Andréa Regina Martins Fontes

Complementarities of digital human models and ergonomic work analysis in workstation design: the manual packaging task

This study demonstrates how digital human models and ergonomic work analysis (EWA) can be integrated in the process of designing a new workstation. To this end, this paper examines the application of human simulation technology during an ergonomic intervention, which included the design of a new workstation concept with new technical artefacts. Simulation was used to test some of the design variables and to aid communication among the actors. The environments were designed in AutoCAD 2010 (Autodesk) and then imported to Delmia V5R18 (Dassault Systemes) to simulate the static tests (variables such as posture) and the dynamic tests (animations). The main findings indicate that digital human simulation is an important tool to aid workstation design and to anticipate situations in future work activities. This case study revealed that the integrated use of EWA and simulation enabled workers to participate and interact as people directly responsible for planning work activities.

SIMULAÇÃO HUMANA DIGITAL NA CONCEPÇÃO DE POSTOS DE TRABALHO: ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DE CASOS

This paper investigates a computational tool for Human Modeling and Simulation contextualized by Ergonomic Analysis of Work (EAW) and future work activity forecasting that can assist in the design processes of workplaces. Two case studies using Human Simulation was employed and the software Jack were analyzed. The first study presents the design of a counter in a public post office. The second shows the development of a workstation for the supply of surgical needles in a company that manufactures hygiene and healthcare products. The results of the case studies show the contributions and challenges of using this design technology aiming to solve problems related to health and productivity. The use of simulation combined with EAW helped to improve future work activity forecasting of new work situations and helped the integration and communication of the actors involved in these social processes.

Ergonomics and Technologies in Waste Sorting: Usage and Appropriation in a Recyclable Waste Collectors Cooperative

Waste collection and sorting are important stages for the municipal waste management. Since the 90´s in Brazil, due to the gap left by public power and structural unemployment, activities in the collection, sorting and commercialization of recycled materials had been done by collectors´ cooperatives. However, authors point that these organizations present a limited productivity, due to lack of technological infrastructure (facilities, equipment and adequate process) and also due to the poor working conditions. In this context, this paper aims to discuss technology and work, comparing the usage and appropriation of technologies in a recyclable waste collectors’ cooperative. The research was carried out qualitatively, as a case study, following the approach delineated by French-speaking ergonomics theories. Three situations were selected for data collection: spaces usage and materials flow in the facility; tools use in the activities carried out; and use of adapted mover equipment and containers. Data collection comprised interviews with the cooperative president and two sorting operators, free and systematic observation of operators’ work and pictures taking. Results show that facilities, equipment and materials’ movers were mostly donated from other organizations to the cooperative. Therefore, we see that the cooperative operates in a location where the facilities, equipment and machinery are not aligned with the type, amount and variability of the waste that the organization needs to sort to achieve its economic goals. To overcome this situation and actually fulfill its job, the cooperative develops different uses of spaces and technology, which sometimes happens at the cost of workers health, safety and well-being.

Simulation, Prototyping and Experimentation - The Potential of the Maker Labs to Achieving a Design-Driven HFE

Participatory Ergonomics design processes need intermediary objects to anticipate future activity and integrate team’s thoughts on the improvements of the work situation. These objects enable users and designers to dialogue and develop together a new representation of the work analyzed. The group needs to discuss, touch and test many variables, thus being required to engaging in simulation, prototyping and experimentation activities. Thus, maker labs’ potential for a design-driven Human Factors and Ergonomics relates to the tools and techniques for facilitating the technical and social construction of the design process. This paper aims to achieve a better understanding on the potential of this kind of labs in fostering a design-driven HFE based on three practical experiences carried-out by the authors. The first case reports a new product development project of physical evaluation apparatus focusing both ergonomics aspects (for the professional who uses it as work tool) and usability aspects (to the patient/user). A second case highlights the development, prototyping and simulation of a walking aid for people with motor skills impairment. The final case highlights the benefits of using 3D printed models as an intermediary object in a workshop for ergonomics and design education. Results achieved so far point toward the promising potential that maker labs’ technologies have in the context of ergonomics practice and education. Among the main benefits from simulation, prototyping and experimentation we highlight the ability to quickly produce scale physical models for fostering understanding throughout design processes, the testing of products/parts with custom made specification (including anatomical shapes) with low costs associated, and the ability to physically build and manipulate designs that usually would only be represented as virtual renderings or drawings.

Ergonomics in designing process: dialogue between designers, executors and users in the maintenance activity of radars in an oil refinery

This paper aims to discuss the role of ergonomics in design process using the dialogue developed by designers, implementers and users in an oil refinery. It was possible to identify the need of minimizing the postural constraints, risk of accidents, mechanical shocks and to enlarge safety perception in the access and permanency of the users at the workspace. It has been determined and validated by workers and managers to implement different deadlines depending on programming, viability and execution time for the improvements proposed. In a long-term: it was proposed the substitution of the ladders with time planning according to the maintenance program of the tanks; in a short-time: it was suggested the expansion of the existing platforms, implementation of a walkway connection provided with guardrails between the upper access of the side ladder and the repositioning of radar set and aerial aiming at the usage by workers at the workstation of the new platform. It was also elaborated eight typologies of intervention, according to the request, type of tank, material stored, and its setting place. The design process arises from ergonomics workplace analysis that presents concepts for solutions which was a mediator tool to be settled between users and implementers.