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Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering

Ergonomics Safety

Earth Tech Inc. is a leader in the field of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment Evaluations. Our team of Ergonomic and Human Factors Engineering Professionals include Certified Professional Ergonomists (CPEs), with experience ranging from SEMI S8 equipment evaluations to Cal OSHA compliance and ergonomic program development.

What Is Ergonomics?

Modern ergonomics is a well-established applied science that has been growing since the 1940's. The term "Ergonomics" is derived from two Greek words: "ergo" means "work" and "nomics" means "the science of". Ergonomics, also referred to as Human Factors Engineering, is the study of the interaction between people and their work.

Central to ergonomic evaluation and analysis is the safety, health and well being of the worker and the optimization of work performance. This is achieved through ergonomic engineering of equipment, tools, tasks, the workstation / environment, and work processes

Why Should A Company Consider Ergonomics?

Ergonomics deals directly with the problem of "work related musculoskeletal disorders" (WMSDs) and this type of injury is one of the most prevalent lost-time injuries in the country (Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Safety Council).

One form of WMSD are Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs) are injuries to the musculoskeletal system caused by excessive repetition over weeks or months.

Department of Labor Statistics indicate that over 300,000 repetitive motion injuries are reported annually.

State Ergonomic Safety Standards

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA) requires compliance with 8 CCR Section 5110, which states that if more than one RMI has been reported in the last 12 months the company is required to have an ergonomic program in place. The ergonomic program has the following components:


Direct Costs To The Company Due To Ergonomic Related Injuries Workers compensation and Insurance premium costs


Product Manufacturing Perspective

Ergonomic analysis and modifications can make a significant financial difference to the bottom line. Safe, optimized ergonomic design of equipment and processes create a tool that is safe to operate, maintain and service, and this is key to the Tool Presentation and Marketing. Delivering an Ergonomic Evaluation that helps the equipment supplier identify potential problems early in the design phase saves money because they don't need to retrofit on a large installed base at their own expense. And in the long run more tools are sold because of reduced injury related or retrofit costs for the end users. At Earth Tech, technical accuracy and understanding the marketplace is key to getting the ergonomic evaluation right.

Is Covered In An Ergonomic Evaluation?

The purpose of an ergonomic study is threefold: firstly, to conduct a detailed task review of all foreseeable human interface with the equipment; secondly, to analyze the data collected with respect to industry requirements; and, thirdly, to give a comprehensive report of the data collected, analysis conducted, and conclusions reached. Primary to this approach is close examination of the following ergonomic factors:
  • Posture: Overall body and all relevant joint positions are considered. Safety ranges include anthropometric or body length consideration of the 95th %ile North American male through to the 5th %ile Asian Female.
  • Force: The forces required to perform a task are either obtained through the weights of the objects being lifted, or, if this is not possible, through the use of a force gage for ergonomic evaluation.
  • Frequency: The number of repetitions of a task are critical to determining worker tolerance and overall safety.
  • Duration: How long a task is performed is also critical to designing safety parameters. For example, tasks which require a static posture for a sustained period of time can be more musculoskeletally stressful than tasks involving many repetitions for a longer period.


    • Design Criteria

    Design categories include:
  • Lifting and material handling
  • Handle Design
  • Maintainability and Serviceability
  • Display Location
  • Control Location
  • Maintenance Reach Envelopes
  • Workstation Design


    • Reporting

    Earth Tech Microelectronics Services conducts equipment reviews presented in a comprehensive report. The report includes a complete task analysis of all operation, preventive maintenance and service tasks as applicable, Supplier Ergonomic Success Criteria checklist (SESC), and recommended design changes for full compliance with SEMI S8.

    Office Ergonomics Program Development and Support

    Earth Tech Microelectronics Services can help you develop and manage an internal ergonomic program, or support an existing one. Typical program components consist of:
  • Detailed Workstation Evaluation
  • Lifting Training
  • Stretches
  • RSI Symptoms and Prevention
  • Internal Program Marketing
  • Company Wide Control Of Exposures
  • Furniture and Equipment Selection


    • Ergonomics Training

    The course covers SEMI S8 Basic Principles and Concepts and the following areas and also includes practical sessions and diagrams of design samples:
  • Lifting and material handling
  • Handle Design
  • Maintainability and Serviceability
  • Display Location
  • Control Location
  • Maintenance Reach Envelopes
  • Workstation Design


    • Lifting Safety and Stretches

    This course covers functional anatomy, common lifting hazards, proper lifting technique, hands on training and target stretch break routines.

    Office Ergonomics and Stretching

    Training includes: cumulative trauma injuries and symptoms, functional anatomy, how to adjust your work area, appropriate stretch routines, and basic principles. Ergonomics must take into consideration the physical and mental capabilities and limitations of people at work. Key areas of concern are: Strength Capabilities, Repetitive Motions, and Awkward or Sustained Postures.

     

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