OUR RESEARCH

Diverse in focus

ERGONOMICS IN THE APPAREL INDUSTRY

We have conducted Ergonomics studies at more than 25 apparel manufacturing factories. To list a few, in 2004 we conducted a series of Ergonomics studies at 6 factories of MAS Holdings (the largest apparel exporter in Sri Lanka).

INDUSTRIAL SEATED WORK

Prolong seated work is long researched as a course for back pain. In 2002, we set up a lab to conduct experiments and improve the Ergonomics of seated industrial operations in collaboration with the apparel industry.

EFFECTS OF REPETITIVE TASKS

Repetitive and short tasks on assembly lines can cause both physical and psychological issues. In 2008, we conducted a study on the psychological effects of short, repetitive, and easy tasks on production lines. We introduced the "Bordom Indicator".

LEAN ERGONOMICS

In 2008, we developed this new discipline. The aim is to help organizations to maintain an ergonomic focus during the lean transformations. With the increased interest on cellular production and work rotation, Ergonomics becomes even more important. For example, we continue to collaborate with the industry to address the emerging challenges of standing work.

BODY MEASUREMENTS

Prof John conducted the first anthropometry (Body measurements) survey in Sri Lanka in 1987. Results of this survey are useful in many fields such as furniture manufacturing and architectural design.

ERGONOMICS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

In many workplaces PPEs are used, either as the only form of protection or as an additional defense. Although the very purpose of PPEs is to get protection from risks, they carry inherent challenges those can be evaluated only through proper Ergonomics perspective.

WORKPLACE MEASUREMENTS

Workplace refers to the immediate, physical surroundings of the worker. The evaluation considers the equipment, furniture and other work aids and their arrangement and dimensions. The effect of these factors on the work load is important, especially when the work is stationary and done in either a sitting or standing position.

DOMESTIC ERGONOMICS

For example, in Sri Lanka, domestic pantry cupboards, dinner tables, kitchen counters are not designed for average Sri Lankan body sizes. It is presumed that furniture in Sri Lanka has been
designed to fit Europeans. The
ignorance of the furniture manufacturers to make furniture to fit users is causing much discomfort among the users of tables and chairs in homes.