Ergonomics is the science of designing work environments to improve safety and productivity. It includes physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. Governments have established laws to ensure ergonomic workplaces, and more ergonomically correct machinery and furniture are available.
Ergonomics is the science of how people interact with their work environments. Specialists in this field often make recommendations aimed at improving safety and productivity in workplaces, ranging from the deck of a nuclear submarine to a secretarial desk in a skyscraper. Concern for workplace safety has led some nations to use government agencies such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in the United States to establish and enforce laws related to ergonomic workplaces.
The word “ergonomics” literally means “the laws of work”. This field began to arise during World War II when several governments began to realize that workplace design had a huge impact on safety and productivity. Making small changes like altering the lights used in instrument displays in aircraft could make a big difference, and when the war ended, more research into ergonomics began. By the 1980s, ergonomics was a very large field, and ergonomics recommendations had begun to spread to the general public.
When people think of this science, they often think of physical ergonomics, which involves designing workplaces that physically support people. A classic example of physical ergonomics is the layout of a workstation. Ideally, a workstation should allow someone to sit in a correct position and access equipment easily and safely, without creating strain. Physical ergonomics concerns also extend to things like equipment design, room layout, and lighting layout. In all cases, it is designed to create a workplace where people are physically fit and comfortable.
More and more ergonomically correct machinery and furniture is available, with many concerns focusing on people who have computers. Computers are not very ergonomic, keyboards in particular are a big problem and many people who work heavily on computers get repetitive stress injuries as part of their job. Reducing disability, discomfort and pain as a result of such injuries is important in many workplaces.
However, ergonomics also occurs on a cognitive level. Displays designed with cognitive ergonomics in mind are easier to read, understand and use, for example. The stop sign is a great example: it’s bold, it stands out from its surroundings to make it easy to see, and it’s also easy to process and understand. As anyone who has ever dealt with confusing UI knows, taking into account how the human brain works when designing things can make a significant difference.
The study of ergonomic principles also includes organizational ergonomics, the structure of organizations. A well organized organization promotes innovation, efficiency and satisfaction within the organization while a poorly organized organization will struggle. Some companies hire consultants to assess how they are organized and make suggestions for improvement.
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