Ergonomics

This science is applied to the design of objects, tools and workstations, in order to adjust them to the various characteristics that human beings have as a common.

Although the term is used in various areas of design and engineering, it was originally created for the workplace. And it is that, since ancient times, humans have adapted the tools they use to their needs and characteristics (especially physical), in order to improve work.

Ergonomics goals

The main objective of this science is to create work spaces (and their resources) adapted to the intellectual and physical capacities of people, in order to benefit their integral health, their job growth and improve the development of activities in companies.

Normally, it is the employees who must adapt to the working conditions that companies offer them. Many manufacturers created tools or machines thinking only of the result (higher production), not caring if it would be tedious to operate or maintain them.

However, many companies today seek that their machinery, tools and other objects are conditioned so that a human uses them with ease, and thus enhance their productivity . It is there where ergonomics plays a fundamental role.

But, not everything is machinery and tools. Also the norms and rules of coexistence play for or against harmony and productivity at work. Ergonomics uses techniques based on psychology and other sciences to improve these issues, based on human needs, and at the same time, on labor productivity.

What are you doing?

We can summarize some of the important tasks that ergonomics has to improve the performance of employees within any type of company.

• Identify, analyze and reduce the risks in the job, from the ergonomic and social point of view.
• Create a workstation adapted to the operator in question.
• Help greatly in socio-organizational matters so that the health and integrity of employees are protected.
• Ensure that the new technologies introduced in companies are the correct ones for the capacities and aptitudes of the workers.
• Create a guide that will be used to evaluate future purchases of various tools and materials, all from an ergonomic point of view.
• Increase motivation and satisfaction of workers.

Ergonomics examples

• Improve workloads.
• Review and establish better schedules for the employee.
• Create break schedules.
• Ensure that employees and employers comply with the safety standard.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of employee needs.
• Renew the work material and furniture to make it more comfortable.