Anthropometrics

&
Anatomy

ANTHROPOMETRICS

Differences Between
Males & Females
Knuckle Height (standing)
Elbow Rest Height (standing)
Hand Length/Grip Span
Functional Reach
Strength

Engineering Anthropometrics
Anthropometrics
The science that deals with the measurement of
size, weight, and proportions of the human
body.

The use of body dimensions and

measurements to design the system to fit the
operator

Anthropometric Design
Design for the RANGE

1.

Adjustable car seat, elbow rest height

Design for the EXTREME

2.

Height design clearance for tall people

Reach design to be reached by short people

Design for the AVERAGE

3.

Public seating, designed to accommodate the

median of the population in use

Design Guidelines

Why Not Design For Average?

Design Guidelines

Why Not Design For Average?

When you design for the

average, you limit the most!

Design for Adjustability, Extremes, or Average?

(North American Large Male)

(North American Small Female)

Design Guidelines

Anthropometric Data
Hand
Breadth
Length
Thickness
Breadth Across Thumb

Standing
Standing Height
Eye Height
Elbow Height
Ankle Height

Seated
Sitting Height
Eye Height
Elbow Height
Knee Height

Other
Body Weight
Arm Reach
Foot Length
Shoulder Breadth

Using Anthropometric Data

Calculate Minimum Work Surface Height
If work is to be performed at elbow rest height:
MWSH = + popliteal height
+ shoe height adjustment
+ thigh clearance
+ thigh clearance clothing adjustment
+ table thickness
Source: Tayyari F., and Smith, J.L., Occupational Ergonomics, Principles
and Applications, 1997.

Standing Workstation Challenge - Before

Design Guidelines

Standing Workstation Dimensions

Design Guidelines

Standing Workstation Challenge - After

Design Guidelines

Material Handling Challenge - Before

Design Guidelines

Material Handling Dimensions

Design Guidelines

Safer Lifting Zone

Power Zone
The power zone for lifting is
close to the body, between
mid-thigh and mid-chest
height.
Comparable to the strike zone
in baseball, this zone is where
arms and back can lift the
most with the least amount of
effort.

Material Handling Challenge - After

Design Guidelines

ANATOMY

Do I have a Problem?
Ergonomics Hit List
Observation tool
Identify and resolve
ergonomic issues

The Tools

Ergonomics

Practical Approach
Find It

Fix It

Wash Rag

Tool/Target

The Hands
and Wrists

Total Physical Stress

Stress from Tensile Forces

Stress from Compressive Forces

First Dorsal
Compartment
Extensor
Retinaculum

APL
EPB

Washrag

Hit List

To Reduce Wrist Stress,

KEEP IT STRAIGHT

Hit List

Tool/Target

Effect of Wrist Postures on Grip Strength

The Elbows

Elbows Out

Hit List

Task Design Neutral Postures

Torso - keep back straight
Upper arm - hanging vertical
Forearm - 90 to upper arm
Wrist straight, extension
of the forearm
Hands - palms facing each
other

Bad Vibes

Hit List

The Shoulders
and Neck

Hit List

Shoulder Too High/Shoulder Too Low

Optimal Work Zone

Work Reach Zone + Vision Arcs = The Optimal Work Area

Hit List

Comfort Zone

Hit List

Hungry Head

The Back

 Unstable Structure

Standing vs. Sitting

Lordosis

Kyphosis

 Unstable Structure

Rubber Tires

 Unstable Structure
Rubber Tires

Uneven Forces

Compressive Forces

Tension Forces

Shear Forces

Torsional Forces

Fulcrum - Leverage

Biomechanics of the Back

50 lbs.
(23kg.)

50 lbs.
(23kg.)

20 in.
(50 cm)

20 in.
(50 cm)

F1 X D1 = F2 X D2
F1 X D1 = F2 X D2

F1 x 50cm = 23kg X 50 cm
F1/50 cm = (23kg X 50 cm) / (50cm)
= (1150 kg/cm) / (50cm)
F1

= (23kg)

Fulcrum - Leverage

Biomechanics of the Back

202 lbs.

50 lbs.

(92 kg.)

(23 kg.)

8 in. (20 cm)

32 in. (80 cm)

F1 X D1 = F2 X D2
F1 x 20 cm = 23kg X 80 cm
F1/20 cm = (23kg X 80 cm) / (20cm)
= (1840 kg/cm) / (20cm)
F1

= (92kg)

BioMechanics of the Back Fulcrum - Leverage

Our Back as a Crane

Fulcrum - Leverage

Biomechanics of the Back

Biomechanics of the Back

Fulcrum - Leverage

Fulcrum - Leverage

Biomechanics of the Back

Hit List

Butts Up

Sitting Vs. Standing

 Unstable Structure
Rubber Tires
Uneven Forces
Inefficient Lever

Hit List

Horizontal Distance

 Unstable Structure
Rubber Tires
Uneven Forces
Inefficient Lever
Tight Tolerances

Hit List

Twist and Shout

Hit List

Sit-Stand

Hit List

Dont Give Me Static

QUESTIONS?