Ergonomics

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Ergonomics is the scientific study or the ‘science’ of fitting a worker with the task they need to accomplish, by looking at the environment surrounding the worker and its aspects, and by studying the human abilities and limitations of work. The word “ergonomic” is derived from two Greek words: “ergon”, meaning work and “nomoi” meaning natural laws. Outlining and identifying ergonomic hazards or factors that can affect the ergonomics of the worker, around the worker and their task and job, aims to avoid and reduce the risk of injury to the worker, and increase the performance of the worker by increasing the quality of work the produce and increasing the productivity of the worker without overusing the abilities and limitations of the worker and putting the safety of the worker “on the line”, only for them to increase the quality and productivity of their job. Understanding the relationships between the worker, and their environment and task will help them work efficiently and safely. Typically, ergonomics was the study of fitting the factory worker with their environment safely and efficiently, but now, the study has spread over improving the comfort and efficiency of products for the user, and, can be applied to any type of task that requires your body to work, such as household chores or simple daily routines. Ergonomically designed products aim to increase the safety and comfort of the user, and relieve and reduce the risk of suffering from preventable stresses and strains while using the product, and in exchange, increasing the productivity and efficiency of the user while putting the product to use. Adapting the worker, or user to the task they need to accomplish increases safety, productivity, quality of work, for a safer, comfortable, and even a happier worker.