======================================================================== 84 Date: 26 Oct 94 01:08 EDT From: GHB1@PSUVM.BITNET To: antowner @ ubvm.cc.buffalo.EDU Subject: Sending you "ERGO TXT A1" in this note Review _Ergonomics_for_Beginners_, Ninth Edition (English). DUL, J. and B. WEERDMEESTER Taylor & Francis, Washington, DC 1993 Reviewed by Gregory H. Bondar, The Pennsylvania State University, 409 Carpenter Bld., University Park, PA 16802 GHB1@PSUVM.PSU.EDU Abstract: Dul and Weerdmeester have entirely revised the 1963 Dutch classic on ergonomics. This 1993 English edition is structured to provide a cursory sampling of all areas of ergonomics for the beginner. Because of its substantial technical detail, this work is a handy quick-reference guide for a professional specializing in the discipline. The book's universal accessibility is based on its highly structured 'outline' form, excellent and copious illustrations and figures, and useful summary checklists at the conclusion of each chapter. As a whole, these factors result in a very practical work, the advice of which may be immediately applied to many activities in the home or business. Dul and Weerdmeester's volume on ergonomics is the ninth edition of a work that has undergone many revisions and several translations since it was initially published in Dutch in 1963. Then, it was one of the first entry- level guides in the world to the new field of ergonomics. Now, updated to incorporate the many developments of the past decade, it remains a thorough introductory text and useful reference manual for this important, though often overlooked, subject. The book is structured not only to instruct the uninitiated reader in the basics of ergonomics, but also to remain as a useful reference source. Each suggestion is stated in bold print at the center of the page and is then followed by a brief description. As a result, readers may either quickly familiarize themselves with ergonomics as a whole, or learn more on only their specific area of interest. Readers are further assisted by many illustrations and plots that clarify the advice presented. Each chapter concludes with a very useful summary checklist of the issues covered in that chapter. Thus, quick answers to questions are readily available, while more in depth knowledge, such as optimization curves, are also accessible. Despite its applications as a reference text, _Ergonomics_for_ _Beginners_ is aimed at the lay audience. It achieves this coverage through six chapters. Chapter 1, the "Introduction" (p.1) is just that. It defines, ergonomics, and its social. Chapter 2, covering "Posture and movement" (p.5), begins with an explanation of the biomechanical, physiological, and anthropometric concepts of ergonomics. It then proceeds with descriptions of the fundamental issues of posture and movement. These include day-to-day activities, such as sitting, standing, and lifting. Chapter 3, deals with "Information and operation" (p.43). This material ranges from the topics of information from vision and other senses, to controls, to the relationship between information and operation. Here, important topics such as conveying visual information most efficiently, determining intuitive layouts for controls, and general human/machine interaction issues are examined. Chapter 4 discusses the many "Environmental factors" (p.71) found in the home and the workplace. These include noise, vibration, illumination, climate, and chemical substances. Then the natures of and relationships between "Tasks and jobs" (p.99) is considered in Chapter 5. The object here is to demonstrate the importance of a variety of activities towards working efficiently. Chapter 6 effectively concludes this subject by suggesting an "ergonomic approach" (p.107). This method is intended to assist the reader in the purchase or design of manufacturing systems, support equipment, machines, and other miscellaneous accessories. Thus, it demonstrates he benefits and applications of ergonomics not only for the individual, but for the entire industrial and corporate society. The volume is then closed by Chapter 7 which contains the "Sources and additional information" (p.125). This section is a bibliography efficiently arranged by chapter. In addition, it contains a list of research centers and professional organizations. While not designed to be an anthropological text per se, this book may provide insights into certain areas. Dul and Weerdmeester explain how the human body behaves during such basic and universal activities as lifting or sitting. This biomechanical data may be applied to other cultures, past or present. Such applications may demonstrate why a given task is performed as it is, or why certain products or events result. Thus, anyone concerned with establishing a comfortable and productive personal environment or interested in basic applications of biomechanics should purchase this book.