QUESTION 1

(a) (i) Describe briefly a good handling technique that can be adopted by a person who is required to lift a load of about 20kg from the ground.

(ii) Discuss the techniques that can be applied at a place of work for an efficient material storage and handling system.

(b) Ergonomics is a science concerned with the "fit" between people and their work. Explain the factors you would consider to assess the fit between a person and his work in order to design safe, effective and productive work systems.

QUESTION 2

(a) A well-designed workstation is important for productive work. What are the ergonomic guidelines that can be used in the selection of an appropriate chair for a sitting workstation?

(b) What is an anthropometric variable? In what ways can anthropometric data be used to develop design guidelines for heights, clearances, grips and reaches of workplaces and equipment for the purpose of accommodating the body dimensions of the potential work force?

QUESTION 3

(a) How would you identify ergonomic problems associated with the use of visual display units? Describe the measures which can be taken to eliminate these problems.

(b) What is a Job Safety Analysis? Describe briefly the steps which should be taken to conduct a Job Safety Analysis

QUESTION 4

(a) Describe how you would control high levels of noise at a place of work by the application of sound ergonomic principles in order to improve workers' comfort and efficiency

(b) Forcing a worker to adapt to poorly designed work conditions can lead to serious injury to the hands, wrists, joints, back or other parts of the body.

Under what circumstances can a worker suffer such an injury?