Ergonomics
{{Not to be confused with the song of the
same name by Kajagoogoo}}
Ergonomics is the science of designing the
job, equipment, and workplace to fit the
worker. Proper ergonomic design is neces-
sary to prevent repetitive strain injuries,
which can develop over time and can lead to
long-term disability.[1]
Ergonomic research is performed by those
who study human capabilities in relationship
to their work demands. Information derived
from these studies contributes to the design
and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, envir-
onments and systems in order to make them
compatible with the needs, abilities and limit-
ations of people.[2]
Overview
Ergonomics
is concerned with the ‘fit’
between people and their work. It takes ac-
count of
the worker’s capabilities and
limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks,
equipment, information and the environment
suit each worker.
To assess the fit between a person and
their work, ergonomists consider the job be-
ing done and the demands on the worker; the
equipment used (its size, shape, and how ap-
propriate it is for the task), and the informa-
tion used (how it is presented, accessed, and
changed). Ergonomics draws on many discip-
lines in its study of humans and their envir-
onments, including anthropometry, biomech-
anics, mechanical engineering, industrial en-
gineering,
industrial design, kinesiology,
physiology and psychology.
Typically, an ergonomist will have a BA or
BS
in Psychology,
Industrial/Mechanical
Engineering or Health Sciences, and usually
an MA, MS or PhD in a related discipline.
Many universities offer Master of Science de-
grees
in Ergonomics, while some offer
Master of Ergonomics or Master of Human
Factors degrees. In the 2000s, occupational
therapists have been moving into the field of
ergonomics and the field has been heralded
as one of the top ten emerging practice
areas.[3]
Five aspects of ergonomics
There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety,
comfort, ease of use, productivity/perform-
ance, and aesthetics. Based on these aspects
of ergo