Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
What is Ergonomics?
The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words: ergo meaning, work, and nomos meaning, study of. Ergonomics is the study of design factors, most commonly in the workplace, in order to maximize user comfort and productivity. Most simply, ergonomics tries to improve the match between a worker and his job by taking into account physical and psychological factors. There are two main branches of practice in ergonomics. The first is often referred to as industrial ergonomics. This branch deals with physical aspects, such as equipment and posture. The second branch deals with the human factor, things such as stress and decision-making.
What are the Goals and Benefits of Ergonomics?
Many benefits result from the study and implementation of ergonomics in the workplace. Often, employers are required by government regulations to use ergonomics, but the value goes beyond mere compliance. Using the wrong tools for any job can have many adverse effects; the chance for injury is greater, the user is often frustrated and dissatisfied with his work. This can lead to larger-scale problems caused by absenteeism, accidents, and other undesirable occurrences. The consequences of poor ergonomic planning can range from ailments such as back pain, to repetitive strain disorders. This could translate to missed work or even disability.
There are several goals ergonomic study aims for:
A reduction in occupational illness and injury
Less money spent on workers compensation claims
Improved productivity and work quality
A reduction of absenteeism
These goals can be reached by several methods:
Evaluating and controlling risks in the workplace
Identifying and quantifying current risk conditions
Recommendation of controls, both engineering and administrative, to correct the identified risks
Educating management and workers about potential and existing risks
Who Can Help?
Ergonomists are professionals who help others implement the principles of ergonomics. By studying a group of people, ergonomists can recommend the best products and services. Several factors must be studied fro any one group. This would include physical factors, such as height, weight, and age, as well as more psychological factors, such as work habits and stress. A careful ergonomist needs to take into account all of the extremes in any given group. Are there children as well as adults? Are there any members with disabilities? By using the information he gathers, an ergonomist can suggest appropriate services and products as well as evaluate existing ones. Many universities in the United States are now teaching courses in ergonomics. A serious ergonomist should gain certification from the Broad of Certified Professional Ergonomists.
Are There Any Workplace Standards?
Several organizations already write guidelines and standards both at the national and international level. The main groups responsible in the Untied States are Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The guidelines are often task and industry specific. Even if there are no existing standards for a particular industry, an employer is expected to provide a safe environment for employees, including ergonomic concerns. Since ergonomics ultimately benefit a company by increasing productivity and lowering injuries, an employer also profits by providing an ergonomically sound environment.
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