Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Investigation into the Applications of Ergonomic Principles in the Design of School Furniture in Nigeria
by Ashiedu, Festus and Amiebenomo, Sabastian O.

Abstract:
Available records in our local, state and national hospitals revealed that school children and adults suffer back pain disorders and rheumatic pains. This epidiomological conditions suffered arose from improper postures in their study and skill acquisition centres for a prolonged period. This trend has taking a lot of funds from government and public spirited individuals. Apart from the huge sum involved in rehabilitation and the trauma caused, this syndrome if not checked on time, may lead to permanent disabilities among school children. This study seeks to investigate the practice and applications of ergonomic principles among furniture makers in the design and development of carpentry products for school 9children between 4 and 18 years in Benin City. This investigation is aimed at creating the much desired awareness in the use of ergonomic principles in products design among designers, builders, policy makers and professional bodies in Nigeria. The products considered includes, the sleeping bed, the basic table, the basic chair and the office desk. Primary data were obtained from primary schools, secondary schools, university lecture halls and public buildings in Benin City, Nigeria. The dimensions were compared with the standard ergonomic dimensions using the Kruskal-Wallis statistic test. The result showed that at 5% level of confidence, there exist a significant difference between the standard ergonomic dimensions and the furniture dimensions recorded for the study.

Keywords: ergonomics, furniture, back pains, kruskal-wallis: miss-match

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