ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to the practice of industrial ergonomics and human factors. It focuses on methods of assessment of manual materials handling tasks, biomechanics and the physical environment. Discussion is also provided about issues such as shift work and occupational stress. Dynamic muscular effort consists of rhythmic contraction and extension, tension and relaxation. Static muscular work occurs where the muscle contracts for a lengthened period, usually in a postural position. Risk factors for muscular work can be found in several checklists and tables. A force exerted in one direction will have an equal but opposite force opposing it in another direction. Manual materials handling or simply manual handling is defined as an activity that requires an exertion to push, pull, lift, lower, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain an object. The aim of anthropometry is to provide information about a range of sizes of people, which can then be used to optimise the design of items.
