WORK STUDY and ERGONOMICS

AIM

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of work study and ergonomics. It explores the theories of human physiology and cognitive sciences and their practical applications in designing work environments that optimize performance and minimize the risk of work-related disorders. The course emphasizes strategies for developing efficient work processes and creating a safe, comfortable, and productive workplace that enhances both human well-being and system efficiency. Students will also gain hands-on experience with ergonomic tools and techniques—such as biomechanics, work posture assessment, anthropometry, and work physiology—and learn key work study methods including string diagrams, method study, work sampling, and man-machine systems. Overall, the course promotes the principle of “fitting the job to the man” to achieve sustainable productivity and worker satisfaction.

CONTENT

This course contains; Introduction to Work Study: Basic definitions, productivity measurement, role of human factors in efficiency,Method Study – Part I: Purpose and steps of method study, process charts, recording and analyzing methods.,Method Study – Part II: Principles of motion economy, workplace layout, design of efficient work methods.,Work Measurement: Time study techniques, standard time calculation, and rating factors,Advanced Work Measurement: Work sampling, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), and standard data systems,Wages, Incentives, and Ergonomics Introduction: Wage determination, incentive schemes, and ergonomic design principles,Work Physiology: Energy expenditure, muscular and cardiovascular responses to work, and fatigue,Biomechanics of Work: Mechanical loading, posture, manual handling, and lifting limits (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Index),Risk Assessment for Upper Extremities: Repetitive strain injuries, risk factors, and evaluation tools (e.g., RULA, REBA),Work Postures and MSDs: Assessment methods, ergonomic redesign, and posture optimization,Office Ergonomics: Workstation design, display screen equipment, and computer-based work risk reduction,Occupational Noise and Heat Stress: Noise measurement, control methods, hearing conservation, heat stress management,Occupational Health and Safety: Industrial hygiene, respiratory hazards, safety systems, cardiovascular risks in heavy industry,Term Project Presentations .

1. 1

   1. Students will be able to apply work study techniques such as method study, motion study, and work measurement to improve productivity and operational efficiency.

   Taught by: Discussion Method, Case Study Method, Project Based Learning Model, Computer-Internet Supported Instruction, Lecture Method · Assessed by: Traditional Written Exam, Homework

2. 2

   2. Students will be able to analyze human factors and ergonomic principles to design safe, efficient, and worker-friendly workplaces.

   Taught by: Mastery Learning, Discussion Method, Problem Solving Method, Case Study Method, Project Based Learning Model, Computer-Internet Supported Instruction · Assessed by: Traditional Written Exam, Homework

3. 3

   3. Students will be able to evaluate occupational health and safety risks related to physical, chemical, and environmental hazards in various work settings.

   Taught by: Discussion Method, Problem Solving Method, Self Study Method, Project Based Learning Model, Problem Baded Learning Model, Computer-Internet Supported Instruction · Assessed by: Traditional Written Exam, Homework

4. 4

   4. Students will be able to assess and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through ergonomic analysis and risk assessment methods.

   Taught by: Discussion Method, Problem Solving Method, Case Study Method, Project Based Learning Model, Computer-Internet Supported Instruction · Assessed by: Traditional Written Exam, Homework

5. 5

   5. Students will be able to develop integrated workplace improvement strategies that enhance worker health, safety, and productivity through ergonomic design and occupational health practices.

   Taught by: Case Study Method, Self Study Method, Project Based Learning Model, Problem Baded Learning Model, Computer-Internet Supported Instruction · Assessed by: Traditional Written Exam, Homework

WEEKLY PLAN

1. WEEK 1

   Introduction to Work Study: Basic definitions, productivity measurement, role of human factors in efficiency

   Preparation: Chapters 1 & 2

2. WEEK 2

   Method Study – Part I: Purpose and steps of method study, process charts, recording and analyzing methods.

   Preparation: Chapter 3

3. WEEK 3

   Method Study – Part II: Principles of motion economy, workplace layout, design of efficient work methods.

   Preparation: Chapter 3

4. WEEK 4

   Work Measurement: Time study techniques, standard time calculation, and rating factors

   Preparation: Chapter 4

5. WEEK 5

   Advanced Work Measurement: Work sampling, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), and standard data systems

   Preparation: Chapter 4

6. WEEK 6

   Wages, Incentives, and Ergonomics Introduction: Wage determination, incentive schemes, and ergonomic design principles

   Preparation: Chapters 5 & 6

7. WEEK 7

   Work Physiology: Energy expenditure, muscular and cardiovascular responses to work, and fatigue

   Preparation: Chapter 7

8. WEEK 8

   Biomechanics of Work: Mechanical loading, posture, manual handling, and lifting limits (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Index)

   Preparation: Chapter 8

9. WEEK 9

   Risk Assessment for Upper Extremities: Repetitive strain injuries, risk factors, and evaluation tools (e.g., RULA, REBA)

   Preparation: Chapter 9

10. WEEK 10

    Work Postures and MSDs: Assessment methods, ergonomic redesign, and posture optimization

    Preparation: Chapter 10

11. WEEK 11

    Office Ergonomics: Workstation design, display screen equipment, and computer-based work risk reduction

    Preparation: Chapters 11 & 12

12. WEEK 12

    Occupational Noise and Heat Stress: Noise measurement, control methods, hearing conservation, heat stress management

    Preparation: Chapters 13, 14 & 15

13. WEEK 13

    Occupational Health and Safety: Industrial hygiene, respiratory hazards, safety systems, cardiovascular risks in heavy industry

    Preparation: Chapters 16, 17 & 18

14. WEEK 14

    Term Project Presentations

    Preparation: Lecture Notes, Assignments, Book Exercises

ASSESSMENT

• Rate of Midterm Exam to Success30%
• Rate of Final Exam to Success70%

WORKLOAD

READING

• Textbook: L. P. Singh, Work Study and Ergonomics, Cambridge Press (2018).
• Supplementary Books: M.S. Sanders and E.J. McCormick, Human Factors in Engineering and Design, 7th Edition (International), McGraw-Hill, Inc. M.P. Groover, Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work, Pearson Education (2014). W. D. Wickens, J. D. Lee, Y. Liu, S. E. Gordon Becker, An Introduction to Human Factors Engineering,. 2nd Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall (2004).

TEACHING STAFF

• Assist.Prof. Rüçhan Melisa DENİZ ÖZGENCOORDINATOR
• Assist.Prof. Rüçhan Melisa DENİZ ÖZGEN