of ergonomic;
3. Discuss the different categories of ergonomics;
4. Identify the risk factors.
5. Define terms related to ergonomics '

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Lesson I
A. Learning Outcomes

1. Define what is ergonomics;

2. Describe the different scope of ergonomic;
3. Discuss the different categories of ergonomics;
4. Identify the risk factors.
5. Define terms related to ergonomics '

B. Time Allotment
1. 3 hours per week
C. Discussion
It is possible to use the terms' ergonomics 'and' human factors' interchangeable soon
'ergonomics' is mostly used in relation to the physical aspects of the settin0 b, such as
workstations and control panels, while 'Inman factor's' arc often used in relation to
the broader system in which people work.

Scope of Ergonomics

1. Design of Man-Machine Systems:

A man-machine system is a system where, in relation to one or more workmen,
devices or facilities, one or more workmen/humans operate. Productive systems as
well as utility systems, such as a post office or firefighting system or a pharmacy, etc.,
may be such systems. Ergonomics is used to adjust such systems so as to provide the
user of the device with maximum job satisfaction and comfort and minimal
physiological and mental load.

2. Design of Consumer Goods and Service Systems:

In the design of consumer products, ergonomics is applicable, starting from the

design of the tooth brush and other items such as dinning set; sofa set; kitchen ware,
table and shoes etc. Similarly, it should also be economically sound for protective
equipment such as safety goggles, adverse weather and space clothing, gloves, crash
helmets, firefighting and industrial hazard protection and appliances.

3. Design of Working Environment:

The multiple factors related to ergonomics, such as human lighting resistance,

emissions, noise heating and ventilation should be taken into account when
designing a proper working environment for the workforce/workers at work. At each
stage right design up to real usage or actual operation, this factor should be taken
into account The area is infinite and applicable. Ergonomic research should be
conducted on all environmental considerations, such as workbench architecture,

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public transport, road networks, city and country planning, workers, neighborhoods,
airports, etc.

Categories of Ergonomics
There are three broad areas of ergonomics:
1. Physical ergonomics looks at how human anatomical, anthropometric,
physiological and biomechanical characteristics relate to physical activity.
This includes:

 working posture.
 manual
 repetitive movements
 musculoskeletal disorders
 workplace layout and environment

2. Psychological ergonomics studies mental process. (e.g. perception, cognition,

memory, reasoning and emotion) and how people interact with products,
systems and environments. This includes:

 mental workload
 attitudes
 decision making
 stress
 human-computer
 motivation interaction
 pleasure
 human reliability
 cultural differences

3. Organizational ergonomics is about optimizing. the organizational structures,

policies and processes of socio-technical systems. These includes:
4.
 communication
 working time patterns.
 work design
 co-operative work
 staff resource management
 quality management
 organizational culture

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Ergonomic Risk Factors

Awkward posture, high force, a. high or long frequency are the three key ergonomic
risk factors that cause MSDs. The probability of developing an MSD is enhanced by
the combination of postures, forces and frequencies.

Posture - The joints can absorb force more effectively in a neutral pose than in
others. As they may stress joint components and decrease or obstruct blood flow,
uncomfortable and extreme postures increase susceptibility to injury.

Force - Gripping, pinching, pushing, pulling, a. lifting objects place additional force
on the body's joints. It needs addition. muscle exertion to increase these forces,
which places greater loads on joints a. connective tissues that can cause weakness
and can lead to MSD when there is insufficient time for rest and recovery.

Frequency- T. capacity for injury to a joint is increased by the greater frequency of

uncomfortable postures and/or forces.

Other risk factors:

• Awkward postures
• Noise
• Bending
• Pushing, pulling
• Compression or contact stress
• Reaching
• Forceful exertions
• Repetitive motions
• Insufficient rest breaks
• Static or sustained postures
• Lilting
• Temperature extremes
• Lighting
• Vibration

Importance of ergonomics:

a) Increases productivity
• Best ergonomic solution enhances the productivity
• Ergonomic reduces the WIWI:1M. tension, awkward position of the
body.
• Ergonomic is focused in making the work your easier and comfortable,
this thereby reduces all kind of stress, risk and enhances the
satisfaction and productivity.

b) Reduces the cost

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 • Ergonomics can be considered as the one-time investment
• As ergonomics is focused about. marinating the better health of the
worker it can further reduce the cost of compensation that would be
made by the injured or unhealthy staffs.
• It also reduces die indirect and the opportunity cost that could have
incurred due to injury

c) Improves t. quality of the work

• Improved ergonomics favors the favorable environment where the
workers can work efficiently.
• As the ergonomics improves, level of satisfaction in the quality of the
work increases.
d) Others

• Helps to reduce absenteeism due to more comfort, safety and healthy

working environment
• Assurance to the worker as their workplace is safer (acts as the motivation)
• More focus on the working environment and worker's health makes them
feel valued and boost of moral.

