IOP2603 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2026 - DUE 31 August 2026

IOP2603 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2026 - DUE 31 August 2026; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations. For assistance, Whats-App 0.8.1..2.7.8..3.3.7.2... An ergonomics checklist is a structured, logically ordered guideline for evaluating a workstation or any other human-technology system. A checklist covers all the areas that are, or could be, important and ensures that nothing is skipped. The result of an ergonomics evaluation using a checklist is a written document that can be used to improve an existing workstation or human-technology system. An ergonomics checklist may be compared to, for example, the checklist that an airline pilot completes before taking off to ensure that every control has been inspected and that nothing has been overlooked. Checklists have two primary uses: they serve, firstly, as a memory aid and, secondly, as a tool for systematic data collection (Helander, 2006). You should be aware of the cost-benefit ratio of suggested improvements and always remember that a checklist is only a superficial technique to identify problems. Other methods or techniques can be used for more detailed investigations. These methods or techniques include performance measures, stress measurement, psychophysiological methods (GSR), questionnaires, accident analyses, body rhythms and shift work design, error analyses, human-computer interactions, cognitive-abilities testing, illumination measurement, cognitive systems design, and information visualization (Helander (2006, p. 38) based on Stanton NA, Hedge A, Brookhuis K, Salas E & Hendrick HW (2004). Handbook of humanfactors and ergonomics methods. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Also, remember Barnetson and Foster's (2016) contribution to the previous study unit. Activity (1) Complete the checklist below to evaluate your workstation. If you do not have a workstation, use your study area. You could even assess someone else's workstation. Use the space provided in the checklist to make a simple sketch or drawing of the workstation (you could also insert a photo taken with your phone) showing the various elements of the workstation. (2) Compare the information you collected using the checklist (Column A) with the ideal specifications (Column B) discussed in the previous study units. You must also refer to the applicable data and recommendations in this study guide or the literature. (3) In column C, indicate the deviation between columns A and B. Suggest ways to improve the design and layout of your workstation (Column D). Use the space provided in the second part of the checklist to record additional suggestions for improvement. -2- Task Complete the checklists provided below. You can evaluate your study area as the workstation. The knowledge you have gained by working through all the study units and completing the other assignments will help you to complete this checklist without much trouble. Completing this checklist will have the following advantages: • By applying ergonomic principles to a familiar environment, you can master these principles. • By analysing your study area, you may discover its shortcomings or weaknesses and be able to make practical improvements that could benefit your study performance. The purpose of this checklist is to sensitize you to the different aspects of your environment that could influence your performance and that you may have been unaware of. The first step is to provide background information on the cover page. Then, make a simple sketch showing the various elements of the workstation in the space provided in the checklist. The next step is to identify the ideal specifications (Column B) and, if possible, change your study area to correspond better to this ideal. You can fill in column C by comparing columns A and B. The following guidelines should enable you to write down the ideal specifications on the ergonomics checklist. You must look up the specific sections in the study guide and the literature and then complete the ideal specifications column. You would then complete the checklist as follows: Column A Column B Column C Column D Dimensions and comments Ideal specifications Deviation between columns A & B Suggested improvements DESK The measurements and comments relating to your study area should be written here. 730 mm 900 mm x 1 200 mm Oak- coloured Rounded Matt finish to prevent glare • Height • Size • Colour • Edges (round or sharp) • Surface reflection You must identify the relevant sections in the study guide and the literature dealing with the ideal specifications. Write them down in the column "Ideal specifications". -3- IOP2603/1 ERGONOMICS CHECKLIST: WORKSTATION ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION OF WORKPLACE AREA INVESTIGATED: EQUIPMENT USED IN PERFORMING YOUR CHOSEN TASK: JOB DESCRIPTION: -4- ERGONOMIC CHECKLIST: Study area or workstation Column A Column B Column C Column D ELEMENTS Dimensions and comments Ideal specifications Deviation between columns A & B Suggested improvements DESK • Height • Size • Colour • Edges (round or sharp) • Surface reflection CHAIR • Seat: Height or adjustable • Backrest: distance or adjustable • Backrest, angle adjustable • Five-star base • Castors • 360-degree swivel • General stability • Absorbent upholstery -5- IOP2603/1 KEYBOARD • Height • Angle • Adjustability COMPUTER SCREEN • Height • Angle • Adjustability • Colour • Screen legibility • Orientation with respect to – Windows – Light sources – Character definition • Dust PHYSICAL LAYOUT • Storage space • Privacy • Movement space/ passage • Proximity to co- workers WORK PROCEDURE • Hours of work • Periods at computer • Periods reading physical documents etc ACCESSORIES • Footrests • Document holders • Desk lamps ILLUMINATION • Glare sources • Reflections NOISE • Noise levels • Outside-noise sources • Open-plan office OTHER: * * * * * -6- COMMENTS AND SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS: CONCLUSION Remember that a checklist can be adapted to evaluate any other human-technology system. The applicable ergonomic principles should be considered when buying tools, equipment, furniture, computers, and other items. If equipment or tools are bought without considering the needs, capabilities, and limitations of the end-user population, the user must adapt to the machine instead of the machine being adapted according to the needs of the user. If a company offers products, facilities, and equipment to its employees, consideration should be given to the ergonomics of the product with reference to the demands, expectations, abilities, and limitations of the expected user population. Products or equipment designed with due consideration of ergonomics will be more user-friendly.