Ergonomics Assignment

You are an ergonomics expert hired by William Lyon Mackenzie to analyze the current ergonomics conditions in Room 117 and to make suggestions for improvement. You can do this assignment on your own or in pairs.

Part 1: Analyzing Current Conditions

Analysis the current computer lab to determine if it is an appropriate and safe work environment for students. Remember that at least 4 classes, with two different teachers, use the lab on a daily basis.

Things to consider:

  • Lighting
  • Chairs
  • Workstations
  • Keyboards
  • Mice
  • Monitors

Your report should include on overview of whether or not you deem the lab to be a safe and appropriate work environment for students as well as reasons for your conclusion.

Part 2: Plan for Improvement

You have been given a budget of $750 per workstation to help redesign the computer lab. Based on the analysis you did in the first part of the assignment, design an ergonomically appropriate workstation. You have to work with the existing computer equipment (i.e. you cannot purchase a new computer out of your budget) but you may purchase additional devices such as chairs, keyboards etc.

Your design should include (you can include the first 4 items in a table if you wish)

  • A listing of products you would purchase for the workstation
  • Features of the products
  • Cost of the products
  • Benefits of the products
  • Total cost of each workstation
  • Reasons for the choices you made

Continuing the example from above, if the lighting is a problem, then purchase new lights. Choose a light, describe it, then give a reason why it is better then what is currently in the lab.

There are many websites that offer ergonomic products, just google what you need.

Your report should include the following headings:

Overview: a brief introduction of the content of the report (discuss why ergonomics is important and the describe the lab)

Evidence: reasons for your final conclusion, why the lab is or is not an appropriate and safe work environment

If you decide something is unsafe, state the reason. For example, if there is a problem with the lighting (too bright), state why this is a problem (eyestrain, glare).

Solutions:Description of your solutions to the problems you found. Including the purchase descriptions

Conclusion: a conclusion about the conditions of the lab