Terminologies

• Administrative controls - Procedures used to reduce the duration,

frequency, or severity of exposure to is hazard. They may include training, job
rotation, and gradual introduction to work. Administrative controls arc part of
hazard prevention and control strategy.

• Awkward posture - If a job task looks uncomfortable, it probably is, and

this increases the chances for injury. Whenever possible, arrange the work
station or work processes to allow employees to work from comfortable,
neutral posture.

• Excessive torso bending, reaching away from the body, bending the neck,
or reaching above shoulder height are examples of awkward postures.

• Discomfort - Mental or physical distress. Examples of physical distress

include aches and pains your body is experiencing. Examples of mental
distress include loss of a loved one, pressure to perform at work, or lack of
sleep.

• Engineering controls - method of controlling and preventing worker

exposure to risk factors or hazards by redesigning equipment, tools, and work
stations.

• Ergonomics -Ergonomics is the field of study that seeks to match the

physical and cognitive requirements of the job to the abilities of the worker. T.
is achieved by designing workplaces, environments, job task, equipment, and

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 processes to suit the worker's abilities. Ergonomics is the scientific study of
people at work.

• Ergonomics program - A systematic method (similar to an accident

prevention or quality improvement program) used to evaluate, prevent, and
manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The four elements of a
typical ergonomics program are worksite analysis, hazard prevention and
control, medical management, and training and education. To implement an
ergonomics program, some companies use an ergonomics team or committee.
This team would be responsible for identifying and correcting musculoskeletal
hazards M the workplace.

• Fatigue - A condition that results when the body cannot provide enough
energy for the muscles to perform a task. It results in an incapacity to continue
to perform work at the Sallie rate.

• Force - The amount of physical effort a person uses to do a task

• Hand-arm vibration - Vibration (generally from a hand tool) that goes

through the hand, then travels through the rest of the body.

• Hazard prevention and control - Eliminating or minimizing the hazards

identified in the worksite analysis. It involves changing the jobs, work
stations, tools, or environment to fit the worker. Hazard prevention and
control is an element of the ergonomics program.

 Injury incident rate Represents Cot number of injuries and/or illnesses per
100 full-time workers, calculated as follows: (N/EH) x 200,000, where N =
number of injuries and/or illnesses, EH = total hours worked by all employees
during the calendar year, and 200,000 = base for 100 fulltime equivalent
workers (working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year).

• Mechanical contact stress - The contact of the body with a ha. surface or
edge that results in I le Compression of tissue. Can also result when using a
part of the body as a hammer or striking instrument

• Musculoskeletal al disorders (DASDs) - illnesses and injuries that affect

one or more parts of die soft tissue and bones in the body. The parts of the
musculoskeletal system are bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and
their associated nerves and blood vessels.

• Neutral posture - Comfortable working posture that reduces the risk of

musculoskeletal disorders. An ideal posture for the upper body would be:
arms at your sides, elbows bent, wrists straight, and eyes looking straight
ahead.

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• Personal protective equipment (PPE) -Gloves, kneepads, and other
equipment that may .1p reduce hazards until other controls can be implement.
or that supplement existing controls.

• Repetitiveness - Performing the same motions repeatedly. The severity of

risk depends on the frequency of repetition, speed of the movement the
number of muscle groups involved, and the required force.

• Risk factors - An aspect of a job that increases the workers chance of getting
a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

• Severity rate - The cost in terms of lost workdays (or dollars) of new injuries
and illnesses. It is calculated as the number of lost workdays per total number
of hours worked by all employees during a specified time period.

• Static loading (or sustained exertions) - Physical effort or posture that

is held without movement and requires muscle contraction for more than a
short time. As muscles remain contracted, the blood flow to the muscles is
reduced.

• Worksite analysis - A safety and health review that addresses work-related

musculoskeletal disorders. It is a structured way of identifying jobs and work
stations that may contain musculoskeletal hazards, risk factors that pose the
hazards, and causes of the risk factors.

