An ergonomist designs comfortable and efficient tools, equipment, and furniture for offices and factories, considering human anatomy and worker safety. They work for research and development divisions of factories or private consultancies, and some offer their services on a freelance basis. They work with engineers to design products that maximize comfort and safety, and they identify potential hazards to improve productivity and safety. Ergonomists usually obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and can pursue voluntary certification.
An ergonomist is an occupational health specialist who specializes in designing comfortable and efficient tools, equipment and furniture for offices and factories. A professional considers human anatomy and worker safety to create items that minimize physical strain. Most ergonomists work for research and development divisions of factories or private consultancies, although some qualified professionals with business experience offer their services on a freelance basis.
Companies that manufacture office equipment and furniture work with ergonomists to research and develop products that maximize comfort and safety. An ergonomist usually works alongside a team of engineers to design computers, office supplies, tables, chairs, machinery and industrial equipment. He or she can conduct research to discover the most common health complaints when using a certain type of equipment and create products that minimize the risk of injury. For example, an ergonomist might design an office chair with better arm and back support to improve posture and remove strain from the lower back and shoulders.
Many business owners consult ergonomists to visit their buildings and offer advice on how to improve productivity and safety. A consulting ergonomist identifies potential hazards such as poor lighting, dirty equipment and outdated technology. He or she might suggest installing extra light fixtures to alleviate eye strain, purchasing more comfortable tables and chairs, or refurbishing dangerous equipment. A professional also looks for ways to improve efficiency on assembly lines by redesigning tools and scheduling regular employee breaks.
Ergonomists who have established themselves in the consulting or manufacturing businesses often choose to start their own companies, where they hire staff, advertise their services and maintain business records. Freelance ergonomists usually specialize in providing occupational health and safety training to employees. They may suggest that business owners invest in new products and provide resources for obtaining them, such as manufacturer names or mail-order catalogs.
An individual who wants to become an ergonomist should generally obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, although many people choose to pursue a master’s degree in ergonomics or industrial hygiene. Most new workers learn specific skills by watching and helping experienced professionals. Typically, it is not necessary for ergonomists to be licensed or certified, although pursuing voluntary certification can be helpful in finding jobs and building a strong reputation with clients. In the United States, individuals can take written certification exams administered by the Professional Ergonomics Certification Board (BCPE). Most other countries have BCPE-like organizations that provide credentials for new ergonomists.
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