Ergonomics is about designing for people and fitting workplace environments to the person’s needs. It looks at the connection between human activity and related components such as tasks, tools, methods, work environment, etc. The science of ergonomics aims to develop systems that allow people to work in optimal efficiency, safety, and comfort, and improve workspaces and environments to minimize the risk of injury or harm. Ergonomics is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
How does applying the principles of ergonomics help reduce musculoskeletal injury in the workplace?
Fitting a job to a person helps lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity, and reduces work-related musculoskeletal disorders. People in many different industries and occupations can be exposed to risk factors such as pushing and pulling heavy loads, sitting for hours, lifting heavy items, working in awkward body postures, and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Exposure to such risk factors increases the risk of injury.
There are three types of ergonomics: physical, cognitive, and organizational.
Physical ergonomics deals with solutions to make a person’s work environment more comfortable. Common examples are using an adjustable chair, setting your desk to the correct height and angle, and using wrist supports and footrests.
Cognitive ergonomics is the method of understanding how humans interact with tasks, and designing and arranging jobs, tasks, and workplace environments in the best way to improve productivity, safety, and health at work.
Organizational ergonomics focuses on organizational structures, policies, and processes to optimize safety and efficiency across the entire organization.
MSK-0065 RevA