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Medical Terms for Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Carpal tunnel syndrome - A compression of the median nerve as A passes

through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

• Chronic low-back pain - General soreness and fatigue of the low back. Pain
is usu.11y constant, and it accompanies most activities.

• Constriction - Binding, squeezing, or shrinking blood vessels so that

circulation is reduced.

• Cubital tunnel syndrome - Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes

through the notch of the elbow.

• Cumulative trauma disorders - Injuries and illnesses that generally occur

as a result of exposure to repeated stresses over a period of time. They affect
one or more parts Al the soft tissues and bones of the musculoskeletal system
and/or nerves and blood vessels servicing the musculoskeletal system.

• Degenerative disc disease - Wear a. tear of the discs that separate the
vertebrae of the spine.

• DeQuervain’s Disease - An inflammation of the tendon and/or its sheath at

the base of the thumb.

• Digital neuritis - Compression of the nerves along the sides of the fingers or
thumbs, resulting in tingling and numbness.

• Epicondylitis - An inflammation of the tendons at the elbow. Also called

tennis elbow (lateral or outside part of the elbow) or golfer's elbow (medical or
inside part of the elbow).

• Ganglionic - Swelling of the tendon sheath due to the buildup of synovial

fluid inside the sheath. The cyst usually causes a bump under the skin.

• Nonspecific backache - General soreness and fatigue of the low back.

• Osteoarthritis - Most common type of arthritis, especially among older

people. sometimes called degenerative joint disease or 'wear-and-tear'
arthritis. Unlike other types of arthritis, it only affects the johns, not internal
organs. It causes persistent stiffness a. swelling of the joints.

• Raynaud's Phenomenon - A constriction of the blood vessels in the hands

and fingers. Also called "white finger."

• Rotator cuff tendonitis - Inflammation of one or more tendons at the

shoulder. Also called "pitcher's shoulder,

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• Sprain - Overstretching or overexertion of a ligament that results in a tear or
rupture of the ligament • Strain - Overstretching or overexertion of a muscle
or tendon.

• Tendonitis - Inflammation of the tendon. • Tenosynovitis – Inflammation of

the sheath around the tendon.

• Thoracic outlet syndrome - Compression of the nerves a. blood vessels

between the neck and shoulder often associated with prolonged overhead
work.

• Trigger finger - A common term for tendonitis or tenosynovitis that causes

painful locking of the finger(s) while flexing.

• Ulnar nerve entrapment - Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes

through the wrist, often associated with prolonged flexion and extension of
the wrist and pressure on the palm.

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D. Activities/ Exercises

Part 1 - Identify the following terms.

I. An inflammation of the tendon and/or its sheath at the

base of the thumb.
2. A common term for tendonitis or tenosynovitis that
causes painful locking of the finger(s) while flexing.
3. Binding, squeezing, or shrinking blood vessels so that
circulation is reduced.
4. The amount of physical effort a person uses to do a task.

5. An aspect of a job that increases the worker's chance of

getting a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
6. General soreness and fatigue of the late back.
7. Inflammation of the tendon.
8. Overstretching or overexertion of a ligament that results
in a tear or rupture of the ligament.
9. Vibration (generally from a hand tool) that goes through
the hand. then travels through the rest of the body.
10. A condition that results when the body cannot provide
enough energy for the muscles to perform a task.
11. A systematic method used to evaluate, prevent, and
manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
12. Gloves, kneepads, taut other equipment that may help
reduce hazards until other controls can be implemented or
that supplement existing controls

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Part II

1. Define Ergonomics

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2. Give the 3 major risk factors for Ergonomics

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3. What are the categories of Ergonomics?

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 References:

Cornell, D. V., & Manzano, R. G. (2020). Quality Service Management in Tourism and
Hospitality (First ed.). Manila, Philippines: Rex Books Store.

Jay Kandanmpully, PhD, Connie Mok, PhD, Beverly Sparks, PhD. (2018) Haworth
Hospitality Press. Binghamton

Riley, M. (2018. Managing People in the Hospitality Industry). Routledge

Disclaimer: This Module is prepared for instructional purposes only. The teacher does
not claim ownership of this module but patterned the ideas from different authors.

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 Congratulations for completing this module!

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For this module we collect your name, program, year and section, contact number, email
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Student’s
Information
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Year and Section:
Contact No.:
E-mail address:
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Messenger Account:

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 Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green
technologies for a dynamic economy and sustainable
development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Core Values (3CT)

Culture of Excellence
Commitment
Creativity
Teamwork

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