This fact sheet answers the following questions with the workplace in mind: What is ergonomics? When is ergonomics necessary or useful? How do you get appropriate ergonomic advice?

What is ergonomics?

The word ergonomics is derived from Ancient Greek and means ‘rules or study of work’. In America the term human factors is often used instead of ergonomics. The term human factors identified the method and main area of interest for ergonomists.

Occupational ergonomists design or modify the workplace and the work organisation to match the worker. They try to achieve the best fit between the worker and their environment.

This work environment consists of both the immediate physical and social environment and the larger organisation environment. The immediate environment includes such aspects as the type of equipment or accommodation provided and local level interaction with fellow workers and supervisors. The larger environment includes matters related to work organisation, such as the level at which decisions can be made and the amount of control workers have over their own work and work flow.

Scope of ergonomics

The human factors which ergonomists take into account are wide ranging and include:

• How people communicate with one another and how they work in groups;
• The biological and physical characteristics of humans;
• Individual differences through age, fitness, sex or disability; and
• How people see, hear, understand and take notice.

Because of the variety of these factors, people from many different backgrounds may be involved in ergonomic research and practice. Ergonomists can be physiologists, psychologists, engineers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, sociologists, medical doctors, or experts in personnel and industrial relations matters.

Ergonomics is a science that combines the knowledge and research methods of people who know about the abilities of humans with those who know about designing tools, equipment and work organisation. For example, a physiotherapist and psychologist may work together with engineers to design a ‘user friendly’ instrument display and control panel for an aircraft, or a large container ship.

In fact for most large projects it is preferable to have a team working together since one person rarely has all the skills required.

Most importantly, those at whom the design is aimed should be consulted about their work and how they do it.

Adjustability

Ergonomics is a new science that many argue only became necessary when mass production became possible. In the days when workers crafted their own tools they made them to suit themselves. Now that tools and equipment are mass-produced they must be made adjustable if they are to accommodate individual differences between workers.

Most people are familiar with the idea of making furniture and other equipment easily adjustable so that a range of people can use them in comfort. This is often how people have first heard about ergonomics. This idea of adjustability also extends to such things as:

• Working hours eg. flexible working hours; and
• Design of packaging eg. making the size of packages smaller so those loads can be varied to suit people of different strengths.

Adjustability is also a part of ergonomic design in areas not usually regarded as work related, such as car seating, domestic kitchens and workbenches, sporting and hobby equipment.

When do you need Ergonomics?

Ergonomics can be applied in a variety of ways and at different stages of design. Ideally ergonomic principles should be used at the ‘drawing board’ stage.

The user’s characteristics and needs should be a primary consideration when you are planning a new product or considering new work routines. An Ergonomist will take into consideration the physiological and perceptual abilities of the users when advising on design for a new piece of equipment or furniture and he or she will consider the social and biological characteristics of the worker when making recommendations about work routines.

A good ergonomic design should improve productivity and decrease injuries, sick leave and staff turnover. An ergonomically designed product that suits a range of users is more attractive to buyers in today’s market.

Incorporating ergonomic principles into the design phase of any project can reduce long-term costs and problems arising from poorly designed workplaces and machinery.

Once the design stage has passed, you may also need to consult an Ergonomist for remedial work if, for example, one of the following happens:

• The quality and quantity of output is lower than expected;
• There is high absenteeism;
• Equipment is not being used or being used incorrectly;
• Accidents are occurring; and
• Complaints are made about conditions or equipment.

Choosing Ergonomic Equipment

Equipment can sometimes be described as ergonomic without a proper basis in research and design. Ask what features make the equipment ergonomic, what research went into establishing the ergonomic design and where the equipment has been tested.

You may also like to ask the advice of a reputable Ergonomist and/or current users of the equipment before making a decision to purchase.

Choosing an Ergonomist

Since Ergonomists can come from a broad range of backgrounds, it is important to choose a person with the knowledge and skills relevant to your particular problem or query.

When deciding on the right Ergonomist, it is critical to clearly understand your own needs. For example, if the problem is musculo-skeletal pain, someone with a work organisation, design or physiotherapy background may be chosen. Lighting and colour problems should be assessed and rectified by someone with expertise in that area, such as an Ergonomist with basic training as a lighting engineer, a psychologist or an occupational hygienist.

Sometimes Ergonomists with different backgrounds will work as a team to solve a problem or produce a good design.

It is important to check that an Ergonomist has the appropriate training and experience to carry out the task required to him or her. Ask about previous ergonomic work and about qualifications and training.

OHS Hazard Information Courtesy of
VTHC OHS Training Unit