12th Grade Ergonomics In Irish Workplaces Lesson Plan (Ergonomics)

Topic: Ergonomics in Irish Workplaces

Objectives & Outcomes

• To understand the role of ergonomics in workplace safety.
• To be able to assess the ergonomic aspects of a workplace and make recommendations for improvement.

Materials

• Pictures of various types of workstations / VDUs / DSEs /furniture (e.g. standard office desk, computer workstation, office chair, printer)
• Handouts with information on ergonomics and workstation safety
• Calculator or spreadsheet for calculations and analysis

Warm-up

• Have students take a quick survey of their own workstation. Ask them to answer the following questions:
• 1. How long do you spend at your workstation each day?
• 2. How comfortable is your workstation?
• 3. Does your workstation meet ergonomic standards?
• 4. Is there anything about your workstation that could be improved for ergonomic purposes?
• Have students share their responses with the class and discuss any common themes or issues.
• Now show the class some pictures of different types of workstations, VDUs, DSEs, furniture and ask them to assess the ergonomic aspects of each one.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of ergonomics and its importance in the workplace.
• Discuss the various factors that contribute to ergonomic considerations, including:
• 1. Body size and shape
• 2. Work tasks and activities
• 3. Environmental factors
• 4. Workstation design
• 5. Equipment and tools
• 6. Work habits and behaviors
• Use examples and real-life scenarios to illustrate each factor.
• Provide the class with a handout summarizing the key points.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific work scenario.
• Have the groups work together to identify the key ergonomic considerations for the scenario they have been assigned.
• Have each group present their findings to the class, discussing their analysis and reasoning behind their choices.
• As a follow-up, have the class discuss any differences or similarities in their group's ergonomic considerations. What factors did they agree on? What factors did they disagree on? Why?
• Use this opportunity to reinforce the concepts of ergonomics and the importance of considering ergonomic factors in the workplace.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one specific ergonomic factor that is present in their current or future work environment.
• Have them research the basics of this ergonomic factor, including its origins and potential benefits.
• Have them create a short presentation on the ergonomic factor they have chosen, including its benefits and potential drawbacks.
• Have students present their findings to the class.

Closure

• Review the main points of the lesson, including the definitions of ergonomic factors, the origins and potential benefits of these factors, and the potential drawbacks.
• Ask students to reflect on their independent practice and share their thoughts on ergonomics in the workplace.

Assessment:

• Use the presentations and discussions during the lesson to assess student understanding of ergonomic factors and their impact on worker health.
• Use the exit slips as a quick formative assessment to check for understanding.