Application of Ergonomic Principles on Metal Work Design For Global Utilization in Technical College Classrooms in Rivers State

The study investigated the impact of ergonomics to design metal desk for global utilization in technical college classrooms in Rivers State. The research questions and three hypotheses was formulated to guide the study. The population consisted of 105 respondents, consisted of 36 technical teachers drawn from four (4) technical colleges in Rivers State and sixty nine (69) metal work technicians drawn from the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Port Harcourt. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while z –test analysis were used to test the hypotheses. Cronbach Alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument which yielded 0.93. Five Point Rating Scale was used on the questionnaire. It was found among others increased productivity, reduced error in writing and drawing as benefits associated in the application of ergonomics, mechanical operation, surface finishing, operating cost of products as factors to be considered in designing metal desk. It was recommended that ergonomics should always consider ergonomics or human factors when designing object used by man or students, and government should always consider contractors with necessary design educational qualification for the award of contract of metal desk expected to be used on the technical college classrooms in Rivers State