Ergonomics

What is ergonomics:
• Ergonomics is a science that looks at how people actually fit with
their work.
• It recognizes that everyone is different.
• Managers often take ergonomics into account when considering
the tasks employees have to carry out, the equipment they use and
the general environment they work in.

What things are looked at by ergonomists:

• The actual job being done
• The demands on the employee
• The equipment’s size, shape and weight
• Whether the equipment is ideal for the job
• The physical environment e.g. temp, lighting,
noise
• The social environment e.g. whether
management and teamwork is supportive.

Ergonomics also takes individuals into account

and considers:

• Their body size and shape

• Fitness and strength
• Posture
• Senses
• Stress and strains on the body

Using ergonomics in a work ENVIRONMENT CAN

LEAD TO:

• A REDUCTION IN THE NUMER OF

ACCIDENTS
• A reduction in injury and illnesses
• Greater productivity and performance
Ergonomics help to make sure:

• Desktops are far enough off the floor for people

to fit their legs under them

Sorting out the use of the computer screen:

• The screen has to be correctly positioned so that

the screen is not too high or too close or too far
away
• The screen has to be set off to the side of the
user
• The chair is properly adjusted for the user
•