One of the largest gaps in understanding of how we do work comes from the difference between ergonomics and engineering ergonomics find out more here. What are the differences between the two? The answer, surprisingly, is that they are quite similar. Although there is a great deal of overlap in the areas of these two disciplines, they are fundamentally different areas of study. What are their special features?
Design is concerned with creating a work environment that meets the needs of the individuals doing the job. Human factors and ergonomics are simply the application of physical and human oriented principles to the design and manufacture of particular systems, tasks, and products. In this context, ergonomics applies research on how humans perform work and the various work environment factors that can be modified to increase productivity and reduce injuries and associated costs. For example, knowledge about the physical demands that are placed on workers as they perform their job tasks and the various movements necessary to perform those tasks are important for designing ergonomics in the workplace.
Posture is related to ergonomics in the workplace because good posture is important for healthy and efficient performance. A worker must maintain a good posture throughout his or her shift to be able to perform well and avoid workplace injuries such as shoulder and neck pain, stress-related injuries, and repetitive movement injuries. A good posture also allows the body’s muscles to relax, thus reducing the amount of tension that is induced in joints, tendons, and ligaments. These are all important workplace health concerns that ergonomics works to resolve through its design.
When you think about it, a good posture is a lot like having a posture doctor. Ergonomics recognizes the needs of the human body and how they are related to the design of certain work spaces. An ergonomics researcher or specialist conducts research to determine which human factors make up for certain workplace needs. These factors can include things like the amount of space available, the visibility of surfaces, the visibility of people in the work space, the accessibility of equipment, the presence of communication devices, the availability of tools, and more. The ultimate goal of ergonomics is to create a workplace environment that promotes optimal performance and contributes to employee productivity.
The process of ergonomics involves identifying human factors that contribute to worker fatigue, improper posture, stress-related injuries, repetitive movement, lack of proper lighting and equipment, and more. It is important to use ergonomics in the workplace to eliminate these factors and improve the overall health and safety of employees. In addition to these specific workplace factors, ergonomics also considers the entire body. This includes things like body positioning, posture, and movement, as well as the environment.
Proper ergonomics implementation requires the collaboration of employees, employers, and the physical structure of the workplace. All parties should be committed to making ergonomics important in the workplace. Even something as simple as a keyboard layout can make a big difference in employee productivity. By following the basic ergonomics principles, you can significantly reduce workplace injuries and boost worker productivity and satisfaction.