The term ‘ergonomic’ is used a lot these days (and in some cases, over used) but what does it actually mean? The word comes from the Greek ergos which means ‘work’ and nomos which means ‘natural law’ and it is the science of human work. To put it more simply it is the use of science to improve the ‘fit’ between people and their work. Other terms are used for this including ‘Human Factors’ but that does not explain it any better

Ergonomics improves the ‘fit’ between people and their work.

To achieve this, ergonomists make the person the priority and adjust the workplace to fit the user rather than adjusting the user to fit the workplace! To assess the ‘fit’ they have to take into account characteristics of the person and of the work and the interaction between them. These include the tasks being done, the equipment and information being used and the physical and social environment; the body size of the worker, his/her strength, posture and senses and also some psychological aspects.

And the purpose of all of this is not just to make the worker more comfortable although that does play a part. Ergonomic interventions in the workplace reduce accidents and injuries, reduce absenteeism and improve productivity. Isn’t that what we all want?