Week+5


 * Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'. (3 paragraphs)**

Ergonomics is the layout of the workspace environment of an individual which allows them to be productive in their workspace surroundings. When not having an ergonomic workspace it creates an unconformable working environment not allowing the worker to be productive as it creates interruption distraction and strain on the worker.

Simple ergonomic tasks may not seem like they may impact an individual by creating strain or being less productive, but over a period of time this can affect an individual in a negative manner. By taking the required precautions and measures it allows the working environment to pleasurable and enjoyable.

Ergonomics can be avoided by taking simple measures regarding the organization of your surroundings and ensuring that the working environment is user friendly. In the human scale ergonomics video we can see that the features outline here included were: comfort and simplicity, incorrect height and depth of chair, task lighting, freedom of movement, prolonged laptop use, and useable desk space. By having all of these factors corrected, it allowed the ergonomic individual to be more productive and stress-free.


 * What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' (1 paragraph)**

The Gilbreth’s system of motion analysis is constant monitoring and analysis of the bricklayer workers and seeing where they accumulate there stress, how they get tired, and how they are not being productive in their task completion. By looking at all of these factors they are then analyzed and reconfigured in way which will avoid all of this, making the workers life less difficult and time consuming then before.


 * Who was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize 'motion study'? (2 paragraphs)**

Frank Therblig was apprentice bring layer, whom was taught many different ways to lay bricks. While having this occupation he wanted to figure out alternative ways where he could get the same brick laying task done but in a more ergonomic way where it would allow him to be more productive, consume less time in addition to not being tired and stressed.

He utilized motion study by observing how these brick layers completed the current way of brick laying and how many steps and processes that these individuals went through to get the task completed. Once he saw the steps which were being taken he analyzed it and took the proper measure to alter their current steps and processes making their task easier and simpler. This in addition also helps to create the Therblig Analysis checklist where he could verify that these processes would be satisfied according to their desired needs.


 * Describe three categories Frank Gerblith used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist. (3 paragraphs)**

Some of the categories which Frank Gilbreth uses in the Therblig Analysis checklist include the following:

One of the categories he uses is “release”, what this does is while having an object in transit, it allows the object to be release mid way through the cycle allowing the desired outcome to be implemented rather than waiting for the cycle to be completed. This can be done using “ejectors, using correct size bins for the object, releasing multiple units, having easy access to the unit/object.”

Another category he uses is “pre-position”, what this does is gives the tools in the workspace pre-positioned layout in the way that the tools are acquired allowing them to easy to pickup without avoiding the fumbling and looking around for them. Certain techniques that can be utilized include: “having the tools suspended, using a guide, having a magazine feed, by stacking a device, and rotating a fixture.” As we can see, there are many ways and functions which can be layout to make the pre-positioning method simple for the worker.

Another category he uses is “hold”, what this does is question if the physical surrounding object hand be held with different mechanisms such as: “a vice, pin, hook, rack, clip, vacuum, using friction, magnetic devices, or a twin holding fixture.” By using any of these techniques we can eliminate sounding space and clutter off ones workspace area.